Many Americans dream of entering the business world, but don’t know how to get started. Giving up one job to start from the bottom in another sector isn’t always realistic, and those with little experience might not know how to run a solvent business. For them, buying a franchise could be the best opportunity available.

Many franchises promise little risk — one oft-cited statistic is that 95 percent of franchises succeed, while 90 percent of independent businesses fail. But this statement rings false. In fact, the International Franchise Association (IFA) asked franchises to stop using this misleading statistic in 2005. There is a risk in starting any business, even a new franchise location.

But that doesn’t mean that franchises don’t succeed. According to the IFA, franchises operated 909,253 establishments, provided 11 million jobs and contributed $278.6 billion in payroll between 2001 and 2005, the last year for which information is available.

According to FranchiseMart/Biz1Brokers, a business that matches prospects with franchise opportunities, franchises work best for people with some start-up money, but little or no business experience. The franchisee can take advantage of the franchise’s proven business methodology, training and management support to learn how to run their business successfully. Franchises also offer greater exposure, thanks to national media campaigns, and cost sharing that can lower overhead. All in all, franchises offer greater security to the first-time business person, especially in today’s rough economy.

Would-be franchises should look for franchises that offer thorough training and continuous support. For example, United Franchise Group, which owns multiple franchises, including Signarama, Billboard Connection, Plan Ahead Events and Embroid Me, enrolls its franchisees in a mentorship program, so new franchisees can get advice from successful franchise owners. Proven marketing, a good success rate and a strong brand also indicate a franchise that’s worth an investment.

Of course, finding the right franchise is the first step towards success. Those interested in buying a franchise should look at businesses that suit their skills, personality traits and budget.

Why Consider a Franchise?
Franchises provide proven business models. With a first business, it stands to reason that your business model will need adjustments. But when you purchase a franchise, you buy a business that knows how to operate. Franchises have a track record of success.

Franchises come with built-in name recognition. Any successful franchise has spent years building its brand name and gaining public recognition. That means that the public immediately trusts new franchise locations. Instead of spending time and energy just getting the word out, you can devote yourself to running your business.

Franchises offer financial advantages. Franchises can buy items in bulk, reducing costs for individual locations. Additionally, banks may be more willing to provide funding for a franchise than an independent business.

Franchises offer training and support. For example, UFG employs a group of trained support specialists who travel to stores around the world to assist in everything from basic operation to business development. UFG also uses a mentorship program to help new franchisees. The company selects highly successful franchisees to advise new stores on opening, technical questions and other issues, as well as to provide motivation.

If owning a business sounds attractive, buying a franchise might just be the way to go. But it’s important to do your research. For additional facts about UFG, http://www.unitedfranchisegroup.com.

Is it easier to climb Mount Everest than to start a small business in America today? More than 65 percent of Americans think so, according to a recent survey. Yet 70 percent also believe small businesses are more likely to turn around the economy than the federal government, reveals the survey by Wakefield Research conducted on behalf of e-commerce platform Alibaba.com.

“Historically, recessions have proven very fruitful times to start a small business,” says David Wei, chief executive officer of Alibaba.com. “As the data show, Americans strongly believe in the power of small businesses to positively impact the economy. However, misconceptions and lack of understanding about the global marketplace may be holding some would-be entrepreneurs back from starting their own small businesses.”

Experts say that anyone, including recent college graduates, can still start a small business in the U.S. All it takes is some knowledge and support. Wei offers some advice for starting a small business or helping an existing small business achieve success in global trade:

While more than 60 percent of survey respondents said they would advise their recent college graduate children to take a job they dislike and wait for the economy to improve, Wei says creating your own opportunities will be more rewarding. “Yes, the economy appears to be improving, but unemployment is still high,” he says. “Don’t rely on big corporations for employment. Create your own opportunities.” A recession is actually a good time to start a business, history shows; corporate giants like Microsoft, Disney and Proctor & Gamble all started in poor economic times, and more than half of all Dow Jones 30 companies launched during a recession.

Identify a consumer need. While people generally spend less during an economic downturn, businesses that offer necessary products and services can do well. Before starting your own business, identify must-have markets and products.

