The 8 | October 12, 2018

1. Frantastic: Are you thinking about becoming a franchisee? That’s Frantastic news! But, before taking the leap, there are a lot of things you need to consider. We broke down 10 things that entrepreneurs need to know before becoming franchisees, including understanding how the franchisor operates, reading the franchise disclosure document and the importance of connecting with other franchisees. To check out the full list, head to 1851.

2. Franlebrity: We’re calling out two Franlebrities this week who are both franchisees. 1851 spoke with Lisa Almeida, a franchise owner with Freedom Boat Club, and Ted Cutting, a Slater’s 50/50 franchisee, to gain insight into the lessons they learned in their first year or business ownership. Some of their top tips for new business owners include ensuring you have enough capital and trusting your gut and your franchisor’s proven system, even if things don’t go as planned.

3. Frash Money: Making an operational mistake can cost a franchise brand a lot of Frash Money. To help brands avoid making those costly mistakes, 1851 broke down five common operational blunders and how to avoid them. Top tips for success include thoroughly vetting franchise candidates, awarding the right amount of territory and providing enough franchisee training.

4. Frant of the Week: As No Limit Agency* CEO Nick Powills mentioned in last week’s Frant, signs of the next recession — and even the next Great Depression — are here. In this week’s Frant, Powills continues to explain why this is an opportunity for franchisors. The prayer for the next recession, and in turn, depression, is because that’s the time when most buyers become active. There’s especially opportunity for brand growth alongside middle managers who have a drive to build wealth in their careers.

5. Franch Forward: McDonald’s franchisees are thinking about Franching Forward through their own independent franchise association. Sources confirmed to the Wall Street Journal that the fast food giant’s local owners met to discuss the possibility of forming their own group because they’re concerned with cash flow, as they’ve been spending money in efforts to increase sales at restaurants, but they aren’t seeing a return on that investment. In a statement to Restaurant Business, McDonald’s said that they’re committed to “constructive, collaborative dialogue” with franchisees.

6. Fran Funny: What’s a ghost’s favorite dessert? I scream.

7. Franspiration: “The thing that I say, especially to young people, is don’t take your education for granted. Let your brain become a sponge and absorb as much as you can because you’re going to need it down the road.” - Bo Jackson on motivating the next generation.

8. Franemies vs. Frands: Is entrepreneurship becoming a Franemy in the U.S.? According to a new study from the Center for American Entrepreneurship and NYU’s Shack Institute of Real Estate, it might be. The study analyzed the flow of venture capital over 100,000 deals between 2005 and 2017, and found that while the U.S. still appears to produce the largest amount of venture capital activity in the world, it’s beginning to stall. In the mid-1990s, the U.S. was responsible for more than 95 percent of global venture capital investment, and at the end of 2017, that percentage dropped to 50.