Entrepreneur Magazine has released its list of the top 500 franchises for 2011.  If you want to start a business but the home business route isn’t for then this list may help decide where to go. According to the article the franchise landscape has reflected the general economic one which has resulted in some shakeups to this year’s list.  Some of my favorites are Dunkin Donuts, Subway, and 7 Eleven (notice a trend?).  I am surprised at the number one pick.  Check up the full list here and leave me comment and let me know which franchise you would be interested in opening (and why).

Disclosure Notice: I was a member of WBE.net about 3 years ago.  My membership has been inactive for at least 2 years.  I hve had no further dealings with World Business Exchange or anyone associated with them.  I recieve no financial benefit if you decide to do business with them. 

What is World Business Exchange Network?

According to their site, World Business Exchange Network (WBE) is a company set up to help people that are looking to start and internet import/export trading business that can be run out their home. WBE accomplishes this by providing training to its members on how to research, setup, and execute a trade of goods from one country to another. WBE also provides on-going access to a database it maintains of companies and individuals looking to trade.  Finally, WBE offers coaching/mentoring to assist its members in all aspects of the trade.

How do You make money?

You would take a percentage of the money being paid as fee for setting up the trade. You are, in essence, a middleman or broker that gets paid to bring two parties together. To get a visual of how this process works, click here

Does this business require any special licensing or permits?

Each state has different rules regarding licensing for this type of business so check with your local authority. Additionally, certain countries may have other requirements in order to do business there.  WBE claims to help you navigate these types of situations.

How much does this opportunity cost?

There is one time of $499. With this you get:

• Demonstration Video
• WBE.net user manual
• 1 year coaching and support

Additionally, there is a $25.00 recurring monthly fee for continued access to the WBE trade database.

Is this a franchise?

No. This is an independent business opportunity.  You will need to setup your own business entity in order to do trades.

WHAT’S BEING SAID ABOUT WBE

Ripoff Report:

"…almost 7 years, I still have not closed a deal and I feel that everything Mr. Roby has promised is a lie and a scam. It has not been like "having a garage sale" and I have not come close to closing a deal.

I have been a member since early 2008 and CEO of BT International in the MD/DC area and closed 7 deals in the first 15 months of involvement. The key factor in this business is to be committed and consistent and do lots of research in International Trade. Build relationships with the Ambassadors of the various countries, visit your local Trade Centers in your area, they have staff that will assist you.

‘Their leads are no good because they copy it from some other trade website and 99% are not current or have wrong information, therefore you cannot contact anyone.

Read more…

Programcritique.com

I bought the WBE.net program believing that I was going to be coached every step of the way until I made my first deal. However, I was told that I needed to go back and read a manual. I haven’t made any money with this business since I bought it and the coaching is no good, so I gave up. Also I asked for my money back on the second week. But guess what, NO refunds! I guess I should have checked in to that one before I used my card.

Complaintsboard.com

….In the meantime I was still making my monthly payments and was never late. When I called for help getting started again, I was told that my account was no longer active and had to pay the fee again to be reinstated…

Scam.com

One big Scam, they charge and even when you cancel, they charge you monthly. I joined and was told my account was finished, and I was charged every month after that. Only after looking over my CC statements, I found they had been charging me for over a Year after I canceled. Called them back to say I wanted to get my money back (because I could not activate the members section); they said they will have to call me back later – which they never did… however they did give me access back to the network which I did not want… they just wanted to cover their a.sses.

YouTube
 

Better Business Bureau

WBE currently has D rating with the BBB. They’ve had 9 complaints against them in the last 36 months, mostly regarding refunds. Here’s a excerpt of their report:

Most complainants are dissatisfied with the quality of counseling they receive. Most complain the company fails to respond to requests for assistance, information given is unreliable, or the company fails to adequately answer questions. Other complainants allege that lead information on the website is outdated or fictitious

Read the full report here. 

What is ActionCoach?

Action Coaching is company that offers business and executive coaching to small business owners. In addition to this they also offer the opportunity for business ownership via a franchise ownership model. 

How Do You Make Money?

You purchase an exclusive territory from Action Coach and anyone that seeks coaching from that area will be referred to you. To increase the clients and your revenue, you can hire associate coaches that handle their own client load and you get a percentage of their business.

