Friday, May 16, 2008

The Surprising Variety and Vitality of Franchise Opportunities

Article Presented by:
Copyright © 2008 Regis Murray



Pretty much anyone who has ever investigated franchising, as a business opportunity, understands that McDonald's has been one of the most successful franchising opportunities available. They also understand that McDonald's requires a minimum of $250,000 of non-borrowed personal resources just to start the discussion process with McDonald's.

Other franchise opportunities exist in many industries, and most people assume that the start up cost will be pretty steep. But the truth is that there are many opportunities that are really affordable for the potential new business owner.

The beauty about the franchise opportunity is that it is the franchisor's responsibility to secure a location for doing business, and they present their franchisees with a blueprint to success. It is a fact that few McDonald's franchises go under, and the reason for that is the McDonald Corporation's commitment to the success of their franchisees.

For the person who wants to own his or her own business, the franchise opportunity makes the most sense in a lot of cases. Since the franchisor does all of the legwork to ensure the success of the franchisee, and since the franchisor provides a blueprint for success and national advertising, the chance of the franchisee succeeding is greatly improved.

But a potential franchisee does not need to think only in terms of restaurants. If he or she were to shop the marketplace, they will find many business opportunities in many industries, at many different price-points.

Franchises in the service industry are booming now, with franchise opportunities being offered in a diverse range of service industries. Pet care has been one of the fastest growing areas with franchises available in pet grooming, pet supplies and pet accommodation, to name a few. If you don't like the idea of working with animals, you could pursue a franchise in the pest control sector. This is another rapidly growing industry. Who doesn't have pests of some type that they would like to eliminate?

What about home services? Franchise opportunities abound in services such as gardening, lawn care, home maintenance, window cleaning, general cleaning, interior decorating; the list goes on. Every area of the home that you have chores, there is bound to be a business opportunity available.

With so many opportunities available, you may wonder if it is possible to earn a good or reasonable living by purchasing a franchise. The reality is that the franchisor does not make any money unless you are successful with the franchise. Well-managed franchise operations carefully map out territories to ensure that the franchise operators will have enough potential customers to succeed.

Furthermore, franchisors have a business model that is already proven and profitable. You have your franchise territory, you have your franchise model, and you will most likely have a franchise manager or coach to help you along the way. Follow the model, do the hard work and develop your client base, and your franchise will not only boom, your franchise will become a valuable asset that can be sold at a later date if you should choose to sell it.

If you feel that you do not have the skills to run a franchise business, then think again. If you can start a lawn mower, you can buy into a lawn care franchise. If you can wash and groom pets, you can buy into a pet grooming franchise. With the diverse range of franchising opportunities available, you only need to look at what type of business you would be interested in owning, then find the right franchise business opportunity to suit your goals.

With the support of the franchisor, you will be well on your way to running a successful business and becoming another local success story in a long line of successful franchise owners. Your future business success will be enhanced by its participation in a successful network of franchise operators who, over time, like the McDonald's franchise example, may develop a national and perhaps international reputation as a respected business and business model.

The franchise world is full of opportunities, but the franchising opportunity will not drop into your lap. It is up to you to take the steps necessary to research the possibilities and find a franchising opportunity that you will be happy to participate.

Find an industry that suits your skills and interests, and then find a franchise broker or franchise agent who can help you find and secure the business of your dreams. Brokers and agents can connect you to a franchise opportunity that meets your budget, your skills, and the level of commitment you are required to bring to your new business. Buy a franchise - it's the first step to whole new career, income level, and lifestyle.


About the Author:
Regis Murray writes for the BusinessMart.com, the Business For Sale Search Engine. In addition to searching for businesses for sale and franchises, you can search for business brokers in your area in the Business Broker directory. Looking to sell your business? List your business for sale for one low fee, no commissions and everything is 100% confidential. http://www.BusinessMart.com


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