Franchise Articles

The publishing industry is one of the largest in the world, raking in an astounding $444bil across the globe in 2007. Of course, the average work from home entrepreneur is likely to wonder what such a massive industry has to do with him, because nearly all the world’s publishers are huge firms producing books and magazines by the truckload, or so everyone thinks.
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Between diet and lifestyle changes in the last 50 years, America has become a very unhealthy and overweight place. When people and public services address this subject, they generally mention that roughly one-third of Americans are obese, and that obesity is one of the deadliest killers in the United States. What they sometimes fail to mention is that an estimated 16% of children are obese, some 70% of those kids will grow up and remain obese and one in 15 children are so bad-off today that they need medical intervention such as gastric bypass to recover from their condition.
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It seems that people tend to fall into one of two categories: they are either organized or they aren’t. Interestingly, this difference between people can tell a lot about what kind of business opportunities they might be best suited to pursue. For those who are naturally inclined to a high degree of order, organization, and cleanliness, a storage franchise is likely to be a great way to go, and below are a list of some of the best choices within that category.
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By nature, most businessmen are highly motivated people, ready to take on anything standing between them and whatever variety of success they’re in pursuit of. Not all businessmen, though, are ready and willing to take on the broader challenge of purchasing a master franchise license and tackling the much larger-scale difficulties of operating a business that sells and oversees other businesses. Master franchisees aren’t any kind of superior businessmen, but they are wired a little differently, naturally able to govern the operations of others instead of doing the ground-level operations themselves. If you’re one of these special few and are interested in master franchises, below are 10 of the best business opportunities for you.
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Like any big step in life, taking advantage of a franchise opportunity can be a daunting thought, and part of what is so challenging about it is the inevitable price tag that comes with it. The average car in America costs roughly $28,000, and the average home runs at about $212,000, but starting a business, even a franchise, can sometimes reach prices of $1mil or more, and that is enough to startle even the most intrepid entrepreneur, but it doesn’t necessarily have to. In truth, only the highest echelons of franchise business reach prices that high, and many actually stay in a range closer to that of the average American car. If you’re just starting out or don’t currently have the financial strength to take on a multi-million-dollar business, the following are excellent low-cost alternatives.
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Established in 1989, Rainbow Station is the brainchild of pediatric registered nurse, Gail Johnson. 5 months after opening, the facility had 100 CHILDREN enrolled; at the end of the following ye
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Though summer may be at an end, there’s no rule that says that recreational fun has to come to a close along with it. Regardless of season, sports and recreation are an undeniable part of life and a profitable business opportunity for wise business owners and investors. Whether you’re ready to start a fun indoor franchise business today or looking for the chance to start an outdoor sports franchise next spring, here are 10 great sports and recreation franchises that are ready for the right active entrepreneur.
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"Independence." That is what 1-800-WATER-DAMAGE franchise developer, Rich Rye, says is the best part of owning your own franchise business: "independence, being in control of your destiny, time, and financial freedom." Very candidly, he says that "there is a lot of work to be done, to run a business," but the benefit is that "as a franchise owner, you are working for your future and not that of the company you work for." Of course, such a statement is fairly universal to franchises and not specific to 1-800-WATER-DAMAGE, so you may be wondering exactly what sets this franchise apart.
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Only a decade or two ago, a buffalo wing sounded like a rather odd and anatomically incorrect piece of meat, but those days are long past. Now, the buffalo wing/hot wing is one of the most popular food items in America, spreading across the nation at breakneck speed as more and more people find how much they enjoy eating chicken wings and legs doused in a variety of mouth-scorching sauces. This New York treat has become so popular that entrepreneurs from all corners of the nation are opening franchises that seem to do exceptionally well. If taking a bite of this hot market sounds like just the ticket to your personal business success, take a look at the following list of hot wing business opportunities.
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When you choose to pursue your own franchise business, there are many decisions to be made. One of the most essential of those decisions is what kind of franchise you want to invest yourself in. Even if you’ve staunchly decided that a franchise in the computer industry is the right choice for you, the matter of selecting the right specific business may still remain difficult, because there are such vast differences even between businesses in the same market. To help you make your choice among the plethora of computer business options available, here are 5 questions that will narrow down exactly what you want in a business.
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What would you say if someone offered you the opportunity to run a business that had no stock, no storefront, a constant supply of labor, and a prearranged system for finding you a steady stream of clients? If you’re like most other entrepreneurs, you would laugh and then ask what business it is and where to sign; the answer is a franchise business with College Hunks Hauling Junk.
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In the grand scheme of things, there aren’t many franchise businesses that can say they’re part of a $148bil industry, and even fewer can say that they are at the helm of such a massive market. But such business opportunities do exist, and they exist right under our noses. Drive far enough on virtually any American street and you’re likely to find one, and whether it’s KFC or Carl’s Jr., fast food is one of the most widespread and profitable businesses in the United States, if not the whole world. The seemingly perfect combination of convenience and taste send people to the drive-through at all times of the day, and no industry known to man is marketed better than these taste bud titans.
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If you’re looking at the possibility of starting your own low investment franchise, chances are good that you’ve heard some information about low cost franchises that may not be entirely accurate. Whether those tales were told to you by someone else or you managed to conjure them up on your own, it’s important to bring them to light and know what the truth is. Here are 6 common myths about cheap franchises that you simply shouldn’t believe.
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The last decade has seen record numbers of women diving head first into franchise ownership. Between 1995 and 2005, the percentage of female-owned franchises jumped from 8.5% to 25%, and it is still steadily increasing. Women now make up one of the single largest demographics of franchise buyers, which is something that franchisors and franchise brokers have become very aware of. They are so aware of it, in fact, that they often make it a point to create specialized lists of franchise opportunities specifically designed for female entrepreneurs. Among those women’s franchises there are many great options, but the following 8 franchises are some of the best.