How much does it cost?

• Total Investment: $68,820-$360,600
• Franchise Fee: $35,000-$275,000
• Royalty Fee: $1,800/mo.
• Term of Agreement: 5 years

Source: Entrepreneur.com

What Kind Of Training and Support is Available?
Training

• Available at headquarters: 10 days
• At various locations: 10 days

Ongoing Support

• Newsletter
• Meetings
• Toll-free phone line
• Internet
• Field operations/evaluations

Marketing Support

• Co-op advertising
• Ad slicks
• National media
• Regional advertising

Source:Entrepreneur.com

What's Being Said About ActionCoach?

Source: ActiveRain

I'm posting the only the 1st positive and the 1st negative comments from this thread but there is ALOT of information here. I strongly suggest you read the entire thread.

I am an Action Coach and the Action system works exceptionally well. I could have started a coaching firm from scratch, but I found that The Action Coach system had everything that I needed to help business owners take their businesses to the next level. So why reinvent the wheel? We are getting massive results for our clients; generally posting a positive ROI in the first 3-6 months. I would suggest that anyone who owns a business go to the find a coach section of our website at actioncoach.com and do just that. By the way, we practice what we preach-I have an Action Coach as well.

Total SCAM artists. Any of the stuff they tell you can be readily found on the internet for FREE. Don't waste your time and money on these frauds.

Source: Ripoff Report

On one of the leading U.S. franchise sites, entrepreneur.com, ActionCoach presently claims it has 1089 franchisees worldwide, including 445 franchisees in the US, .however when you do a verification on the ActionCoach corporate website, http://www.actioncoach.com/coachfinder.php the worldwide total comes to only 834, with only 292 in the U.S. This means ActionCoach overstates its worldwide franchise numbers by 30% and its U.S. franchise numbers by 52% !!!!!
 

YouTube

Better Business Bureau

ActionCOACH  USA, Inc has a A+ rating with the BBB. According to Better Business Bureau's Reliability Report Action Coach has not had a compliant filed against them in the last 36 months.

From Home Business magazine

For most people, recessions are times when they tend to cut back on their spending on promotions. Or perhaps they hold off on expanding their operations until ‘better’ times. But there are some who see these slow periods as opportunities to expand their businesses and their revenues. Home Business magazine’s August issue profiles 10 home based millionaires that grew their business in bad economic times as well as good ones. Here’s a list of the people they profiled and the businesses they’re in:

1. Matt Morris- Personal Coaching, Mentor, and Author
2. Melissa Evans- Mentor and Author
3. Frank Mckinney-Real Estate, Author, and Philanthro-Capitalist (??)
4. Leisa and
5.  Mark Bates- Hotel/B&B owners, Entertainment, and Inventors
6. Jordan Wirsz- Serial Entrepreneur, Author, and Motivational Speaker
7. Mario Barth-Celebrity Tattoo Artist, Manufacturer of Tattoo Supplies, E-Commerce
8. Lisa Harrington and
9. Kimberly Martinez-Decorative designs for work apparel, E-commerce
10. Robert Shrob-Publishing, Coaching, and Seminars

Common Bonds

As you read through the profiles of these millionaires you pick up on few common themes.

• Each one of them followed their passions.
• Each one took risks.
• They all decided where they wanted to be, figured out a way to get there, TOOK ACTION, and never looked back.
• They all have multiple streams of income.
• All of them came from humble backgrounds and really worked hard to get where they are today. And they still continue to work hard.
• None of them are really that much different from you or me.

Original article written by Priscilla Y. Huff.

What is Sierra Judgment Recovery?

Sierra Judgment Recovery (SJR) is a company that offers the opportunity to start a home business in the lucurative judgment recovery business. SJR provides training on how enforce the collection of a court ordered debt. Basically, you would be trained to track down and collect outstanding judgments (debt) from people who have been ordered to do so by a court but have yet to do so.  In other words, you would be a one man/woman collection agency ( but hopefully less annoying).

How do you make money?

You do the legwork to find the person and collect the money that’s owed to the judgment holder and you keep a percentage of the money that’s collected.  You negotiate your cut in advance of doing any work.  According to SJR’s website it’s not usual to negotiate a 50% to 60% fee for yourself.  An example from their site shows that its possible to earn up to $2,500 per month part time and up to $8,000 per month if you make this a full time venture.