Take advantage of technology to research, develop and market your ideas. You can engage in product development, social networking, targeted search advertising and compete in the global marketplace with just a few clicks of a mouse.

Get smart about production costs and broadening your opportunities. You can enter the global marketplace online with sites like Alibaba.com, which allows you to engage in global trade and market your product or service internationally, or buy supplies or services securely and cost-effectively from overseas vendors.

Take advantage of free resources such as non-profits and government agencies that offer free business counseling services. Look up your local SCORE office, Small Business Association or Small Business Development Center.

Never stop learning and taking advantage of opportunities like Alibaba.com’s Entrepreneur Abroad Program. This year the program sponsors 50 Kairos Society students who will travel to China in September. There they will engage in a full day of coursework on international trade taught by experts from around the world, participate in a global summit that will allow them to rub elbows with business leaders in international trade and take part in a discussion of major issues confronting small businesses globally.

Still not convinced you can start a successful small business in this economic environment? Jonathan Shriftman, a 2010 graduate from the University of Southern California, did exactly that. Shriftman found biking around campus an affordable way to get around. He also recognized a potentially profitable niche producing bicycles for the student market. Working from his dorm room, he researched his idea online, contacted manufacturers through Alibaba.com’s small business portal, and had his enterprise – Sole Bicycles – up and running in no time. The bikes are built overseas and shipped to Shriftman, who is able to sell them for a quarter of the price of his competitors’ products.

“With 66 percent of our survey respondents saying the federal government’s efforts to create jobs have not been effective, now is definitely the time for would-be entrepreneurs to take the plunge,” Wei says. “Every new business begun in the recession means new jobs will be created – and that’s something that benefits us all.”

To learn more about starting your own business and participating in global trade, visit http://success.alibaba.com.

Starting a home business is the first step of a 10,000 mile journey that will challenge you as a person, test your strength and will, and lead you into the unknown. You are guaranteed to find yourself in situations in which you will be frightened, uncomfortable, and wishing you had never started. Do not despair, for if you undertake that journey, and persist, you will find yourself growing as a person, stronger and smarter than you have ever been, and eventually, after enduring many hardships, you just might end up extremely rich. So start now, with no money down, and learn to sell yourself in the whatever business that makes sense for you now; even as you keep one eye always fixed on the big picture and the rewards that lie ahead.

Keep it Simple
Your new business shouldn’t require re-inventing the wheel. Instead, try by starting with every-day problems that people you already know face. The process of brainstorming for your new business consists of three simple steps. Step one, determine what people need. Step two, dream up a solution to their problems. Make sure that is that it is simple, affordable, and that you are able to provide it. Step Three, the most important step, determine if they really would pay for it.

If you are looking for inspiration, make a list of your strengths, interests, and skills. Then do some brainstorming of ways you could use these talents to serve others. Finally, take a look at the listings for Craigslist of various large cities and see what services people are offering. Chances are great that you’ll find someone doing something that will make you say, “now why didn’t I think of that?” Then contact that person, flatter the hell out of them, and ask them for advice. Most people love a good sucking up to, and are happy to help out someone interested in what they do, especially if they plan to work in a market that doesn’t directly compete with their own!

Start it Cheap
I have a buddy that is an excellent chef and loves food. Of course, he dreams of owning his own restaurant someday. So what’s the problem? Well, he never can come up with the capital that a restaurant would require. The reality is that he is just a dreamer that will always use the cost issue as an excuse for not actually doing anything.

If you put your mind to it, you could easily think of dozens of businesses that a talented guy with a genius for food could start up for almost no capital and make some cash. He could teach guys how to put together a meal (complete with wine) guaranteed to impress a date or the future in-laws, he could teach people how to cook specialty items, he could cater parties, he could make up recipes that take advantage of hot current interests like organic food, local food, vegan food, raw food, instant gourmet foods, etc. He could write about food, he could sell specialty kitchen products for the at-home gourmet. Wow, I almost wish that I knew how to cook! The point is, your creativity and willingness to work are the product here, take advantage and build the business from the ground up.

