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Is the time right to own a franchise? Is there ever the right time?

Franchise ownership, just like business ownership, means big change for most people. Going from a corporate job to owning your own business affects not only your professional life, but also your lifestyle and your family. Very often, I meet with


Franchise Checklist

Ensuring that you have all of the information that you need to make a great investment in a franchise is critical for your success. When reviewing your options, it is helpful to have a checklist to review to make sure…


This Is Great! Personal Advantages to Franchise Business Ownership

Often, a common question from potential franchise investors and entrepreneurs is related to income potential. While I completely understand the logic behind this question, the question I rarely hear is “What are the personal advantages to owning a franchise business?” …


I can write that off? Tax Deductions Available to Franchise Owners

As 2012 begins to settle in, I continue to hear from my clients “How much will I make as a franchise owner?” I have a small love/hate relationship with this question.  There are certainly financial benefits related to the actual…


What Drives People To Currently Invest In a Franchise?

A recent survey conducted by Franchise Direct, a website designed to help investors identify franchise opportunities, uncovered some interesting facts behind the decision to invest in a franchise. The survey was conducted over three months with 335 participants chiming…


Credit Can Be Found When Starting a Franchise

With larger banking institutions becoming increasing strict on lending to small business owners, the federal government is stepping in with Small Business Administration (SBA) loans. This fiscal year, the agency’s two main loan-guarantee programs have already exceeded a record-high $18.4…


How Big Would You Like To Grow?

Many franchisors offer different ownership options to prospective franchisees. The most common form of franchise ownership is that of an owner-operator / single unit owner. In that case, the franchisee is actively involved in the day-to-day operations of the business,


“Operation Enduring Opportunity” Helps Put Veterans Back To Work

As thousands of veterans are returning from war overseas, the need to create jobs for this population continues to grow. On November 10, 2011, The International Franchise Association, in conjunction with White House Joining Forces initiative, announced “Operation Enduring Opportunity”,…


The Latest Franchise Trends Steer Towards Environmental Issues

As environmental concerns continue to grow, more “green” companies are beginning to emerge. This is great news for the environmentally concerned that are looking to invest in a franchise as an alternative to employment. Two specific industries are seeing incredible…


Can I Afford a Franchise?

Before investing in a franchise business, it is common to ask yourself “Can I really afford it?” Franchisors are not required to provide earnings reports so performing your own analysis with your franchise consultant is a critical stage in your…


Internet Consulting, Rapid Growth is Expected

It is amazing to think that fewer than twenty years ago, the internet had little to no effect on our daily lives. In today’s market, you cannot have a successful business without at least a basic internet presence. As the…


The Joy of Business Ownership

I recently asked my LinkedIn world “What is the most enjoyable aspect of owning your own business?” The answers were very educational. Of course the top answer was flexibility of schedule. But business ownership can also reward in other ways.…


A Cup of Joe Please!

A recent study conducted by Franchise Direct is showing great things within the coffee franchise industry. It appears that the coffee franchise sector is weathering the recent economic storm as people continue to rush for to…


New Legislation Could Help Our Veterans Invest in Franchises

As we recognize the ten year anniversary of the 9/11 attacks, veterans are top of mind with us at RG2 Consulting. With over 100,000 veterans returning to the work force over the next year, the franchise world is working hard…


SBA versus Conventional Loans

As franchise investors continue to get creative with funding options, it is important to understand the distinctions between SBA loans and conventional loans. SBA (Small Business Administration) loans are backed by the U.S. government, providing a guarantee to the bank.…


Good News on the Credit Front

According to a recent report by Thomson Reuters/PayNet Small Business Lending Index, borrowing by small business owners is up almost 25% in June from the previous year. This news coupled with an overall decline in small business loan delinquencies is…


Franchised Health Care

As the health care debate rages on, people continue to look for optimal medical care services.  What’s not debatable is how important quality and easily accessed health care is to all people.   Franchised health care helps alleviate much of the…


Red Flags When Researching A Franchise

Choosing the right franchise to invest in can be challenging when faced with all of the information available. When researching franchises and handling your due diligence, here are a few signs that the franchise may not be a good investment…


An Easy Investment: Why Buy A Franchise

Investors know the clear and obvious reasons why buying a franchise makes sense: proven business plan, established reputation, loyal customers, and business start-up support.  If we look even deeper, we’ll soon find there are even more indicators of why investing…


Youthful Franchising

Young investors feel safe starting their businesses online, door to door, or from their home.  However, safety can also be found in franchising thanks to reputable companies with a large clientele.   Young business men and women with an eye towards…


Women in Franchise

Opportunity knocks as more women gravitate towards franchise investments. Low start up costs, variety of franchise options, and ability to fit their business into an already busy life attract many women to franchising. Women leave established lives and careers to…


Making Money? Do Your Research

As more investors take the leap into franchise entrepreneurship, they do so with eyes wide open. Along with their franchise consultant, these business people comb through information on prospective companies. Understandably, investors want to know how much of a profit…


