The Educated Franchisee Insider Newsletter

The Educated Franchisee
The How-To Book for Choosing a Winning Franchise February 2010
Author ImageGreetings!

One of the wonderful parts of my business is that I get to speak with lots of people every day.  I get to speak with employees, business owners as well as those in transition.   Each person shares their story and their perspective on the world.  Occasionally a trend shows up - as happened in January this year.
 
Throughout 2009 there was uncertainty.  2010 is starting with focus and determination.  Many entrepreneurs I speak with have seen an uptick in demand.  They are excited and focusing their energies on driving growth.  Prospective entrepreneurs seem to be sensing the same thing and are more focused than ever on discovering the right business.   Job creation is still down but there is a strong trend showing an economy that is ready to move forward once again. 
 
I don't have a crystal ball but if I did, I expect it would show an arrow pointed up.

Best Wishes,
Apple Image
Rick Bisio
Link ImageSmall-Business Owners Say SBA Capital Was critical
 
Congress has expanded the Small Business Administration's loan-guarantee program, upping the guaranteed loan amount from 75% to 90%, and is now considering extending the changes beyond February, when they are due to run out.

This article explores other changes Congress is considering for SBA loans and how the current program has affected two restaurateurs.

Link ImageFear of Success Can Attract Failure
 
If the fear that you are experiencing is related to doubt, that is a good fear because it makes you check and recheck every little detail to avoid failure. However, if you are feeling the fear of success, it's best to deal with it immediately.

As strange as it may seem, there are folks who are afraid of success. When that's the case, you can set yourself up to attract conditions to support your failure. It's like a self fulfilling prophecy

Link Image9 Secrets of Motivated People
   
Real-life strategies that will help you to actually accomplish the goals you've set for yourself this year.

New year, new you. It's the perennial January catchphrase that holds such conquer-the-world promise. And then, well, you get sidetracked with conquering your to-do list. But even the loftiest resolutions (running a marathon, writing a book) don't have to fall by the wayside come February. Staying motivated and achieving what you set out to do on that bright New Year's Day is surprisingly possible. Just follow these nine mantras, provided by researchers who study motivation and backed up by women who have used them to realize their biggest ambitions.

Link ImageA Tale of Two Studies: Do Recessions Lead to More Startups?
 

Do people start businesses more frequently as a result of recessions? You might think so, but a new study just released by the Ewing Marion Kauffman Foundation suggests otherwise.

The study Exploring Firm Formation: Why Is the Number of New Firms Constant? shows that the level of new firm formation has remained virtually consistent from year to year for more than 30 years.


The Book
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There is a reality in life.  Greater knowledge drives better decisions and better decisions reduce business risk.  Franchising is all about risk reduction but not all franchises are low risk.  The Educated Franchisee is designed to empower you.  By following the advice and guidance presented in this book you will recognize high quality franchises and confidently pass over those that are not.

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Thank You
 
Thanks for your interest in business ownership.  If there is anything we can do to improve this newsletter or any articles that you think would be valuable to our membership, please let us know.  Some of our best ideas come from our members.
 
Contact Information
 
Author - Rick Bisio
,  [email protected]