That sounds good but I don’t want to be a collection agency?

Well according to SJR you really don’t have to be:

We are not talking about standard collection methods here! A collection agency will send dozens of ineffective, annoying collection letters that may result in only a 15% collection ratio. After that, they tend to let the judgment fall by the wayside. A judgment creditor has the legal right to seize bank accounts, garnish wages, and place liens on or seize personal property and force a sale. All of these procedures are carried out through the court system. If you choose not to, you will never even have to contact the debtor. All you have to do is occasionally have them served with legal documents through the mail.

How much money do I need to invest?

The training course  cost $155 for the electronic version and $185(plus S+H) for the hard copy version.

Is this a franchise or Network Marketing (MLM) company?

No, this is an independent business opportunity. There are no royalty or fees that have to be paid to SJR after the initial payment for the training course.

What do I get for my money?

• The training course
• Unlimited Customer Support (telephone/online)
• Letters, Contracts, and Forms
• Access to members only website and forums

What Others Say About Sierra Judgments?

Scam.com has a great forum post on SJR I suggest you read the whole thread . Here are some highlights:

While doing research I came across courses such as Sierra pitching judgment recovery as a business opportunity. I am a serial entrepreneur so I decided I am going to give this business a shot. I ordered the Sierra course. To me, it is a fine course, overpriced possibly but fine. It will most likely be the easiest business I have ever started capital wise but it will take work to succeed. In reality, I believe there is enough free information out there so you do not need to order a course but in no way do I see Sierra as scam.

I looked into the program. the problem is people who owe these judgment go to great lengths to hide any assets they have so you can spend a lot to try and locate them and not find enough to satisfy the judgment. [edited for spelling]

My experience with the co. is limited. I purchased the course and am a member with access to their archives and (HELP)forum but did not . I studied but did not follow through. I absolutely do not believe they are a scam of any nature….The course is not REALLY all inclusive in the sense that there is alot of further study in the "legal field of sorts that you simply have to educate yourself on. Again,not impossible. As Christine states openly, you have to love research.You have to be well versed in your state codes, ethics, civil statutes and do your own law research on contracts and alot of other legally proper verbage or you could be sued by an attorney for not following protocol or practicing without a license

WAHM.com

I ordered the starter kit from them about 2-3 years ago and sent out about 20 letters after going to the court house and finding the outstanding judgments. That was a blast looking in those files. I got about 3 responses. I live in Texas and there is a problem that I had with it and so I quit doing it (read more)

Better Business Bureau

Sierra has an A+ rating with the BBB.Read the full report.  My research did not turn up any pending legal action against SJR.

My 2 Cents

• My Scammy Senses aren’t tingling with this one. I believe this to believe a legitimate business opportunity.
• I do believe that SJR is oversimplifying how difficult the process of finding someone who owns a debt and then getting money out of them can be.
• I initially thought this would be a great recession proof business because in a recession so many people are struggling financially that judgments would have to be up.  Then I thought, well if people are broke due to the recession how are you going to get money out of them?!? I don’t think you can garnish unemployment checks.  Can you?
• I would strongly advise checking the laws of the state you live in to see if you need to be a licensed debt collector.
• Someone comment that the skip tracing (hunting down) part of the process is very difficult. she suggested googling skip tracing to get more information. I don’t have the time to do that, one some like to do it and share with the rest of us?
• Based on my research I would recommend this business to someone who has a Investigative type personality. Not sure of your personality type? Click here and take my test and I can help you find the right business for you.

Note: I compiled this information on Home Tutoring Business to help people determine if this is the right business opportunity for them.  I am not associated with Home Business Tutoring or any of it’s partners. I do not benefit financially with you choose to do business with them.

Who is Home Tutoring Business (HTB)?

HTB is a one-stop shop for establishing a lucrative one-on-one in-home tutoring referral business in your community. The owner of the business becomes a matchmaker, or broker, matching qualified tutors and teachers with children in need of individualized tutoring. You choose your own company name and HTB provides you with all the tools you need to get started and quickly grow your business.

-Home Tutoring Business.com

 How can you make money with HTB?

