Franchising is a $700-plus billion industry that features hundreds of thousands of companies from a wide variety of industries. According to the International Franchise Association’s (IFA) 2011 Outlook report, the franchising industry is projected to grow 2.5 percent this year—providing a fertile ground for individuals looking to be self-employed. I bet now you’re wondering how you get a piece of the multi-billion dollar pie.

Perhaps, you already own a concept that you’re considering to franchise, or maybe are interested in joining a franchise system with an already proven model. The following will take you through the steps to franchising your concept and evaluating what franchise opportunity would be best to pursue.

Read more: Living the American Dream through Franchising

The core social networks have different audiences, so give them what they expect to see.

By Judi Cutrone

Too many brands follow a one-size-fits-all strategy when it comes to their social media content. It seems innocuous enough, not to mention efficient; instead of spending time crafting multiple pieces of content, the brand will simply post the same piece of content across all their social media networks.

Read more: Social Media

Whether you’re a major chain, a one-off restaurant in the burbs, or the trendy venture of a serial investor with a marquee chef whose name makes people nod appreciatively, you’ve got something to say. Right?
You’ve got a proprietary process, a new idea, a craveable flavor or some kind of differentiation from the restaurants just up the way. Let’s assume you have a general idea why people like you.
    
Now what? Time for ads? Social media promotions? Slick packaging, stylishly rough-hewn décor, maybe some coupons in the local shoved-it-in-your-mailbox jumble-pack amongst the muffler shops and carpet cleaners? Word-of-mouth, as if people are constantly talking about restaurants their friends should try (some people are)?

Read more: Getting the word out