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It may have been only a little over a decade ago that the first smoothie shop was introduced to the neighborhood I grew up in. Everyone in town flocked to the building to get smoothies on a regular basis, especially the kids in town. The shop provided us with cold, sweet drinks that made the hot summer days seem so much easier to tolerate, and we went back for more, day in and day out.
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There is a saying that "there’s a kernel of truth in every lie" and when it comes to the business world, often times fallacies can arise and discourage an eager entrepreneur, when at their core, there is very little truth behind them. These false beliefs limit the business opportunities of otherwise fully capable businesspeople by turning them away from franchises that, realistically, are perfect matches for their personalities and would provide for their needs excellently. Here are some of the more popular myths about the pet industry and how to avoid the potential problems.
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One of the things that bother people most in life is that they can sometimes feel geographically trapped by their job. Having always worked in the same place and knowing nothing outside their hometown, they feel as though the availability to travel the world is lost to them, because getting up and going would be the end of a career which they have worked 20 years to build. That, however, is more an ill-informed misconception than an actual fact of life; getting up and moving to France is very much in the realm of possibility for someone with the drive to succeed and a bit of adventurism. Though established businesses are fairly stationary, international franchises are travel-ready, capable of going almost anywhere on the globe, so if you’ve always dreamed of owning a pretzel shop in Germany, don’t give up hope, because your opportunity may be right around the corner.
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Choosing the right home based business can often be rather tricky. It involves a lot of factors ranging from your prior business experience to your current financial position; even where you live. It is that last concern (where you live) that can often be forgotten as you browse the listings of franchise options. Even though everyone knows that location has a huge impact on how a business runs, not everyone considers that instead of choosing a location based on the business, it is just as possible to choose a business based on your location. If you happily live in the suburbs of America and would like to run your business right where you live, here are a few great business opportunities that are perfect for the suburbanite.
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A lot of fancy words get thrown around whenever people talk about franchise businesses, and for even a seasoned businessperson, unfamiliar with exactly what every term means, things can get a little fuzzy. The term home based business could very well be one of those terms. Of course, it doesn’t take a great deal of thought to figure out what the words literally mean, but knowing exactly what the features and strengths of a home based business are is necessary to fully understanding the words, because there are many differences between a home based operation and the average franchise with a storefront and employees that a person might think of.
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Though you may not expect it, the personnel and staffing industry is an ever-growing market in the US economy; currently, reports claim that staffing has become an $87bil industry. There is a very real need for jobs in our country, and when there is a need for employment, there is also a need for professionals who can connect people with those jobs, and that is precisely why the staffing industry is booming. If helping skilled Americans find the right business opportunities for their training and talents sounds like a worthwhile endeavor, here are 8 great staffing franchises that can get you there.
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Though businesses sometimes like to restrict themselves to certain geographic boundaries, the entrepreneurial spirit knows no borders. With the right kind of self-starting, hard-driven business owners living on both sides of the US/Canada border, there is no reason to neglect the franchise needs of either group. As such, here are some of the best possible business opportunities which are mostly US based, but are available to the business-savvy Canadian entrepreneur.
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People have a tendency to draw a stark line between who they are in their personal lives and who they are in business. While many businesses operate this way to create a high level of professionalism at the work place, some businesses function better when the atmosphere is more casual and relaxed, and it can often be very lucrative to choose a job that utilizes your natural personality and passions. One great example is the party industry. The person who is instinctively able to see the big picture for an event, organize people, and throw an exceptional party is not at all restricted to only doing so for friends and family; their services are in high demand in the marketplace, and not just in the specific business of party planning. There are a few different avenues with plenty of business opportunities for someone who loves having a good time and ensuring that other people have a good time too.
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With the recent slump in the economy, many entrepreneurs are weighing their options very carefully before jumping into a new investment or business opportunity, yet the fact that many are choosing to wait to see what happens to the economy could give the prospective business owner a jump on the competition and the kick-start needed to overcome the struggling economy. One such industry with great potential is hotel and motel franchises. These high capital franchises take quite a bit more to get going than the average small business but the payoff can be exponentially higher and if you follow some of the following tips, you’ll be on your way to starting your new hotel or motel franchise in no time.
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In recent years, America has become increasingly aware of what is now one of our biggest national health risks: obesity. There are no two ways around the fact that, as a country, we’re fat. Some reports claim that as much as one-third of adults in the United States are not just plump, but obese (meaning roughly 50lbs or more overweight). Perhaps it’s a problem that has been a part of our society for some time, but the sudden awareness of it and all the health problems associated with it has brought along an interesting response: a sharp increase in diet and fitness businesses. Everywhere you look, another fitness establishment is cropping up, trying to help America slim down, but it’s more than a noble cause; the diet and fitness industry is one of the biggest in the industries in the country.
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The word retail can bring to mind a handful of things for the average American: Wal-Mart, Target, Macy’s, JC Penny, a favorite book shop, and maybe the handful of little mom-and-pops in the neighborhood. Entrepreneurs, however, are no ordinary Americans, and they know that there are plenty of other business opportunities available to anyone hoping to start a retail franchise. Often, there are still many business opportunities that remain overlooked, and often, these overlooked opportunities are some of the best. So take a moment to look at the retail franchises you might not have noticed before.
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Some estimates claim that Americans eat a whopping 100 acres of pizza a day. To give you an idea of what that means, imagine the entire landscape of Disneyland covered in tomato sauce, cheese, and pepperoni. But it doesn’t stop at the fences, because Disneyland is only 85 acres; this pizza hangs over into the surrounding neighborhoods. That is how much pizza America eats every single day.
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Promises of a paperless society have been floating around for the past several decades, yet the advent of the home printer and the inks and toners needed by printers in homes and offices everywhere continues to keep this massive industry going with no sign of disappearing any time soon. Picture your computer printer at home. Sure you got it on sale at Costco for only $150, but after a month of use, you’re out of ink, and when you go back to get a new cartridge, it costs $60 ($25 for the black and $35 for the color). Print regularly for three months and you’ve paid the price of the printer all over again.
