Giving The Gift Of Entrepreurial Freedom

I read a story in the Boston Globe a couple months ago about the lack of jobs for college graduates getting into the workforce. There are thousands of bright-eyed, entrepreneur-minded, young adults just starving to become successful in the current economy and without the ability to do so.

 Some of these folks are going back to school for their Master’s or Doctorate, mostly because they are waiting for the economy to turn around, but a select few are taking a different path. Many parents are beginning to invest in low cost franchise concept for their kids to become business owners. The idea is that for the same amount of money it would cost to send their son or daughter to get their graduate degree, they could be helping them in the real world with a new business that could create more opportunity than they dreamed of.

 The idea of hard working, young upstarts with the drive and the energy to get a small franchise business up and running has been gaining appeal. With the systems in place from the franchisor and new generation of people fully absorbed into the social media platform, these parents are able to provide something that many not only benefit they children, but generations to come.

Today's Students, Next Year's Entrepreneurs

 One of the businesses we represent, Mosquito Squad, is in that “low-investment franchise” category and a part of the Top 50 Low Cost Opportunities for 2009 by Franchise Business Review. With a home based business that has low overhead, a simple business model and low cost of entry, its not surprising that we are having younger entrepreneurs show an interest in this newer concept.

 As you are thinking about what to get your child this holiday season, think about what their goals are, after school, 5 and 10 years from now. Do they want to create a business that they can live off of, enjoy and one day sell or pass on? Are they majoring in marketing or business management and aren’t getting the job offers out of the gate? Then you may want to consider giving them the gift of entrepreneurial freedom.

 

 

Franchise Businesses are Important to Economic Growth

The US Conference of Mayors held its first meeting in January to discuss the impact of franchises on economic growths, as reported by the IFA.

Recent data has shown that the franchising industry is ahead of many other sectors in terms of creating new businesses, new jobs, and more economic output, even in a recession. In fact, during the 2000 and 2001 economic downturn, franchise businesses grew 40% compared to the 26% growth for other business sectors, and jobs grew 12.5% compared to 3.5%.

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To start your own franchise business, take a look at the Outdoor Living Brands website. There are 3 options to choose from, all with detailed business plans. Clearly, there is no better time than now to get into franchising.

 

Deck Safety is a Need, Not a Want…

One of the defining issues I have found with any investment a family makes in the exterior living industry has been assessing needs versus wants. While homeowners typically want something spectacular regarding the aesthetics of their home, in the current economy, people are typically asking… “Do I need this?” This is a complex question, but I would like to take a stab at answering this as best I can.

 

If you have a deck or screened porch on your house right now, the needs associated with owning that deck are typically (1) Is it safe? (2) Has it been well maintained? (3) Was the original project installed and permitted correctly? In 2009, Archadeck has begun a Deck Inspection Initiative throughout the United States to answer that question. The catchphrase is simple- “Will It Hold Uncle Harry?”  For a nominal fee, an Archadeck representative will come to your house and evaluate the deck structure you currently own.

 

With over 28 years in the deck & porch industry, Archadeck has always been at the forefront of safety in outdoor living spaces. From improper installation of flashing to wobbling rail posts, the Archadeck representative will go through your existing deck with a fine toothed comb and then make some recommendations based on what they observe.

 

Knowing that your old deck may have had one too many seasons, before your next family cookout, you may want to ask yourself this question about your deck…

 

Will It Hold Uncle Harry?

 

The Archadeck business opportunity is available in select markets through the U.S. and Canada.