Be Ready to Sell Yourself
One of the greatest challenges to new entrepreneurs in making the transition from employee to business owner is in selling themselves and their business. Whatever your business is, you will have to be prepared to do some selling and self-promotion, you will have to speak with potential clients and you will have to get the word out about what you are offering. If the idea of this strikes terror in your heart, relax, because you’re not alone. Do, however, be prepared to conquer this fear before you can achieve success as an entrepreneur. There are lots of ways to do this, but perhaps the most effective of them is to get out there with a product or service that you believe in and look for opportunities to tell people about it.

Start Small, Think Big
The biggest misconception is that starting small means thinking small. Exactly the opposite is true, almost all great entrepreneurs started with a small business that they build up into something huge. In fact, the first product is usually only the first step to becoming an entrepreneur, a way for you to get experience and learn the ropes. As Robert Kiyosaki says, “there are no bad business and investment opportunities, but there are bad entrepreneurs and investors.” As you gain experience, keep tweaking and improving your business and challenging yourself as an entrepreneur and bigger and bigger opportunities will present themselves.

There Will Never Be a Better Time than NOW!
The economy sucks, junior was just born, we’re getting ready to move, we don’t have enough money, we don’t have enough time; there are always dozens of reasons to put things off until later, to plan and dream without taking real and concrete action. Excuses, I hate them and don’t want to hear them. I’ve got enough of my own to get past! Kiyosaki, true to form, also has great advice for starting now, “your future is created by what you do today, not tomorrow.”

About the Author:
Tyler Wells, C.P.A. is a practicing accountant with a passion for helping entrepreneurs realize their dreams. He is also the owner of WebBizFinance.com, your source for solutions to your accounting, finance, and business problems.

If starting a business conjures up visions of spending thousands of dollars on setup costs before you ever open your doors, you’re in for a pleasant surprise.

Technology innovations have made it easy to leverage your skills into a business, and money no longer has to stand in the way of your dream. Cloud computing and the ability to work virtually has made starting a business on a shoestring more possible today than at any other time in history.

There are a few key items that every business needs to get up and running. The good news is that for under $100 you can have all the right tools to get your business started:

Business Phone Service. A business phone service projects a professional image with your customers from day one and helps you appear as an established organization. For just $9.99 a month, RingCentral (www.ringcentral.com) provides more business-class services than you get from expensive office phone systems. Services include multiple extensions, a toll-free or local number, voicemail with e-mail delivery, call forwarding, Internet fax, click-to-call, dial-by-name directory and more.

Online Server and File Sharing. Purchasing a professional-grade server is expensive. Fortunately, unless you are planning to run your own hosting company you can skip the expense of a physical server and the IT staff needed to maintain it. Egnyte (www.egnyte.com) offers a virtual server for file storage, backup and collaboration for only $15 per month. The service enables you to back up your business data, store files and even share files with customers and partners.

Connecting with Customers. E-mail marketing is a cost-effective and efficient way to get in front of your prospects and customers or remain top of mind through ongoing communication. Start your business off right by using an e-mail marketing service like Constant Contact (www.constantcontact.com) to build trust with your best customers through regular newsletters, promotional offers, event announcements, online surveys and other outreach. Constant Contact services start at less than $15 a month.

Web site Hosting. You can establish an instant business presence with a Web site and e-mail. A professional-looking Web site will help you compete against larger, more established businesses. It is your online corporate office, but unlike physical real estate, it will not cost you a fortune (around $10 a month).

The right tools, an idea, initiative and $100 can kick off a business today. There are ways to leverage great technology without burning a hole in your wallet.

Here are some safe, secure options — all of them free — that can help make your computer more productive, useful and fun:

Firefox Browser:
(www.GetFireFox.com) — Get onto the Internet with this alternative to Windows Internet Explorer that is compatible with both Macs and PCs. It is fast and secure and allows you to download lots of free plug-ins that provide information, social media integration and multimedia capabilities.

TweetDeck:
(www.TweetDeck.com) — This free program enables you to easily manage, monitor and post to all of your social media networks, including Facebook, Twitter and MySpace, from one place.

Trillian:
(www.Trillian.im) — Not everyone uses the same instant message service. You might use AOL while your friend uses Yahoo. Trillian lets you combine all of your instant message accounts — AOL, Yahoo, MSN, ICQ and IRC — into one program. Recently updated, it can integrate your Facebook and Twitter accounts, too.

