More and more people are discovering franchising as a route to self employment. Why? Well there are many reasons. One of the biggest factors influencing people’s decision is the support available to them. Franchising provides the means to run your own business, whilst trading under the name of an established and recognised brand.
It’s widely recognised that in order to be successful, you need to love what you do.
“Your work is going to fill a large part of your life, and the only way to be truly satisfied is to do what you believe is great work. And the only way to do great work is to love what you do.”
Steve Jobs
So why not make a living by being your own boss while doing something you love?
What is a Franchise? What is Franchising?
A franchise is a business which has been replicated, or a business model which can be replicated, by licensing out the brand, methods and system of operation, to investors. The investor is referred to as a franchisee, whilst the original business owner – the owner of the trademark and intellectual property – is known as the franchisor. More on the differences between a franchisee and a franchisor here. Ultimately, a franchise enables entrepreneurs to get into business ownership by being their own boss, but by using an already established, already trading business model. This fast-track route to business ownership eliminates many of the mistakes an entrepreneur would make had they “gone it alone“, all the while having access to the franchisor’s knowledge, support and suppliers.
Franchising isn’t employment. Franchisees will usually set up their own company whilst operating under license/agreement with the franchisor. Franchising enables entrepreneurs to be their own boss with a “business in a box” approach. It is usually safer to go down the franchising route, and many banks are able to help with franchise funding. Franchising also has a strong support framework, with many franchise consultants and franchise associations eager to help franchisors and franchisees be as successful as they possibly can.
Here are just some of the different types of opportunities within franchising, that enable you to realise your potential and harness your passion as a business venture.
See The World Differently with Photography Franchises
If you spend a lot of time looking down the lens, why not turn your passion for photography into a career? Even if you don’t consider yourself to be an amazing photographer, that’s fine, because training and support will be provided by the franchisor. If you haven’t a clue what aperture, f stop and iso mean, you’ll learn everything there is to know in the world of photography.
There are many different types of photography franchises. Maybe you like meeting people and are interested in wedding or iris art. Or pet photography. Some types of franchises even involve advanced technology operating in the B2B sector to provide virtual tours and walkarounds of buildings, properties and venues. Other photo and media franchise opportunities utilise drones to capture aerial footage which would otherwise be only available from an aircraft. The latter operate either on a B2B or B2C basis, for shots like aerial property photos and commercial building photos.
Furry Franchise Opportunities – Working With Pets
The pet franchise sector is becoming more and more diverse, all the time. There are now more types of pet franchises than ever before, and the sector continues to grow.
Pet franchises are usually workable from home, involving a van where required. If you love working with dogs, there are a number of different types of franchises. You’ve got dog grooming businesses – either home or van based, where you’ll groom a dog for a client and possibly combine this with other services like dog walking or pet sitting. Then you’ve got sitting for other types of pets, such as cats, either run from your own property or by visiting clients whilst they’re away (enabling cats to continue roaming their own territory).
Pet franchises are an ideal opportunity for many pet lovers because it enables them to spend more time with their own pets too. Regular dog walks and meeting other dogs for example.
If for whatever reason you don’t wish to work with pets but still wish to work in the pet sector, there are several types of pet food franchises too. Notable brands include Husse and Trophy Pet Foods, supplying products for all types of animals, even horses. The wide range of products on offer enables franchisees to maximise the client potential within their own territory. What’s more, pet businesses for sale usually cost less than £25K and with banks and lenders often able to lend up to 70% of the investment, pet franchises could be yours for as little as £8K personal investment. Franchisors will usually have agreements in place with vehicle lenders too, if you need to purchase a van.
Inspire the Next Generation with Childcare Franchises
Without a doubt, working with children is one of the most rewarding careers available. By being a part of a children related franchise you’ll be inspiring the next generation and building their confidence and skills. The children sector is also considerably diverse, and may even match up your other interests as well. For example if you like to be physically active and enjoy sport, there are many types of children’s sports businesses out there available as franchises. Some of which include football, go-karts, fencing and swimming.
Children related franchises are recession proof as well. There will always be a demand for childcare and children’s activities, so you’ll not only be helping build their future, you’ll be future proofing yours.
Education franchises are another type of child related franchise. There are many types of education centre and tuition businesses, which can often be run on a management basis – ie you employ teachers/tutors whilst never doing any teaching or requiring any teaching experience. This is ideal for many, because as well as being home based, they enable franchisees to establish a better work life balance and enjoy minimal overheads. From education to swimming, sports to theatre schools, baby sensory to dance, inspire the next generation with a childrens’ franchise.
Maximise Flexibility with a Home Based Franchise
Whether you’re running a mobile coffee franchise or an oven cleaning business, there are many types of businesses out their which can either be run from home, or work around your personal lifestyle. Home based businesses enable you to build your schedule around your own personal requirements. That might be taking your kids to school, spending time with family and more. Where employment working from home would expect you to work a set number of hours, being your own boss means you have full control over that.
The success of your business is up to you and the more hours you put in, the more successful the business will be. But ultimately, when you put those hours in, is up to you. Going back to oven cleaning as an example, if you want to book clients in during school hours while taking early mornings and late afternoons off, that’s up to you. In the same sense, if you’re a workaholic and want to maximise your work and earning potential by operating 6 days a week, that too is up to you.
Some good examples of home based businesses include travel and tourism, web design and luxury gift franchises.
Improve Your Fitness and Lifestyle with Fitness Franchises
If you’re keen to stay in shape or you frequently visit the gym, there are many types of franchises which enable you to keep in shape. While some like children’s sports we’ve already touched on, there are many other types of fitness businesses out there available as franchises. Gym franchises are growing in demand, but so too is personal training and yoga. Gym franchises have recently implemented a new technology called EMS (Electro Musclar Stimulation) which takes fitness to a whole new level.
If fitness is your thing, many can be invested in from less than £10,000. While gym franchises will expect a higher level of investment and suitable premises, there are many lenders such as banks who are often able to assist with franchise funding. Take your passion to the next level and be your own boss with a franchise business. Discover franchise opportunities at Franchise Planet.
Photo: Lukas Bieri / Pixabay – Drones are opening up a world of opportunities within the photography franchise sector.