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There’s nothing an animal lover enjoys more than getting to spend time with their favorite furry friend and with a pet franchise you can spend plenty of time with animals while making great profits for yourself. There are quite a few new and exciting business opportunities for the animal lover these days and regardless of your business experience, if you have a love of animals and the drive and desire to own your own business, then you have what it takes to startup your own pet franchise. Here’s a quick look at seven different pet franchises that not only serve to help out pets and their owners, but have also been proven to be very successful businesses.
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In today’s economy, dual income families are becoming more and common and necessary, but for many people, the answer to money woes in the slumping economy is getting a second job to make ends meet, or “moonlighting.” Now, you could go get a second job where you make next to nothing doing manual labor or retail work or you could take on a second job that’s not only exciting but could also flourish and grow to the point where you make enough money to quit your day job and focus on your second one. With a home based franchise, you’ll not only be able to set your own hours and run your business as a second job, but you’ll also be able to scale and grow your business as you go so that one day, sooner than you man think, you’ll achieve the financial freedom you’ve been dreaming about and be able to go from working two jobs to running one business that’s rewarding personally and financially. If you’re interested in taking on a new gig with the potential to free you financially, consider the Top 5 Franchise Opportunities For Moonlighters.
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Scottsdale, Ariz. – “Are we havin’ fun yet?,” asks Adam Stone, a multi-unit franchisee for The Little Gym, as he enters his bustling Glenview, IL location, one of more than 200 thriving units in 15 countries. The answer to Stone’s rhetorical question is obviously evident: In clear view are 16 bouncy toddlers leaping happily about to an original version of “The Itsy Bitsy Spider,” as their parental counterparts beam with pride. Stone’s success, and that of every The Little Gym franchise owner, is built on the same principle the company applies every day for the children entrusted to its care: Motor Skill Development made Fun builds Confidence that leads to a lifetime of Success. Ask any The Little Gym franchisee how they feel about their business and the answer is strikingly similar: Owning a The Little Gym is fun. “As you help children develop motor skills, they sparkle; and their parents see what a positive impact you and The Little Gym are making in their lives,” said Bob Bingham, president and CEO of The Little Gym, International, Inc. “Through our thorough training program, our franchisees’ confidence grows, as does the success of their gym. We have more than 175 franchise owners who are proud and happy to live their dreams, everyday. They enjoy a fun and rewarding career, while enriching the lives of children and building a sound financial future. It doesn’t get any better than that.” The Little Gym is the premier children’s motor skill development program in the world that for 28 years has provided hundreds of thousands of children worldwide with physical, intellectual, emotional and social benefits. Founder Robin Wes, a musician, former gymnast and degreed kinesiologist (the study of movement), opened the first The Little Gym in 1976, building the foundation for future success with a unique motor skill development program that focuses on fun, positive experiences in a non-competitive environment. In 1992, The Little Gym International, Inc., was incorporated in order to franchise Wes’ extraordinary concept. Two years later, Bingham, a successful broadcasting executive, joined the company as president and CEO with a fresh and unique concept on how to build a franchising company – “cloning” the system’s most competent franchisees. In-'Credible’ Support System “Rather than grow with franchising executives from other companies, I recognized the extraordinary backgrounds and experience of The Little Gym franchise owners themselves,” Bingham said. “My vision was to bring these people, bound by their common passion for The Little Gym business, together as a team and have them help guide the company's future,” said Bingham, noting that almost all of The Little Gym management team are current or previous The Little Gym franchise owners. The process expanded in 1997 as Bingham began to replace his entire franchise support staff with existing franchise owners. He asked his most competent, profitable franchisees to give 10 hours of their time each week to help and advise new owners. Once implemented, the “owner/advisor” program boosted the success rate of new franchisees astronomically. Bingham then decided to capture the expertise of the experienced owners on the management team. “The idea was for our best owners to come on board at the corporate level and create and clone themselves in our franchise system,” Bingham said. “Our new franchisees have a great deal of respect for our management team because they know they have been there as franchisees themselves. That lends tremendous credibility.” Providing Power Tools The Little Gym franchise owners come from diverse backgrounds, including former attorneys, doctors, teachers, sales and marketing executives or others in the business world who felt there was something missing in their lives. According to Bingham, people with virtually any background can be successful as The Little Gym franchise owners, as long as they are motivated, energetic and share a love for children and make use of the variety of support tools provided by The Little Gym corporate office. “Our programs are based on meticulously and professionally developed curriculum that we teach every franchise owner,” he said. “We teach them every detail of everything from the skills of how to properly work with children of all ages to recruiting and training staff,” said Bingham, adding that each franchise owner is assigned a New Business Specialist (often people who have successfully owned or managed a The Little Gym themselves). They provide consistent and ongoing support to nurture the rapid growth of our franchisees’ business.” As word spreads of the fulfilling and financially satisfying nature of owning a The Little Gym, interest in the franchise concept is at an all-time high, with an average of six new franchise territories awarded each month. The Little Gym facilities are approximately 4,000 square feet and are usually found in strip malls or business parks. While The Little Gym fields multiple inquiries from prospective franchisees daily, the company takes pride in selectiveness – awarding franchises to only the most qualified candidates who show passion for the concept, exceptional business aptitude and a true love for children. “We are finding that in recruiting franchisees, financial success is important, but it isn't everything,” Bingham said. “The opportunity to work with kids and make a difference in their lives, and to have fun while working hard is what drives our franchise owners to change their lives and be in control of their own destiny.” About The Little Gym The Little Gym was founded in 1976 by Robin Wes, an innovative educator with a genuine love for children. The Little Gym’s sequential children’s skill development program was created to help children develop physically, intellectually, emotionally and socially, giving children the confidence they need for a lifetime of success. The Little Gym environment is strictly non-competitive, focusing on creating fun, positive experiences. Classes are designed for children infancy up to 12 years and include gymnastics, parent/child classes, sports skill development and karate. Summer/holiday camps and birthday parties are available. Although hours vary throughout the nation, The Little Gym classes are typically held weekdays from morning to early evening, and on Saturday mornings. Saturday afternoons and Sundays are reserved for birthday parties. The Little Gym International, Inc., headquartered in Scottsdale, AZ, was formed in 1992 in order to franchise The Little Gym concept. Today, The Little Gym International has 200 franchises in 15 countries.