LogMeIn:
(www.LogMeIn.com) — The free version of LogMeIn lets you securely access your computer from anywhere in the world. Want to check your home computer while you’re on the road? Go to a web browser from any Internet-enabled computer or mobile device, and log in to your account to instantly connect and access any programs, files, photos or music on your desktop.

Windows Live Desktop:
(www.WindowsLive.com/desktop) — Windows 7, which will be loaded on many new computers and mobile devices this year, does not include its own email program. Instead, Microsoft offers a mail program as a free download from this site, along with other programs, including a photo organizer and an application for creating videos.

Picnik:
(www.Picnik.com) — Picnik is a free alternative to Photoshop and offers photo-editing capabilities such as cropping, resizing, sharpening and red-eye reduction. You can add special effects, fonts, or various shapes to turn your precious memory into a work of art. Google’s Picasa is another good option for free photo-editing software.

Any or all of these programs will immediately add value to your Mac, PC or laptop — at absolutely no cost.

Do your homework first and check out product reviews from reputable technology sites such as CNET’s Download.com to find out more about free and safe software options before you install them on your computer.

Jobs are few and far between these days, so more people are hanging out their own shingle and starting a business.

But not everyone is cut out to be an entrepreneur. Hours can be long, starting up can be expensive and there’s no guarantee for success. But for many, the satisfaction of being their own boss is priceless.

“The rewards of successfully operating a business are phenomenal,” says Jim Hogge, a business adviser in one of the most entrepreneurial states in the country–Idaho, which ranks fifth in the nation for new startup businesses.

Hogge, director of Idaho’s Small Business Development Centers, says certain factors need to come together in order for entrepreneurs to be successful.

So what does it take to be an entrepreneur?

Here are some questions to ask yourself before starting a business:

1. Can you be a leader? Do you have the vision, passion, discipline, organizational skills and the motivation to work through the good and bad times?
2. The average entrepreneur works 67 hours per week. Are you willing to devote the time to make the venture successful?
3. The founder typically provides 25-35 percent of the funds needed to start a business. Do you have access to this much money?
4. Do you have experience in operating this type of business or a similar business? It is challenging to start a business without having to learn everything about the business as you go.
5. Entrepreneurship is a family endeavor. The business will initially take much of your time and can be a lonely journey. Will your family provide the support you will need?
6. Is your location helping you? Choosing a place with low taxes, access to university assistance, a dedicated workforce and low energy and business costs is more important than ever when every dollar counts.

“The entrepreneur can build something that is enduring and financially rewarding,” says Hogge. “Most importantly, there is a great deal of enjoyment, satisfaction and even fun in building your own business.”

To learn more, visit http://www.commerce.idaho.gov/building-your-business.

Grab a camera, or find a person with a camera and have them make a video about your start up business. It could be worth up to $750 to you!

ActualJobsActualPeople.com showcases people at work. These individuals are dedicated and passionate, they take pride in their work, and they do it well and have fun doing it.

They are interested in seeing folks at their job and have them share their experience with viewers.

Here’s what they are looking for:

• A well lit video that is no longer than 5 minutes in length with clear sound.
• The video can be of you or anyone you know that you have written permission to record.
• Subject of your video must be an Actual Person at their Actual Start Up Job.
• For samples of other acceptable videos go to: actualjobsactualpeople.com
• Submissions must be received by 11:59pm PST on July 1st, 2010.

As businesses rebuild from the economic storm, lessons can be learned from companies that not only survived but thrived during the worst of the downturn.

A group of those companies say one key to their success is remaining committed to strong employee benefits in good times and bad. In fact, they view benefits as more of an investment than an expense.

The companies have been recognized by a national program for excelling in helping employees feel financially secure: The Principal 10 Best Companies for Employee Financial Security.

“Investing in quality people and having them stay with us for the long term helps us produce a better product and a better service,” said Steve McDermott, CEO, PriMed Management Consulting Services, one of The Principal 10 Best.

