How My Franchise Consulting Business Has Changed (Part II)

(Me, this year)

As I mentioned in Part 1 of this post, going out on my own was a wise decision. I can really do my own thing. I get to choose which franchisors I work with. I can use any type of marketing I want.

I am totally independent. This fits my personality. I was not a
good franchisee. I've always marched to the beat of a different drum,
and the older I get, this trait seems to be getting even more
magnified.

I still focus my efforts towards franchise matchmaking, but I've also branched out.

Here's what I do in addition to franchise matchmaking;

• Franchise marketing. I help franchisors get noticed.
• Writing and reporting. I now write monthly columns about every facet of franchising on these powerful websites; SBA.Gov, Small Business Trends, and OPEN Forum By American Express.
• I run my own network of franchise blogs and websites.
• I am the community promotions director for Small Business Trends
• I've become a trusted franchise/small business resource for newspapers, magazines, television stations, and radio stations, all over the country. Look
  

When I first started in this area of franchising, (I came from the automobile franchise business)
I barely knew what email was, let alone the internet. My Dad had a
realllllly slow PC at the office, along with a realllllly slow internet
connection that took almost 15 minutes to connect. About 10% of my time
was spent on the computer. The other 90% of my time was spent
networking with others, both on the phone, and in-person, presenting
seminars and classes about franchise ownership, and meeting with
prospective franchise owners.

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Now, almost 80% is spent on the computer, writing, Tweeting, and
networking on LinkedIn and Facebook. The other 20% of my time involves
meeting with prospective franchise owners both in-person, and on the
phone, doing franchise marketing, and presenting seminars and classes
on franchising, like this one I just did in Cleveland, for Execunet, a
job/career network for downsized six-figure executives;

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Most pet franchise opportunities aren't worth your time. This one is different — and most people never even hear about it. Low investment. Serious support. Real upside.
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COULD INVESTING IN A FRANCHISE OF YOUR OWN BE THE ANSWER?

December 15th, 8:30am, Execunet. Rockside Road, Independence Ohio

Speaker: Joel Libava

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I love presenting seminars and classes on franchising. I've always felt comfortable in front of crowds. Someday, I'd like to travel around the country, giving talks on franchising. I have a blast, and so does my audience.

It's a great feeling to know that I may have helped some folks who were thinking about getting into a franchise business of their own, with some free tips on how to go about doing it right.

In addition, I wrote an eBook titled, "The Essential Steps To Researching A Franchise Opportunity." Here's a review of it.

The amount of writing that I do about franchising and small business is certainly something that I never planned on doing. I wasn't formally trained on how to write, and I hope it doesn't show. Actually, I am going to share something with you that most people don't know;

I didn't graduate from college. I got as far as three semesters at Cleveland State University, and left. Sometimes I feel that things may have been different if I had applied myself, and had actually cared about getting a formal education back then. Sometimes it makes me sad.

I'm a guy that believes in the statement that "everything happens the way it's supposed to." Usually. I don't however, believe the statement above when people die way too young, or when other really bad stuff happens. (But, it's not like I'm in control of stuff like that, anyway)

On a positive note, I did graduate from The Ohio School Of Broadcast Technique. I'm blessed with a good set of pipes, and I was able to secure some on-air work in Radio-TV when I was younger. I even wrote and produced some commercials. That was a blast.

My other goal, and this would be my personal "home run", is to have a nationally syndicated radio show about small business and franchising, that I run, I control, and is so powerful and transparent, that sponsors have to be put on a waiting list to get to spend money on my show.

In summation, I am doing so many different things now, as opposed to when I first started in franchise consulting, that it's mind-boggling. I'm having a blast, and I'm helping to promote franchising the right way. I'm transparent in my dealings, both professionally and personally, and I subscribe to a personal code of ethics which states that whatever I do in my business must benefit the other party.

I am stubborn, hard-headed, and I'm not afraid to call out those that are less than professional, or are just plain liars.

I have become a King. The Franchise King® Someone very influential called me that one day, and it stuck. Then someone pressed me to get it registered as a trademark. I did. Thank you, Jim.

I love franchising, and it's potential. For the right person, it can be a terrific way to get some freedom and control back in their life. The right opportunity can build equity for that person, while at the same time bringing jobs and revenue to the local community that they are located in.

Thank you for letting me share this with you.

I'm curious; Has your business changed, too? Are you doing what you thought you would be doing when you started your current venture?

Work with me