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The business world is changing right before your eyes. More and more people who were once willing to “sell their soul” to the corporate machine are fed up. Downsizing, “right sizing,” and evaporating job security have exposed the illusion of the corporate ladder. It just doesn’t exist anymore. People who burned the midnight oil, traded-off time with family, criss-crossed the country on business travel, and made other lifestyle sacrifices, are now in re-evaluation mode. The pendulum is swinging to quality time with spouses and children -- and overall personal lifestyle freedom. According to Terry Powell, founder of The Entrepreneur’s Source, it’s a trend that only recently became apparent. Powell commented, “Particularly over the last decade, corporate America has steadily beaten down the workforce. Less loyalty. Lower wages. Limited job security. Employees thought it was only temporary. An anomaly. But it’s finally dawned on them that the situation is not going to change.” Powell continued, “More and more people have read the book ‘Who Moved My Cheese?’ They realized that the cheese has been moved, and it’s time to take care of their own cheese.” Powell founded The Entrepreneur’s Source in 1984, and started franchising the business in 1997. It’s interesting to note that in the eight years his company has been franchising its own business, it has been ranked in top 500 by Entrepreneur Magazine each and every year. That recognition epitomizes the value The Entrepreneur’s Source brings to people looking to transform their career…and their lives. For years, The Entrepreneur’s Source has helped people, from of all walks of life, achieve the American Dream: owning their own business and enjoying a personally satisfying lifestyle. The secret? The Entrepreneur’s Source uses a unique “discovery process” that allows people to explore more business options -- and uncover choices that are in sync with both their personal and income goals. Just how effective is the company’s discovery approach? The following startling statistic tells the story: 95% of the people helped by The Entrepreneur’s Source become an owner of a business they would never have considered on their own – or had already discounted. It’s a powerful system that works. Another stunning fact: The less experience a business owner has in a business segment, the more likely he or she will be successful. For instance, it would seem that a baker would be the ideal person to open a donut franchise, or a mechanic the perfect owner of a transmission-repair franchise. But quite the opposite is true. The baker would likely be more successful in the auto-services segment. And the mechanic more personally and financially rewarded in the bakery business. How can this counter-intuition be possible? “People who go into businesses where they have a comfort level or inherent knowledge tend to make themselves the technicians of those businesses. They don’t spend the time they need in the critical entrepreneurial and business-development roles,” said Powell. He went on to say, “When you look at the statistics, people who launch a business in their own area of specialty have the highest failure rate.” By revealing trends and pitfalls -- and the knowledge to counteract them -- The Entrepreneur’s Source gives people real business advantages…no matter how tough the market climate. It’s part of the unique strategies offered by the company’s education and coaching system. “In all these years, we’ve never had a single person fail with our system,” said Powell, proudly, in regards to franchisees of his own company. “When we say ‘Your success is our only business’ – it’s more than our company’s motto – but something we live by, every day.”
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When it comes to business opportunities there are few as successful as franchising. Of course, there are all types of franchising opportunities available that range from restaurants to carpet cleaning and taxes to computer services. But, when a company begins franchising that means the company is successful and the market is receptive to the franchise.
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Finding the Right Franchise
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Owning a franchise is a wonderful business opportunity that more and more individuals are taking advantage of each and every day. And, with all businesses there are certain times of the year that are more profitable than others. For the following 10 franchises the holiday season is one of the most profitable times of the year. Of course, more work is required to match the demand during the holiday season but the owners of the following franchises don’t mind because they will surely be in the black throughout the holidays.
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It’s Summer. We’ve faced the bitter cold of winter, passed through that awkward and wet transition called spring, and now we’ve finally arrived: summer has officially returned to us. It didn’t take long to get here either, it doesn’t seem like we should be so far into this year already, but lo and behold, here we are. With summer now officially upon us, and the natural energy of the season working itself up to high gear, now is the best time to consider one of the many excellent and exciting business opportunites perfectly suited to this time of year, the season of fun, sun, and travel.
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Searching for a new and unique home business opportunity? There’s plenty of options out there, but it can be pretty easy to get lost in the sea of business after business without really finding the home based business that will set you apart and bring you the excitement and fulfillment of doing something truly different. To that end, we’re going to take a look at some of the most unique business opportunities that tend to operate off the beaten path and although one might think that mainstream business = mainstream profits, think again. Consider that in many small businesses, a good niche market business will often outperform some of the more common small businesses due to their lack of competition and the preponderance of new and repeat business. If you’re ready to find a new and truly unique franchise, take a look at just a few of the Hottest work from home Franchise Business Opportunities You Didn’t Know About.
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Of the dozen difficult aspects of selecting, starting, and running a new franchise opportunity, few are as potentially paralyzing as paying for it. Most of us have learned that money doesn’t grow on trees, and the average franchisee-to-be simply doesn’t have the cold, hard resources to make a business purchase outright. Whether the goal is a Sterling Optical costing no less than $100,000 or a Baymont Inn at $1mil, the staggering line of zeroes at the end of the prices on those business opportunities can sometimes be enough to discourage even a veteran entrepreneur.
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Every day, from coast to coast, thousands of men and women make their money perfecting the advertising and marketing of the retail corporations that employ them, hoping to sway the public for just another day of sales. We read ads all the time, watch flashing TV spots that tantalize our senses each night before we go to bed, and look at pictures in magazines that convince us our lives are incomplete without the wealth of products these companies provide. And the major competitors spend millions—hundreds of millions, even billions—on reeling us into the purchase of their overpriced goods.