“Folks will remember how you treat them during times of stress. Even though in the short run we may spend more on benefits, in the long run it will pay off for us,” explained Jeff Walker, CEO, Shenandoah Shared Hospital Services, a 10 Best winner.

While the recent recession brought significant financial pressures to bear, the winning companies found the right balance between budgets and benefits. A majority of them devote a high share–30 to 40 percent–of their total compensation budget to benefits.

“The Principal 10 Best know that strong benefits can help attract and retain employees, reduce turnover, enhance productivity, increase customer satisfaction and, ultimately, boost the bottom line–even during difficult times,” said Luke Vandermillen, vice president of the Principal Financial Group, sponsor of the 10 Best program.

The companies are benefiting from their investment. The average voluntary turnover rate of The Principal 10 Best over the five-year period through 2008 was just under 9 percent. That compares to an average voluntary employee turnover rate of just over 22 percent among all U.S. companies over the same time frame, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics.

“We are committed to providing the best benefits package we can. How can we expect our employees to take exceptional care of our customers if we aren’t taking exceptional care of our employees?” said Bob Smith, CEO, Psychological Assessment Resources (PAR, Inc.) and 10 Best winner.

The companies are sharing their stories in a new booklet available for free at http://www.principal.com/10best. Companies that think their benefits best practices deserve national recognition can fill out the entry form available at http://www.principal.com/10best.

Given the state of the U.S. economy, you might assume that turning your hobby into a small business right now isn’t the best idea. On the contrary, launching your own small business in a down economy can be a very smart move — if you plan in advance and set yourself up for success from the start.

Here are 10 tips that all budding entrepreneurs can follow to make their dreams of owning a small business a reality in 2010:

1. Develop a business plan
While preparing a business plan is a requirement for any small business owner seeking to raise start-up funding through a traditional loan or venture capital, every business can benefit from this practice. Your business plan should define your business, its products and services, while outlining your business goals, operating procedures and competition.

2. Consider incorporating your business or forming an LLC
While many small businesses choose never to incorporate, there are many benefits to doing so. “Incorporating your business or forming a limited liability corporation (LLC) is important because it helps protect your personal assets from business debts and liabilities,” says Karen Kobelski, general manager of BizFilings, a full-service online incorporation service provider offering small business owners fast, easy and economical ways to form a corporation or other business structure online or by phone. “However, incorporating isn’t just about protecting your personal assets; other benefits of incorporation include tax advantages and greater credibility with customers and business partners, which can give incorporated businesses a much-needed advantage over non-incorporated operations.”

3. Select an accountant and attorney
Many small business owners seek advice from accountants and attorneys. As you research your options, get referrals from friends and family and turn to professionals who have worked with other small business owners or companies in your specific industry.

4. Get necessary tax identification numbers, business licenses and permits
If your small business will rely on employees, a federal tax identification number or employer identification number (EIN) is required. Most businesses will also require licenses and/or permits to operate in your city, municipality, county and/or state.

5. Insure your business and investigate other requirements
Some industries have specific insurance requirements — do your homework. It’s also important to research additional government tax and insurance requirements that might apply to your business, particularly if you plan on having employees.

6. Open a business bank account
When you own your own business, it’s crucial to separate business finances from personal ones, so opening a business account is key. If your business is not incorporated, most banks will require a DBA (doing business as); contact your bank about requirements prior to opening an account.

7. Arrange your business accounting and apply for loans
It is critical to properly account for all business disbursements, payments received, invoices, etc., whether you use an accountant or handle the finances yourself. If you don’t have enough capital to start a business, seek funding from banks or through Small Business Administration (SBA) loan programs.

8. Establish a business line of credit
Establishing business credit will help reduce the number of times your company prepays for purchased products/services and helps establish a strong credit history, a beneficial practice when negotiating vendor and supplier relationships.

9. Ready your workspace
For home-based small businesses, make sure that you are meeting the zoning requirements for your area. Non-home-based businesses will likely require office space, which could lead to the purchase/lease of furniture and office equipment. Planning for this in advance will ensure that you have enough money to cover these costs.

