Book excerpt: ARE YOU READY TO HIRE YOURSELF? WHO hasn't had the inkling-or even the outright conviction-that we could be more successful, more fulfilled, and more satisfied if we could invest in ourselves? HOW MANY of us have given our time, our knowledge, our energy, and our loyalty to corporate careers, only to discover that our contributions don't guarantee gratitude, upward mobility, or even job security? WHY consider franchising? Franchise investors reap all the rewards of entrepreneurship-self-determination, personal and professional freedom, unlimited potential for profitability-without all the risks of going it alone. WHAT'S the difference? In franchising, someone has already dreamed the big dream, figured out how to make it work, marketed it well, and sold it to create a well-defined niche. And now, that person is looking for an investor and partner to help build on that success. HIRE YOURSELF WILL HELP YOU: - Leverage your expertise and resources to build a bridge out of the corporate world and into entrepreneurship - Learn how to choose a franchise concept that's the right franchise for you - Understand how to capitalize your investment and minimize your risks - Recognize and avoid common mistakes and traps - Know that franchising is all about working for yourself, but not by yourself