Are you still looking for that "perfect" business opportunity? It may not be perfect but franchising has its supporters and may be what you are looking for. Franchising isn't for everybody but if you would rather have something already in place this is the way to get started.
When we think of 'franchises' most of us know McDonald's or Burger King. If this is your idea of a franchise, you haven't seen where the industry is in 2007! From pyrotechnics to sleep pods, franchising has a whole new face than it did back when you could get into McDonald's for under half a million.
A few of the New School Franchises:
1. 1-800-GOT-JUNK. With a fleet of dump trucks, crew of Junk Hunks (this is what they said, not me) and a sense of humor about hauling away the trash your garbage man won't, this gives a whole new meaning to - Garbage Day.
2. Cereality (312) 893-1234. Remember the cereal commercial with the little boy named Mikey who was busy eating Chex cereal while his know it all sibs questioned it? Well...cereal is back in a big way with this franchise. This franchise takes fast-food off the lunch menu.
3. Metro Naps (212) 239-3344. If naps were your favorite subject in kindergarten and when they started with the power lunch thing in the 80's your mind leaped to power nap - then you'll love this idea. Currently marketed to spas, airports and corporate offices with space age (if you aren't a baby boomer) chairs this is one franchise to watch even if you don't need a nap.
So what is your idea of a perfect franchise? As a Solo Entrepreneur, you must understand yourself first when considering a franchise. How much routine, cookie-cutter, follow these instructions can you take on a daily basis? Many entrepreneurs answer - None!
You may be different and your answer is - Some. Then franchising may hold the answers you are looking for.
And for those of you who (like me) would rather eat a maggot than be told what to do - consider this idea of using a franchise: Additional Stream of Income. Here's what I mean.........
Do you do spring cleaning every year? Guess what - hundreds of people do! From cleaning the garage to carpet shampooing, the list gets longer the more you think about it.
Now consider this idea. What if you had a seasonal or sideline business doing carpet cleaning? or Mini Blind cleaning and service? How about carpet & drapery cleaning? Using the theory of synergy (synergy=all these suckers work together), you could have an additional stream of income that pays for itself.
Let's say you are a solo interior decorator. Nearly all homes now have both mini blinds and drapes. Who do they call to have them cleaned? I can bet they aren't taking them down and doing them in the bathtub! Guess what your additional income stream is - Bingo! Mini blind and drapery cleaning services.
This is only one idea. Remember last year I told you about my neighbor with the truck? Guess what I found on my door this past Saturday morning - A bright florescent green flyer! He's taking appointments now for hauling beginning March 15th to April 20th. My appointment is March 25th!
As I've been saying to you all along - whatever you do never, ever get stuck with one-trick-pony! My online business is research and writing about succeeding as a solo entrepreneur - my other specialty is coaching people making major changes in their lives and my sideline business is being developed. Does it take time? What doesn't? It's a matter of choices - you want your life to work on your terms or you allow other things to dictate how you live your life.
No quote today. I want to give you resources to check for franchising. It may not be for you and that's fine too. Remember: take what you can use...leave the rest!
A. Franchise Chat Pretty good place to get an overview of the franchisee's life.
B. Franchise Guide Founded in 1960, they've seen them all come and go. Membership site for franchisors, franchisees and suppliers to the industry.
C. Franchising Get help making the decision on franchising and has information on being a successful franchisee. Has a 2 day conference in Atlanta coming in October.
D. Blue Mau Mau Calls itself Web's #1 Community of Franchisees and Franchise Wannabees. I can believe it! The forum is pretty active and you'll probably learn more than you want to know about franchising by getting involved.
