An investment is an asset or item acquired with the goal of generating income or appreciation. Appreciation refers to an increase in the value of an asset over time.

An investment always concerns the outlay of some resource today — time, effort, money, or an asset — in hopes of a greater payoff in the future than what was originally put in.

Because investing is oriented toward the potential for future growth or income, there is always a certain level of risk associated with an investment. An investment may not generate the desired level of income or may actually lose value over time.

Now that we know the basic principles of investment, why did I title this seminar ‘Invested’?

Well, to start with, going into franchising meets all of the definitions as-sociated with the textbook explanation of investment, but it goes way deeper than that, and it is important that anyone considering investing in a business understands the risks associated with their investment.

There are three key perspectives that I want to relate to ‘investment’ as it pertains to franchising. Firstly, my commitment, participation, ownership and experience in the franchise sector positions me as an authority on franchising and enables me to be in a position to talk about this topic for the benefit of potential franchisees. Secondly, the potential franchisee and their investment in time, money and commitment to the business they buy into. Thirdly, the franchisor and their investment in the development of the franchise model and the on-going support that they provide to their franchisees.