Franchise Dynamics

Many entrepreneurs come armed with passion and business sense. Business minded people who venture into the franchise world, see the possibilities in adopting proven business models. They know how to do their homework and are in touch with a franchise…


Veterans In Business

The Small Business Administration reports that one in seven veterans run their own business with a 50% increased likelihood of becoming entrepreneurs than the normal work force. With International Franchise Association offering VetFran initiatives, veterans can receive a 25% discount…


Economic Season Enters Spring

Nobody needs reminding of the economic woes in years past. What we need is the good news and here it is! According to both the US Labor Department and National Employment Report, unemployment fell to a two year low of…


Natural Boss

A percent of the population was born to lead. This sector has big ideas, passion, strength, and a preference to be their own boss. With the vision and determination to see it through, these folks make excellent business owners. Confidence…


Fitness Encourages Growth, But Not in Pant Size

Solid Business Models  Fitness franchises have existed since the early 1930’s, when Vic Tanny opened the first gymnasium. With a long history of success, these established business models easily flex as new fitness needs and innovations emerge.…


Franchise Funds

Lenders have tightened their belts and upped the ante on determining credit worthiness, creating a problem for borrowers looking to invest in franchising.  As the economy begins to climb back up, borrowing will become easier.  In the meantime franchisee hopefuls…


Franchising Offers Job Growth

With an estimated one in eight jobs coming from franchise companies, it makes sense to look optimistically at franchising options. Steve Caldeira, International Franchising Association President and CEO, points out, “Franchising, if properly financed, can be a catalyst to…


Franchises are Looking Good

Franchises are becoming more attractive investment with the “buy local” trends of our current economy.


Advantages of Buying a Franchise

Investing in a franchise can offer many benefits over starting a business or purchasing an existing business.


The franchise decision: home-based or brick & mortar?

With such a wide range of business models and franchised industries, which one do you pick? To help you answer this question, read some pros and cons for brick & mortar and home-based business models:


Franchise Investing: 5 Must Do’s to Increase a Return on Investment

Here are a few areas you should examine before investing in a franchise from Ruth Garcia of RG2 Consulting.


Homework You Care About

A franchise investment is especially important to research so be sure to do your homework. Choose a franchise business specifically tailored to fit your needs, interests, finances, and skills to maximize your enjoyment in its ownership. But where do you start?


Baby Boomers! Senior Care Opportunities

The first of these boomers are now approaching retirement age and the senior care industry is poised and ready to help out.


Pet Care Franchises Thrive

Never underestimate the pet care industry. With pet owners putting as much time, attention, and money into their beloved animals as first time parents, business is booming.


Foundation of a Good Relationship

Explore the company’s history including the people behind the business, speak with other franchisee owners, and read the franchise disclosure document (FDD).Explore the company’s history including the people behind the business, speak with other franchisee owners, and read the franchise disclosure document (FDD).


Communicating For Success

Successful franchisors practice these tools when assisting new franchisees:


Finance Your Franchise

Franchise ownership may still require bank loan. Think about your business plan.


Is a franchise in your future? Take the time to make sure it’s a good fit

It is important to work through all information received in order to be able to make an educated decision about an opportunity, and a lot of time will be spent on benchmarking information received from the franchisor in the market as well as doing additional research on market feasibility, competitors and company positioning within its industry.


The Power of a Brand

Use market studies to verify the power of your franchisors’ brand.


Franchise Stats Show Upward Trends

Results are in from Census Bureau, asking about franchises for the first time.


Look For a Connection with the Franchisor

Connecting with the franchisor is critical during the franchise validation process.


For Many Small Business Owners, Franchises Are The Answer

Your options are no longer limited to restaurants and carpet cleaning. And the benefits to having a franchise can make all of the difference in a down economy.


Fitness Franchises Are up!

Last month, Entrepreneur Magazine ranked the top 500 franchises for 2011. With the economy slowly recovering, franchise businesses are still showing strong results for those products that consumers cannot live without. On the top of the pack, several fitness organizations were listed, including Jazzercise, Anytime Fitness and Snap Fitness.


What to expect during franchise validation

One of the most important steps in franchise due diligence is validation with existing franchisees. Important questions to ask include:


Promising Franchises for 2011

Below is a list of the top ten franchises to watch in 2011. While this list is not an endorsement of a specific franchise or ranked in any order, use it as a method to begin researching your next business investment for the new year.


Senior Care Franchises tap into rapid growth

Adult Day Care and Senior Care taps into the rapidly growing $1.8 trillion healthcare industry. Seniors represent the largest, wealthiest, and fastest growing market segment in the U.S. By 2012, there will be over 40 million people over the age of 65.


Child Care Franchises – Influence Our Future

Experience the freedom of owning your own business and influence the next generation. Child care is one of the fastest growing franchise industries in the country.


Pet Care is recession proof

The overwhelming popularity of companion animals has created a rapidly expanding industry. Pet spending has increased nationally from about $16 billion in 1993, to $43.3 billion in 2008, according to the APPMA.