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A lot of thought, time and preparation go into starting a new business and with all the stress and pressure that comes with a new business, wouldn’t it be nice to know that you don’t have to worry about money? Sure, money will play a major role in any business, after all it’s the reason most people decide to start a business, but unlike the traditional startup company, a franchise can be one of the most affordable and easiest ways to start your new business. A low cost franchise is a unique business where the prospective franchisee is essentially buying a fully-loaded, ready-to-go business. The franchise process eliminates the need for you to come up with a unique business model or put together the perfect business plan because the franchisor has already done all of the work and since the brands have had time to prove their success build a name for themselves, you’ll find that with a franchise, your business will be able to build a client base faster than just about any new startup. Obviously franchise opportunities aren’t for everyone; there are many entrepreneurs that get a sense of achievement from starting their own company from scratch and get a rush from the higher risks involved in such ventures. There is however a large constituency of business owners and potential business owners out there who are looking for low cost business opportunities that can be up and running fast. If this sounds like you, take a look at some of my favorite low cost franchise business opportunities for $20,000 or less.
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We all know the old saying: “the rich get richer, and the poor get poorer.” It’s not a problem for the rich, but as far as the poor are concerned, it’s a terrible sentiment of hopelessness, and sometimes it becomes the mentality of those of us who are desperately trying to start our own businesses. Even in the franchise world, trying to move from have-not to successful businessman can be daunting, if not entirely paralyzing. Browsing the pages of potential entrepreneurial endeavors, a person would have to be oblivious, blind, or in denial to not recognize the large number of franchise opportunities that require hundreds of thousands of dollars just for startup. It seems a person has to be rich if he ever hopes to be rich—or even just not poor.
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By Jerrod Sessler, CEO, HomeTask Handyman No one ever remembers the team that finishes second in the Daytona 500. The winner has the best memories, the most fun, and takes home the biggest prize. When people discuss brands, the market leaders are always the focus of the conversation. We all desire to see our companies name on top and I believe the effective use of technology can serve as a hidden force to help achieve that goal. Franchising can revolutionize "business as usual" with the effective implementation of systems that allow people to do more of what they love and less of what they don't. The effective use of technology is key to developing great companies that will provide an exceptional level of support for franchisees. I predict that, over the next ten years, the primary benefit franchisors will license will be their support systems; the brand will be viewed as a bonus. So, what do I mean by that? We have the ability to enable our staff and franchisees to increase their income while spending more hours investing in their dreams. We have the potential to eliminate the repetitive tasks and foster an environment of progress. We can disrupt the competitive balance in our market by using systems and technology to drive efficiencies within our business. It is a great time to be in franchising! I have extracted a top ten list of "Do's" to help you begin using technology to dominate your market and accelerate your business. 10. Anticipate change. The fax machine is archaic and e-mail is being supplemented with a myriad of other communication choices. We rarely send faxes because we have the tools to change paper into PDF files. A handyman service is admittedly not the first place you would look for radical technology advances, but the key to our success is making one of the oldest professions more efficient with the effective use of technology. 9. Get your chalk out. Benchmark, benchmark, benchmark. Especially outside your industry. Technology is not exclusive-similar systems can serve radically different businesses. One of the role models we used in building the HomeTask system was a clothing wholesale company. They play in a totally different segment, but they do very similar things technically. Because their clients own their individual businesses, this supplier has an opportunity to assist them by providing back-office systems, marketing tools, support, and networking. There is an inspiring book on the subject by Kevin & Jackie Freidberg called "Guts! Companies That Blow the Doors Off Business-As-Usual." The Freidberg's discuss creating a culture that considers the whole person (staff or customer/franchisee) rather than just the activities that person performs during working hours. This concept has had a profound effect on the HomeTask model. 8. Make it visual. Kids' books are more fun, hold your attention, and are easier to remember than adult books because they are visual. Can you imagine NASCAR without the sea of logos and colors? I can hear the fans now, "Oh, wow, did you see the move that grey car made?" My point here is that we often remember to make something visually interesting for our external customers but forget that when it comes to internal ones. When was the last time you created a really cool intra-office memo or a visually interactive internal survey? Maybe start by painting some accent walls in your office a bright, cheery color and watch the smiles light up! 7. "Cool" counts. Make it so life-changing for your customers that they rave about it. I am confident that if we didn't offer the tools we do to manage the back-office activities for our franchise partners, they would not be as happy as they are. These folks wanted to simplify their lives. They have a passion for helping others by providing hands-on service in what is often a breeding ground for stress and tension-our homes and offices. Our passion is to enable people to do what they love and have the rest done for them. At HomeTask, our heroic cause is to "Enable Peace...At Home." We are changing lives with our integrated systems. The effective use of technology won't simply make your business thrive; it will make it seem magical. 6. Great marriages communicate. Your technical systems should hold hands, not boxing gloves. One of the immovable criteria VaultFarm had to work within when creating our systems was that they had to be compatible and communicate freely with each other. I get knots in my stomach when I look at organizations that employ several different systems to accomplish various tasks. Inevitably in these situations, humans are required to be the connector between systems. Your IT systems should serve you, not the other way around. If you have systems that are linked using human touch, I would suggest developing plans to eliminate these circumstances. They are a breeding ground for unhappy staff and mistakes. Unleash many of the staff you have tied down around these systems and watch them grow! 5. Teach your IT team to speak in tongues (P & L, balance sheet, EBIDA). I am convinced that many of the executives running our companies do not fully understand the value of technology projects partly because their IT team does not present projects in bottom-line terms. Some simple education or adopting the "Open-Book Management" philosophy espoused by Jack Stack, would improve results. Your technical team should understand how their activities impact the financials. This will help them present their ideas and projections with clear financial implications. 4. Start a stretching routine. Warning! You may not be as tech savvy as you think you are. Just as much as IT needs to learn a financial language, management must fully support technological innovation and be willing to stretch their thinking. Great leaders are grown within great companies. There is no space for complacent leaders if you want to have a great company. In today's market, this means educating yourself on the opportunities associated with technology implementation. 