Well, I have one foot out the door and am ready for a vacation. How about you?

Latest news is that The Educated Franchisee was featured on Page 11 and 12 of the July edition of Bottom Line Personal. Bottom Line Personal is a 32 year old investment magazine specializing in 'Inside Information From The World's Best Experts' (their catch line, not mine).

This subscription based newsletter is produced on a monthly basis and provides advice on a number of topics. If you wish to take a look at the article, click here.

Thought for the day.

As you go through your day today, ask yourself 'Am I living an empowered life? As well as claiming the victories, do I also accept full responsibility for the losses? Do I tend to blaming others when something does not go my way?'

If you are blaming others, then create a plan to retake control. Remember, 'if you don't know where you are going, any road will get you there'. Figure out where you are going, accept the fact that you are fully responsible for your life, and then do it. I know it sounds obvious, but only you can make it happen.

Hope you enjoy this month's newsletter. Have a great summer.

Respectfully, 

How business-friendly is your state? A new study offers some answers.

In partnership with the Kauffman Foundation, Thumbtack.com conducted a survey of over 6,000 owners of small businesses (most with 5 or fewer employees) throughout the U.S..The survey focused on how small business owners viewed the economic climate and overall environment facing them in their specific regions.  

Business owners were asked to rate their cities and states across a number of different categories that affect the success of small businesses. Their responses were then converted into numerical scores and ultimately each region was assigned a grade--A+ through F--for each category in the survey.

The United States unemployment rate may be stuck for another month at 8.2%, but historical stats from Ernst & Young point to economic strength among entrepreneurs.

Ernst & Young reports that among the 636 companies competing for its nationwide Entrepreneur of the Year award, hiring was up 31% in 2011 to nearly 700,000 people, compared to two years earlier, and revenue grew 48% to $165 billion.  

"A lot of these companies are led by entrepreneurs who are visionaries and passionate to bring new ideas to market. They see opportunities others probably have missed," says Bryan Pearce, director of the Entrepreneur of the Year program in the Americas. "You cannot grow at this rate if you're just trying to steal share from someone else."

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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.  Our books are designed to empower you.  By following the advice and guidance presented in our books you will recognize high quality franchises and confidently pass over those that are not.