Revenue is earned by splitting the fee for tutoring services with your tutors and teachers. The more hours you bill, the more income you will make. The potential for making money is virtually only limited to the amount of students for which you are willing to provide tutors.

 -Home Tutoring Business.com

Is this a franchise?

No. HTB is an independent business opportunity which means that there are no royalty or ongoing contract fees. Once you purchase the system its yours to run as you see fit.

How much does this opportunity cost?

You can purchase a basic package for $1695 which includes a business manual, one on one consultation, logo design, a merchant account, forms and promotional material. A deluxe package can be purchased for $3990. Check their site for full details.

What Is Being Said About HTB?

I have not found any independent reviews/posting regarding HTB.com. Still looking and will update post when (if) I find anything.

BBB Report

No BBB record found

Additional Resources:

How To Start A Profitable Home Tutoring Business

EBOOK: Guide to starting your own Tutoring Business 

VIDEO: Advertising Strategies for Your Tutoring Business:

www.tutormonster.com

www.tutorfi.com

Note: I compiled this information on 5Linx to help people determine if this is the right business opportunity for them.  I am not associated with 5Linx or any of it’s partners. I do not benefit financially with you choose to do business with them.

WHO IS 5LINX?

5LINX® is a true one-stop shop for all your telecommunications products and services! Whether you are looking for digital home phone service that provides unlimited local and long distance calling in the U.S., Canada, U.S. Virgin Islands, and Puerto Rico plus FREE unlimited landline calls to 75 calling areas, wireless phones and accessories, satellite television, or Broadband Internet service, 5LINX® has something for everyone 

HOW CAN YOU MAKE MONEY WITH 5LINX?

5LINX® can teach you how to profit from the $400+ billion dollar a year telecommunications industry. There are few opportunities that provide a full-time income potential while working on a part-time basis. 5LINX® is enabling thousands of people across the country to dream again because they are earning a living they never thought possible.

5Linx is set up as a Multi Level Marketing (MLM) opportunity. This means you generate income through commissions of direct sales to your customers (along with residual income from future sales) and you also make money by recruiting new customer service reps into the company and receiving commissions from their sales. Being a MLM means that there is a compensation plan that spells out exactly how you earn money from the company; you can read 5Linx’s comp plan here. 

DOES IT COST ANYTHING TO START THIS BUSINESS?

There are 2 ways to get started with 5Linx:

Customer Representative-$99. A one time fee which gives you access to all 5Linx’s products for personal use and sale to your customers.

Independent Marketing Representative-$499. This is the level that you begin to build a downline.

WHAT’S BEING SAID ABOUT 5LINX?

Here’s some of the things that some people are writing about 5Linx:

5Links provides a surprisingly comprehensive series of services, including digital TV through Dish Network, and a fascinating domestic/foreign phone number system that… well, to be honest, I don’t entirely understand how it works. It’s some sort of arrangement where 5Linx can give you two phone numbers in different countries, and each of them behaves like the call is being made or received in that country; so you can make and receive “local” calls in two countries, which just seems really cool.

The multilevel marketing model is designed to produce fast revenue growth. It also, of course, produces controversy in many cases. In 5Linx’s case, CEO Craig Jerabeck says strong consumer interest in VoIP helps 5Linx sign up the direct sales representatives it needs to recruit. ”There merits have come under the pretense of video-phone sales but an exploration of their website reveals that the basis of their business is the resale of cell phones, Dish TV and medical benefits cards. Last time I checked medical benefits didn’t fit under the category of ‘telecom.’

5linx is definitely NOT a scam. It is a legitimate opportunity. I know there are some fools who go around calling every opportunity a scam. Do they get paid to do that?

BBB REPORT

My collection of articles, blog posts, or videos that I found this past week that might be of  some value to you.  Read, digest, discuss. [Click on the headline to read the full article]

17 Reasons Why Entrepreneurs Shouldn’t Listen to “Experts”:

There will always be naysayers. And some of them may have even been right in the past about an idea, thought or event. Even if they have been right about something in the past, it doesn’t mean that they’re opinion is always correct. Are you willing to risk your business on someone else’s opinion of it?

IRS Agent Didn’t Report $41,842 in EBay Sales

…claimed her EBay sales were not a business, and characterized it as an online garage sale, according to the court document. She said she liked to shop for designer clothes and that this was a way to clean out her closets.

