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Calling all franchisee researchers! I am delighted to announce the forthcoming launch of my bi-weekly franchise book review. This is my chance to criticize, recommend and review franchise related books that will help you become better informed about the franchise industry and find the right franchise opportunity to suit you.

So what’s this book review all about?

Firstly, I will be reviewing a franchise related book every two weeks on my blog and then you have the opportunity to read the review, express your opinion, request more information and ultimately buy the reviewed book for your personal reading.

Secondly, the books I select to review will relate to some aspect of the franchise industry, from understanding the Franchise Agreement, the questions to ask within an Interview to Franchisee skills tests and much more, which will help you make informed franchise investment decisions.

This is your chance to get involved and learn more about the franchise industry through accredited sources…

Once you have read any of these books featured on my blog you can let me know what your opinion is by posting a comment on my blog. Or if you would like me to mention or review a book you recommend as useful information for potential franchisees, please let me know and I’ll post your comments on my bog.

I will of course be providing a review of each book I list on my blog, but everyone is entitled to their own opinion, and I want to hear about yours…

To start us off I will be reviewing Joel Libava’s new e-book Essential Steps to Researching a Franchise Opportunity…Pens at the ready! Stay tuned for my review next week…

Franchise Reporter

Virtual Franchises: Earning Huge Profits…

The latest trends within the franchise industry relate to an explosion in on-line internet franchises. On-line franchise and business ideas can really cut the cost incurred by other franchise and business opportunities that require renting a premises or running an office from home.

It is also easier to set up a franchise on-line than it is to set up a franchise from an office or home…

Other benefits include less overheads, minimum investment costs, reduced staffing and renting costs and much more. Virtual franchises eliminate all the traditional cost associations with “brick and mortar” franchises and this makes them a very attractive investment option.

According to The Wall Street Journal “a number of Web consulting firms, say the Internet is the most efficient way to design and develop a franchise model.” And this is proving a profitable business venture for many on-line internet franchises. The internet is undoubtedly the future for many franchisors that are willing to take a risk and sell their products and services on-line.

Just take a look at the innovative internet marketing campaign devised by 21 year old (18 at the time of the launch) Alex Tew, who wanted to earn some money for his university fees, he ended up earning a million dollars with his “Million Dollar Home Page”…

If you needed inspiration to invest in a franchise or business opportunity on the internet, you read it here first!

Franchise Reporter

National Entrepreneurship Week Feb.23rd-March 1st 2008.

Calling all budding student entrepreneurs! It’s not too late for you to view The National Entrepreneurship conferenece week which began in Washington D.C. on Monday Feb. 23rd and continues throughout different states until March 1st.

You can view archived video conferences from Monday’s launch in Washington DC and the rest of this week’s scheduled conferences via The National Entrepreneurship’s website or you can attend one of the conferences that is scheduled to be held within your area…

The purpose behind The National Entrepreneurship week, now in its second year is to recognize America’s youngest budding entrepreneurs. This is a fantastic initiative set up by Congress in 2006, which provides young entrepreneurs with the information, resources and motivation they really need to take the risk and set up thier own business venture.

So you’ve decided you’re interested in investing in a franchise or business opportunity, but your missing one key detail! You don’t have enough money! You need capital to invest in the franchise, buy supplies, pay your employees, pay rent/premises, pay royalties, and your own salary- you name it you need money for it all…So where do you get the necessary money from?

For many start-up young entrepreneurs financing the business comes from family, relations or friends. However, if you can’t borrow the investment money from family or friends, you can avail of the following sources for possible financial assistance.

One important aspect in applying for funding from a financial institution or business professional is for you to have created a business plan prior to your funding application. This will be crucial in someone deciding if you are worth investing in, and in some cases your family or guardians may have to act as a guarantor for your loan.

Financing for Young Franchisors…

1. You may get a loan through a bank.

Contact your local banks and financial institutions who you may have a banking history with. Approach the banks with your business plan and also with the prior acknowledgement that you have a guarantor in place if one is required.

2. You may get financing through the SBA guaranteed loans.

The Small Business Administration is set up to help potential individuals set up their own franchise or business. The SBA annually award young entrepreneurs through various programs, the necessary funding and resources to set up on their own.

3. You may get financing with a franchisor loan.

If you are entering into a particular franchise or business opportunity, some franchisors will be willing to help you finance the business operation. When you are conducting your research of a franchise or business opportunity make sure you also check to see if the franchisor will provide financing for the investment.

If you have any queries relating to franchising and financing sources, please let me know and I’ll write back to you…

Thanks and have a great weekend…!

Franchise Reporter

Some Franchise Business Humor for the weekend…

Be the first to rate this podcast! Every now and again I will be posting a real-life franchisee success story podcast to motivate and inspire you to become America’s next top business owner. Find out how real franchisees are experiencing franchising, how they successfully manage their franchise operation, what advice they have for potential franchisees and why they think its a fantastic idea to invest in a franchise. What are you waiting for…

Need some advice about franchising?

Click here to download & view Sean McGarry’s interview on how you can find the perfect franchise opportunity. Find out the do’s and don’ts of finding a franchise or business opportuntiy with these key tips…