New Year – New Franchise Opportunities
Joel Caws - Technical Director, Select Your Franchise
The start of a New Year, with all the Christmas festivities behind us, is often a time when many of us think about changes we would like to see in our lives. We are all familiar with the proverbial New Years resolutions, which we can often make… to get fit, to spend more time with the family, to take a decent holiday, and the like.
It can also be a time when many look at evaluating their work life. Some may have found themselves in a redundancy situation and would like to find a route back into work. Others may be thinking about a change of lifestyle or work pattern. A franchise opportunity can present just such an opportunity for anyone looking for a change or for simply getting back on track.
Franchise opportunities can be of help to those who would, for instance, like to branch out on their own but are unsure of how to run an effective business by themselves or maybe just like the idea of an existing business concept that has already proven to be successful. A franchise system provides a formula that a willing person can work to and if operated correctly and diligently, will be profitable and provide support for the franchise operator and his or her family.
A franchise business is not a get rich quick scheme though and as with any business, hard work is required. One of the advantages of the franchise system is that you can run a business for yourself but not by yourself. A good franchisor provides backup and support that can assist you with any issues that arise and help you to run the franchise business efficiently, according to their proven system.
A franchise business investment is like any other financial investment. Make your choices carefully and ensure you do plenty of background research and take professional financial and legal advice before making your final decision. For further information see our post on how to select a franchise.
If you can be focused and motivated to work hard then a franchise business could well be the way forward into a brighter future for you. To browse a list of some of the franchise opportunities available in the UK you can start by visiting our franchise directory.
Escape unemployment – build your new future with a franchise business
Nick Strong - Managing Director, Select Your Franchise
Redundancy victims starting their own companies to escape unemployment are more likely to succeed if they choose successful franchises.
Investing your redundancy cheque in a new business makes much more sense if it is a quality brand with a proven track record, advise experts at Select Your Franchise.
“Most people made redundant will have worked hard and effectively for their employers,” said Select Your Franchise Managing Director Nick Strong.
“So it is an undeserved shock when an effective worker loses his or her job in a recession. People understandably feel very let down.”
“It is natural at such times to explore ways of taking your future into your own hands. Exiting unemployment into self employment may be a valid option for many people.”
But there are risks involved with running your own business – and one of the best ways of minimising them is by investing in a successful franchise brand.
Successive British Franchise Association National Franchise Surveys reveal that at least 90 per cent of franchise owners run profitable businesses.
This is achieved by franchise owners following their franchise brand’s proven system.
Franchise brand owners also provide ongoing training and field support for their local franchise owners.
So how do you know if self employment via franchising is right for you? Self examination in the following five ways is a good start:
1. Are you self-motivated or do you look for motivation from others? Effective self-employed franchise owners are enthusiastic followers of the proven system they adopt and they are good self starters.
2. Do you want to follow a proven system or develop your own ideas? Franchised businesses are all about replicating proven systems and brands.
3. Do you have the backing of your family? There are ups and downs in running your own business so you need your family on board from day one.
4. Do you have money or equity in your property that you can use to secure funds for a franchise business start up? All businesses require start up and running capital. The amount required is determined by the business system you want to develop.
5. Look at your strengths. Make a list of what you are good at doing. Do you enjoy working with your hands or behind a desk? Are you a people person? How are you with figures? Research franchise options that fit your strengths and available business development capital by visiting www.SelectYourFranchise.com.
Mr Strong said: “Clearly self-employment is not right for everyone. There is risk in self employment – but there is plenty of risk in employment too as many have experienced.”
“It’s a matter of choice. Do you want to be master of your own destiny or put your future in the hands of someone else?” he added.
A helpful resource for researching franchise opportunities can be found in the Select Your Franchise Two minute franchise matching service.
Beat Redundancy With a Franchise
Many people can often find the day to day routine of office life tiresome and somewhat repetitive. It becomes a difficult task to remain motivated and look forward to work in the current economic downturn therefore in many cases people are looking to become independent as they are no longer able to rely on their jobs.
Every day we hear how various companies have gone under and how there was nothing anyone could do to stop it from happening. When you go to work, do you feel paranoid about the possibility of redundancy? If you are made redundant, will you be able to find a job that matches your salary? The general consensus indicates that work is seen as a burden as opposed to a source of fulfillment and productive part of your life.
If you have always wanted to try your hand at running your own business then this may be the perfect time to start. This way, your success and earnings depend entirely on you so you have every reason to inject passion and enthusiasm in your work life. This may seem surprising but starting your own business can actually be stress relieving, as every decision you make will be your own choice and you have nobody else to answer to or worry about.
Starting your own business may seem daunting at first however, if you are to opt for a franchise, the risk is reduced significantly. Certain practices are put in place so it is easy for you to focus on sales and profit as the franchiser will deal with all new developments and marketing methods. Nevertheless, you are still your own boss as you can work at the speed you want to, start and finish at the time you wish to and work in a way which is comfortable for you.
There are a vast range of franchises available especially in current times where people are looking for a solution to eradicate work life stresses. It is definitely worth looking into franchise opportunities particularly if you have a desire for entrepreneurialism but are not willing to go at it completely alone.
For a lot of people, a traditional working environment is no longer appealing due to constant pressures from surrounding colleagues and management that seem to have no end of regular demands. Whatever the reason, you must seriously think about the choices that are available to you and ask yourself why you are considering investing in a business in the first place.
There are plenty of franchises out there it just comes down to finding one that is suitable for you and your personality. If you enjoy being around people in a customer orientated environment you could go for a retail business. On the other hand, if you prefer working alone in a quieter environment, then maybe you should look at online businesses as you can speak with customers by phone and maintain all business transactions from home. Whatever you do, make sure you go for a franchise that is part of a growing market so you have every chance to succeed.
Naz Daud is the founder of CityLocal, a franchise opportunity for people who would like to work from home and be their own boss… Read more about CityLocal
Tags: franchise, naz daud, redundancy, start-ups