3. Stop for directions. Thank God for whiteboards! Before you write any code, give your developers some driving directions. Have you ever tried to use a really cool feature on-line but it was hosted on such a slow system that you left before you got started? If it made you say, "Who on earth designed this," then they didn't have a vision! When you set out to solve a problem, deliver a service, or initiate needed change, it is critical to clearly communicate the goals and objectives-the road map- for the changes to all involved in the project. If you fail to do this, the technology will not work correctly and the team will be discouraged because its creation sits unused on the corporate shelf. We use Gantt charts, precedence diagrams, and flow charts before we start the building process. These tools and others are highly beneficial in determining the architecture of a new idea. 2. Redundancy is for computers, not people. No one enjoys inputting financial data just to "keep things up to date" and many people lack the discipline to do it in the first place. Build this sort of thing into your process so that these tasks don't require a human touch. Think about all the back-office tasks that are very similar for most of our businesses: financial management, order processing, customer communications, internal communications, scheduling, supply ordering, and the list goes on. Franchisors are in a unique position to integrate these services into their systems because the size and scale of the projects needed to do so are often more than a single-operator business could undertake. But, isn't that part of the advantage of franchising? Capitalizing on the efficiencies and opportunities of economies of scale? However, don't sacrifice human interaction in the name of technology. Technology is an improvement if it enables your staff to add more human touch, not less. 1. Simplicity wins! By its very nature technology is complicated, but our lives should not be. When you think of all the sources of stress in your life, all of them are surrounded by complexity. I have been purposeful about maintaining simplicity in my life these last few years, and it has made a huge impact on my overall happiness. Ultimately, if we can enable peace in people's lives by providing simple solutions, then we will win in the marketplace every time. If our advances in technology do not simplify our lives then they are a waste of time. Technology should be used to encourage the desired path and that path should be of the least resistance. Perhaps a handyman service business seems like a low-tech business to be touting the benefits of technology, but HomeTask employ's a decidedly high-tech approach to achieve a competitive advantage. This advantage starts on the street where our franchise partners operate their businesses. They are empowered to accomplish and achieve well beyond what would be possible without the technological tools we provide. In fact, our business is possible and profitable because of our heavy use of these concepts. HomeTask is a unique owner-operated focused handyman franchise system.  
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by Stephen Parezo  
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Some reports say that today’s health and fitness industry is bigger than it’s ever been, raking in some $16 billion and serving roughly 42 million every year, and it continues to grow.  As the nation becomes increasingly health-conscious—or at least conscious of how health-unconscious we’ve been in the past—people can’t seem to keep themselves from the gym.  As we discover the disastrous effects of excessive stress in our lives, people go running to the spa for a regular relaxation and pampering.  And as we grow older and older, it’s unavoidable that medical and hospice care markets experience higher demand as well.
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An entrepreneur is always on the lookout for the next big thing.  Computer and internet businesses have taken off in the last decade and stabilized, showing that they are a giant industry that’s here to stay, but the big question on the minds of someone considering getting into a computer or internet business is, “Where do I start?”  Starting your new computer or internet company from scratch may seem like a daunting task, but what is working well for many new business owners is to capitalize on one of the many computer and internet franchise opportunities that are now available.  Computer and internet franchises benefit from having a well known brand name, which is crucial on the web when people are searching for someone who’s trustworthy.  You don’t have to be a techno-wizard either because everything from web site hosting franchises to cellular-wireless franchise opportunities comes with extensive training in the specific products and ongoing support from companies that have plenty of experience when it comes to the business of technology.  Now the big decision; which franchise is right for you?  Here’s the top five computer and internet franchises that stand out among the rest and make great candidates for the newcomer and the seasoned business pro.
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Starting a new business, although it may be challenging, can be one of the most rewarding and financially beneficial moves you can make.  The entrepreneurial spirit is as much a part of the American dream as 2.4 children and white picket fences, but one of the biggest obstacles for many people considering starting their own business is the up-front cost and risks associated with the typical business startup.  If you’ve even considered starting your own small business but have let things like startup capital or the lack of a strong business plan keep you from pursuing your dreams, consider some of the low cost franchises available today that can actually enable you to start a small business with as little as $10,000.
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It used to be that the man of a house was the “bread winner,” meaning that he was one who got to go out into the working world to make the dollars and cents necessary to feed his wife and kids back at the homestead.  Gentlemen, I hate to break it to you, but things have changed; though the business world isn’t entirely leveled between the sexes yet, it is quickly getting there.   Granted, a lot of that shift is historically due to the increasing inability for a single income to pay the way for an entire family, but the result of that cultural sway of necessity is that the value of women in the workforce is becoming more and more evident all the time.
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In our ever-increasingly cashless society, a good credit score has become as much of a status symbol as the new Mercedes that you lease with it.  Like it or not, your credit impacts your ability to buy a house, a car or even get a loan to start a new business, but what creditors aren’t always sympathetic to is that sometimes bad credit happens to good people.  Whether you’re building your credit from scratch, rebuilding your credit from a past bankruptcy or, like many Americans, facing a foreclosure due to the recent problems in the housing/lending market, there may still be hope for you to start your own business and not only reclaim a glowing credit report but also generate a high income from your new startup. 
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Remember a time not too long ago when you weren’t chained to a cubicle?  When a job was more than just a way to pay the mortgage and keep food on the table?  Sadly, many business professionals and entrepreneurs find themselves having to give up their dreams of an adventurous job and end up settling into the stable, dependable and yes, boring jobs that so many of them never dreamed they would end up in.  An exciting job may seem like a luxury that the average person can’t afford, but if you’re looking for an adventure and have ever thought about owning your own business, it may be closer than you would think.  Take a look at the five most exciting international franchise business opportunities that can take an entrepreneur from dull to daring as fast as you can say startup capital.
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I’ve heard it said that modern scientists “stand on the shoulders of giants,” meaning that every new generation of scientific research and knowledge builds upon the work of all the generations before it.  That makes sense: how far would we really be able to get in society if we literally had to reinvent the wheel every time the last inventor of the wheel died?  I don’t think I have to answer that.