5 Tax Advantages of a Home-Based Business

The perks of a home-based business are many: freedom, independence, tax advantages … yes, tax advantages. Here are some tax advantages that your home based business may qualify for.

Discover Your Inner Entrepreneur

"Security is mostly a superstition. It does not exist in nature, nor do the children of men as a whole experience it. Avoiding danger is no safer in the long run than outright exposure. Life is either a daring adventure, or nothing."-Helen Keller

Tenacity vs Intellect: What Makes an Entrepreneur? [Video] 

3 Things You Must Have When Starting A Online Home Business To Be Successful

Desire, Discipline and Discretion is the answer to your dream to be self-employed without failing.

From: The Best Car Guide

Here is a great home based business opportunity- the buying and selling of used cars. It’s easy to find hundreds of used cars which can be bought for a great price which can quickly be resold for a profit. Here are some tips. [Continue Reading]

Despite the down economy and the rising gas prices, people still love to drive their cars. Which makes buying and selling cars a great business opportunity that can easily be done from home. The article goes on to state that someone who is mechanically inclined would have an advantage in this type of business, but I image that some mechanically challenged (like myself) could establish a business relationship with a local mechanic that would benefit both. It would be comparable to the relationship between a house flipper and their contractor.

How would you make money?

Its pretty simple: Buy low. Sell high. Put the difference in your pocket. Repeat

Can you really make money doing this?

Absolutely. There’s always someone somewhere looking to sell their car. And there’s always someone looking to buy a new 9 or at least new to them) car. Your job is to get the car from A to B.

Is there more information?

http://ezinearticles.com/?How-to-Buy-and-Sell-Cars-for-Profit&id=373593

http://www.getrichslowly.org/blog/2006/09/18/flipping-cars-for-fun-and-profit/ (Read the comments left by readers)

Profit Potential From Buying and Selling Used Cars

Still Not Sure?

I know picking a home business can be a difficult choice.  I may be able to help you decide if this particular business opportunity is right for you. And its FREE SERVICE. Interested?  Contact me and I’ll give the details of my Business Matching Service.

 This is not full review of the company. It’s just a quick look to answer some questions you might have if you came across this business. As always, I am not affiliated with this or any company that I look into on this site. I don’t gain anything financially if you choose to do business with this company.

 Who is Get Paid From Field Inspections ?

Essentially, this site is the creation of Steve Bialk. He claims that he makes up to $300 a day doing field inspections. He’s created a sales page that leads to a free report which, according to Steve, is a step by step manual of how to do what he does.

How Do You Make Money?

I think a better question to ask here is what exactly does a field inspection do?  According to the site:

A Field Inspector provides a visual inspection of property or other collateral such as heavy equipment, computers, RV’s, boats, and other business related items. Financial institutions usually require these (bank, credit union, mortgage lender or insurance company) to finalize or update a particular business transaction.

 Still not clear on how you would make money? Perhaps this video can provide more insight:

Can You Really Make Money Doing This?

Field inspections is valid and legitimate industry so I would have to answer yes to this question. Since this post is meant to be a quick analysis of the site I can’t answer the bigger question: are the claims of "making up to $300 per day" and this being a "recession proof business" true? If there is enough interest on the part readers I can make this subject of a later, more in-depth review post.

Is There More Information Available on This Site?

www.getpaidfromfieldinspections.com

Society of Field Inspectors

Random Thoughts Buzzing Around My Head

• The website could use an upgrade. I only say this because it’s light on information and details. I haven’t downloaded his report so I don’t know how detailed it is but you know what they say about first impressions.
• Again not having read the report, I don’t know what Steve is selling. I would guess that it’s some kind of starter kit.  If anyone wants me to download the report so they don’t have to give out their email address, I’ll do it and update this report. PLEASE MAKE YOUR REQUEST IN THE COMMENTS SECTION.
• For some reason I’m doubtful that $300 is possible in one day. 

Still Not Sure?

I know picking a home business can be a difficult choice.  I may be able to help you decide if this particular business opportunity is right for you. And it’s completely a FREE service. Interested? Contact me and I’ll send you the details of my Home Business Matching Service.