10. Create a brand identity and start marketing your business
To diversify your business from the competition, you should establish your company’s identity and start publicizing your products and services. Consider developing a unique business logo to include on business cards and letterhead, advertising your business in the local telephone directory, and developing customer leads — from friends, family, and business associates. These activities will help potential customers find and remember your business and should reflect the personality of your organization.

Don’t put your dreams of financial independence and doing what you love on hold until the world starts turning in your favor; start planning for your future today.

– Courtesy of ARA

Creating a business plan and doing it well can help your new venture raise money, recruit good people, and focus your own thinking.

Before you begin, talk with investors and entrepreneurs. Even those who would not back you financially could have valuable ideas, according to Dyan Machan of Smart Money. And talk with prospective customers to see if your idea needs fine tuning.

• Present your plan to a carefully selected audience. Focus on one industry or one problem.
• Keep it interesting. Start with a well-designed first page and don’t let your listeners get bored.
• Be realistic. Oversized income projections will make you less believable. Don’t make promises you can’t keep.
• Recognize your competition. Take into account forces that will compete with your product or service.
• Avoid repeating the same idea or fact in different forms. Use colorful language and imagery to describe your venture.
• Discuss your ideas and goals in simple, specific terms that almost anyone would understand. In INC., California business consultant Akira Hirai recommends avoiding a lot of jargon.
• Make certain that every fact about your industry, the market and competitors is accurate. Be sure any chart in your plan is consistent with other material.

Before presenting the business plan, have an experienced person check it for any mistake or inconsistency. Create a plan that expresses your idea and your personality. It should be one that states your case, that you are comfortable with, and that you can discuss.

As 50-plus job seekers struggle to find employment and their need for income continues, many are interested in starting their own business.

Their challenge is where to look for information to help them determine the right business for their interests, needs and investment capital. Starting your own business can be a challenging but rewarding endeavor. Planning for success is one of the best ways to ensure your efforts will be profitable. Make sure you do the research at the beginning.

Boomers, seniors and retirees struggling to find employment are fast considering entrepreneurship as a way to develop a critical and satisfying income source. But they’re also struggling with something else – how to determine the right business for their interests, needs and the capital they have to invest.

“There are all kinds of ways to start a business, but some are more appropriate than others, especially if you are 50-plus,” said Art Koff, founder of www.RetiredBrains.com. “Whether you choose to buy an existing business, start one from scratch, freelance or do direct selling with a company like Avon, Mary Kay, Silpada or The Papered Chef, all require a different approach and should be researched carefully. Success tomorrow means starting right today.”

“Starting your own business can be a challenging but rewarding endeavor. Planning for success is one of the best ways to ensure your efforts will be profitable. Make sure you do the research at the beginning,” he continued.

That’s why resources like Koff’s web site – a job and information source for boomers, retirees and people planning their retirement – can be invaluable.

“We have researched a great deal of information devoted to making the selection process easier, while at the same time including a list of do’s and don’ts to help people avoid the pitfalls and scams often associated with investing in a new business,” Koff said. “This is particularly important for those who have never worked in their own business.”

With their inherent guidance and support, franchise opportunities are often a popular option for many seniors, retirees and boomers looking to start their own business. But not all franchises are a good fit for retired seniors and boomers, Koff said.
RetiredBrains.com offers a “Start Your Own Business” section that lists franchises appropriate for retirees, boomers and seniors, along with important advice, like the reminder that while it’s great to be your own boss, it’s a risky endeavor that often requires long hours.

According to Tom Sagehorn, president of a franchise brokerage and consulting service, “it is necessary that people interested in franchises find the right match for their talents, abilities, interests and resources.”

Enter the phrase “franchise opportunity” into Google, and you’ll get more than a million results, making it extremely difficult for anyone to find the “right” franchise without help from experts like Sagehorn. And, there is no charge for their services because they’re paid by the franchisors, consultants can prove to be an effective and affordable resource for seniors, boomers and retirees trying to decide which franchises is best for them.

RetiredBrains.com is a valuable source of information and help for older Americans looking to start their own business as it addresses topics as diverse as:

• Research guidance
• Direct sales information
• Advice about opening an office in your home, condo or apartment
• Choosing the “right” franchise

For more information, visit http://www.retiredbrains.com.