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Does the aroma of brewing coffee transport you to a sensory paradise?  Is a steaming latte your idea of comfort food?  Do you consider coffee its own separate food group?  If you answered “yes” to any of these questions, then a coffee franchise may be for you!  When someone says “coffee shop,” the name that most often comes to mind is Starbucks.  So it’s only natural that coffee connoisseurs and entrepreneurs will immediately want to know if this wildly successful java chain offers the opportunity to buy Starbucks franchises.
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This morning I got out of bed.  Verb selection is everything here: I didn’t bound out of bed, or spring out of bed, or even simply rise out of bed with a mild degree of remote enthusiasm.  But what if you could?  What if your work were so intriguing, so invigorating, so downright fun that you were inspired every morning to wake up and go to work out of the sheer opportunity for enjoyment?
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For some of us, making money is not enough to really provide personal satisfaction in the work that we do; what we’re really looking for is the knowledge that someone else’s life has honestly been bettered by our presence in it.  There are a host of business markets in which this can be achieved, but one of the most obvious of these is the healthcare market, and within that field there are a long list of franchise possibilities, some of which are below.
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    Who wants to own a restaurant?  Do you?
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One of the hardest things about starting your own small business or franchise is trying to figure out what kind of market exists in your particular area. You have to ask yourself what the demographics of your target audience are, what types of products and business have succeeded and failed in that area, and whether or not the market it already flooded with similar products to what you are going to sell. There is a way to avoid this dilemma though, open a food franchise.
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In our fast-paced, technology-based economy, being up to speed on new technology is a must, but it’s not all bits, bytes and HTML.   Video and movie franchises as well as computer repair/installation are in high demand and we’ve put together a list of businesses that have already done all the heavy lifting and are just waiting for some smart and savvy entrepreneurs.   So whether you’re an L33t veteran or a N00B, these franchises make it easy to capitalize on the growing digital revolution.  Here are the top ten franchises for the cool techie:
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There is a huge surge of people in America that are leaving the corporate world and jumping into the small business world in order to experience the freedom and excitement that comes from being their own boss and owning their own business. If you are an entrepreneurial type businessperson there has probably been many times in your own work experience where you have felt the desire to leave that corporate job and enter the world of Franchises and small business to be your own boss.
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There are a lot of things that can keep a student in college busy. There is the obvious task of study and writing associated with academic success. There is campus life and understanding culture and relationships. There is the development of social skills and lifestyle that will affect the rest of the student’s life. There is also a need to establish steps to begin a career path. College students who are starting to realize that they will get something else when they graduate beyond a degree, a $20,000 to $150,000 debt, are looking for a way to offset college debt with college income. While the summer job is that staple for many college students there are some who are starting understand that there are options that allow the busy college student to own and run their own business opportunity while still in college. Here are the top ten business opportunities that are less time consuming, low cost, and offer financing options for busy college students to consider.
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Kumon Education Started 50 years ago in Japan, this education franchise is well known throughout the United States and the world as both an exceptional business and tutoring service.  It currently sits in Bond’s Top 100 franchises and is considered the #1 tutoring service franchise, period.  From its inception, Kumon’s method has proven so effective that the founder’s son—in a way, the business’ first client—was able to do calculus by the time he had reached the sixth grade.  Part of the reason for this profound success is the Kumon practice of sending students (who only come in for two or three sessions a week) home with extra assignments, which provide relevant exercises throughout the week, teaching not only the subject at hand, but study and time-management skills as well.  Today, this method is used in 1400 Kumon centers that exist in North America, which is only one of the 43 nations in which franchises are active, still holding deeply that “there’s nothing a child can’t do.”
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Not every franchise opportunity and business opportunity is a long-term constant business flow opportunity. There are many franchise options that work in seasonal and short term philosophies. For business minded people that have seasonal jobs such as students, teachers, professors, and other seasonal business people who have additional time to devote to starting a business in the summer, there are some great options for summer work that can be short-term and seasonal franchises.
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There are many new franchise owners every day. In fact, over 2000 people every day decide to go into business for themselves in one capacity or another. With so many new franchises available, it’s easy to understand that it’s not a niche market for a franchise owner anymore. All types of businesspeople whether young or old, men or women, previously experienced or new franchise owners, can be successful and profitable in the franchise market. While the franchise market in it’s growing popularity appeals to all types of franchise owners, there are specific franchise businesses and opportunities that need a specific type of owner and operator; namely women franchisees.
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The days of walking into a local diner, or restaurant and asking for a cup of coffee are rapidly retreating. While there is still something to be said about the old fashioned “cup of Joe” that you can get no questions asked with free refills, the presence of a high powered, multi-flavored, option filled coffee is rapidly becoming the staple in the fast paced lifestyle American’s now lead. Many entrepreneurs in fact have found that the business of the “half-café, non-fat, triple tall, cinnamon white mocha” to be an extremely profitable and attractive business opportunity. The more American’s that are familiar with their latte’s mochas, and cappuccinos to get them through the day, the more small business owners are opening the local coffee franchise stand to offer alternatives in the coffee business world.
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Many people considering a new business opportunity may equate small businesses to small profits.  Well it may surprise you to find out that, according to the US Small Business Administration, “small businesses create two of every three new jobs, produce 39% of the gross national product, and invent more than half the nation's technological innovation.”  With such a high representation statistically, small businesses play a huge roll in today’s economy.  Whether you’re interested in starting a home based business, retail franchise or one of the many internet based businesses, there are plenty of advantages that extend far beyond mere profits.   So for anyone interested taking a break from climbing the corporate ladder and stepping up into the fastest growing section of the economy, the small business market is the right choice.
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There is a huge balancing act that comes along with life, especially once life is no longer limited to the scope of one person. For couples, life can get extremely stressful and frustrating as the balancing act of career and income compete with time spent together enjoying shared passions. For some the desire to start their own small business or franchise is appealing, but they are not sure how much more time they can commit to a business away from their spouse or partner. Even in a work at home environment, there is still a need to focus on the projects and job and even in a shared area the working aspect of being at home leaves the relationship aspect lacking. Nothing unites to people more than achieving something together, or spending time doing something that both are passionate about. There is an exciting alternative that doesn’t involve taking a vow of poverty in order to have more time together.
