I have been teaching for years that a networker is ‘someone who is a total resource to everyone you come in contact with”. This is even explained in my book More Leads, available in The National Networker bookstore. Pardon the shameless commercial plug to make a point, but how much of a total resource are you to those in your network? In some instances the networker is a total resource to an entire industry. One industry that I have always felt had much value is the franchise industry. Besides being a training ground for many entrepreneurs over the years, it has been the source of many products and services each of us rely on day-to-day. With that in mind, let me introduce you to Anne Barr, franchise expert and networker extraordinaire from Dallas, Texas.

Ann has over 25 years experience in sales and marketing, six years as a franchisee. She has assisted over 350 business owners and purchasers to achieve their goals in career change, transition and exit strategy. She holds the designation of Certified Business Intermediary from the International Business Brokers Association and Board Certified Broker from the Texas Association of Business Brokers. Anne is active in professional organizations, many networking groups and volunteers for non-profit entities. As owner/operator of four successful businesses, Anne has proven people skills and enjoys helping clients find the right fit in business ownership. In fact, she shared with me that she believes that “franchises are, for entrepreneurs, the greatest step to business ownership”. She is currently a full-time franchise consultant in Dallas and surrounding area.

As you may know the franchise industry is experiencing rapid growth. There are over 5,000 franchise opportunities in 80 different industries. With so many choices it may be both difficult and confusing for anyone looking to make a career transition into franchise ownership. A few years ago I had some close friends who decided to buy a franchise. While I was able to assist them some as a networker, Anne’s expertise and contacts make making the right choice even easier; saving both time and emotional energy.

Factors to consider when evaluating your situation include the thousands of franchise opportunities available, the amount of information and mis-information available, your personal and business goals and preferences, your areas and levels of skills and expertise, your personality traits as they fit into certain industries, as well as exit strategies and overall asset building models. Networking with someone who know this industry is definitely and asset, especially when all it costs is your time.

There are many ways that Anne educates and informs those looking at franchise opportunities. Beside speaking at many networking and civic organizations, universities, and business assistance centers, she hosts seminars which educate and inform attendees about today's business climate, the exploding franchise industry, niche opportunities, master franchises, and more. She also hosts an annual Franchise expo the 1st quarter of every year. Her goal is to help people find the right fit in business ownership and answer the question, “How Do I Find The Right Franchise?”

If you are interested in networking with Anne in your quest to business ownership feel free to go to www.franchisenetwork.net or www.dfwfranchiseexpo.com for some valuable information. By networking with Anne, you are networking with the best in the franchise industry. May your network continue to grow.

 

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