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Some people have their dream job. The job that they always wanted, that they love to do each morning when they wake up, the job that pays them what they want or need, and the job that keeps them busy enough to satisfy their ambition. For many people though there is something missing from their career; a little extra income, more hours, a sense of accomplishment or ownership. For these people a low cost franchise might be the perfect addition to their current job situation.
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In our fast-paced, technology-based economy, being up to speed on new technology is a must, but it’s not all bits, bytes and HTML.   Video and movie franchises as well as computer repair/installation are in high demand and we’ve put together a list of businesses that have already done all the heavy lifting and are just waiting for some smart and savvy entrepreneurs.   So whether you’re an L33t veteran or a N00B, these franchises make it easy to capitalize on the growing digital revolution.  Here are the top ten franchises for the cool techie:
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There has been an emerging trend in the business world to have areas of expertise and specialization. When a company, large or small, is able to focus on the service or product that they do well and not waste time, energy, and resources on supplementary needs, that company can be much more productive. That’s where specific business services come in, and where the savvy entrepreneur can run a successful business service franchise by providing those companies and clients with the services they need.  There are a wide variety of business service type franchises for sale, some of them cater to the individual businessman or woman, and some of them service whole companies. Take a look at some of these exciting new business service franchises that are currently available and ask yourself if a business service franchise is for you.
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Do you consider yourself a “kid person” whether or not you are a parent?  Would you like the idea of a business opportunity or franchise business that involves a product or service that is fun, exciting, and beneficial for young ones?  Then take a look at the countless small businesses and home business franchises for sale that provide kid-centered products and services.
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Successful small businesses and small business franchises are built upon a number of key principles and ideas, none of which is more important that making future clients or customers aware of you, your business and the product that you are selling or the service that you are providing. It’s why many companies spend millions upon millions of dollars on advertising every year creating some catchy jingle, shocking commercial, or trendy slogan that will promote name and product recognition. Why? Because people tend to trust and buy what they are familiar with, have heard about, and recognize.
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If you are interested in buying a franchise then you need to be passionate about the business in order to make it successful. So, all you computer geeks out there who are interested in franchises should consider the different computer related franchises available. When you are passionate about computers then you will be most successful with a computer related franchise. The following franchises are the top 10 for computer geeks, so check them out and find the right one for you!
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Introduction
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By Flo Schell, Founder: Franchise Coaching Systems
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Does the aroma of brewing coffee transport you to a sensory paradise?  Is a steaming latte your idea of comfort food?  Do you consider coffee its own separate food group?  If you answered “yes” to any of these questions, then a coffee franchise may be for you!  When someone says “coffee shop,” the name that most often comes to mind is Starbucks.  So it’s only natural that coffee connoisseurs and entrepreneurs will immediately want to know if this wildly successful java chain offers the opportunity to buy Starbucks franchises.
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There are a number of questions an entrepreneur should ask himself before buying a franchise. As with any new business venture, you should carefully weigh all your options before starting a franchise. This article will cover some of the many issues that should concern a potential franchisee.
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Starting Your Own Video Franchise Did you know that you can receive the kind of support and direction provided to franchisees and still open your own video store?
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Chances are, if you are looking for the freedom that comes from owning your own business or franchise you have spent some serious time considering a small business. Other business opportunities to free you from the corporate ladder would also include a franchise business which allows you the freedom to be your own boss while using an existing market rather than having to create your own. But what many people may not initially realize is that there are home based businesses and small businesses that are also franchise opportunities. Here are the top ten small business franchises that offer the beauty of a low cost franchise and the convenience and freedom of a home based business or small business franchise.
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In today’s rapidly changing economy, college graduates realize that embarking on a steady career that will last many years with one company is a reality of the past.  More likely than not, college graduates will change jobs multiple times over the course of their professional lives, and job security will be something they only dream of.  As a result, more and more young men and women entering the workforce are exploring options outside of the traditional “9-5” job.  For the entrepreneurial thinker, buying a franchise will rank high on this list of possibilities.  Yet, despite the inarguable success of numerous franchises and countless franchise owners across the country and around the world, is venturing into the franchise business the right choice for a recent college graduate?
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Small business franchise opportunities are definitely not limited to food kiosks and carpet cleaning.  There are literally hundreds of businesses franchised in the United States, ranging from automotive and children’s franchises to pet and travel service franchises.  Whatever kind of business you might be looking for, the spectrum of choices is limited only by your imagination and level of determination.
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If you are interested in buying a franchise then you need to be passionate about the business in order to make it successful. So, all you computer geeks out there who are interested in franchises should consider the different computer related franchises available. When you are passionate about computers then you will be most successful with a computer related franchise. The following franchises are the top 10 for computer geeks, so check them out and find the right one for you!
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Starting Your Own Video Franchise Did you know that you can receive the kind of support and direction provided to franchisees and still open your own video store?
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Mark is a multi-functional executive with 20+ year’s experience growing companies and expanding into international markets. Mr. Laramie is nationally known for creating innovative strategies and spurring record growth, both in the US and abroad. He is a versatile leader skilled at organizational development, retail operations, strategic planning, brand management, and finance. During the course of his career, Mr. Laramie has been responsible for billion dollar P & L’s and thousands of employee’s.
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Choosing the franchise business that best fits your long-term goals is not always easy, nor is it your only consideration.  For example, how much time will need to be invested in initial research?  And once you select a franchise niche that you find interesting, how much time will its actual day-to-day operation require?
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Many entrepreneurs are looking for businesses for sale that offer them the best of both worlds - a place to make money and vacation all year long.  This search ultimately leads them to the lodging industry.  In fact, scores of these entrepreneurs will even relocate to anther country to realize their dreams.  This may sound like you.  But, before you dream of sandy beaches (or quaint villages, whichever you