Home Based Franchises Offer Freedom & Flexibility
Home based franchises offer a myriad of advantages for those who want to work for themselves and break away from the frustrations of corporate life. Let’s look at two real life examples:
Kellie spent 18 years working for a major utility company, then two years as a bank senior vice president. After going through two downsizing episodes she just didn’t like the corporate environment. She purchased a home based photography franchise and found happiness and freedom. Best of all, she likes the ability to set a schedule. Now, she can attend her children’s soccer games and school plays. She can stay home and be with them when they are sick. She can shop in the morning and work in the evening. She definitely enjoys not being tied to anyone’s schedule … except her own.
One important thing Kellie did was to evaluate her needs and desires. She knew she wanted to work from home and do something different from her previous employment. Kellie selected a children’s photography franchise based on her love of photography and love of children. Obviously, this was a perfect match for her. Best of all, her initial investment was low and there was no investment in real estate. The particular franchise she invested in also gave her leeway to run her own business. She did her homework and carefully evaluated the franchise and spoke to other franchisees. When she determined there was a true potential; she took action. After receiving training, she became her own boss and started making money for herself.
Next, we have Louis who was involved in the retail grocery business for almost 40 years. When the store he worked for was bought out, he quickly decided he didn’t want to work for another corporation. Instead, he wanted to work for himself; however he never considered working from home. With an open mind he looked at several industries. He was attracted to a natural beverage franchise because it was less expensive to get involved with compared to many other franchises. Plus, he didn’t have to purchase real estate or hire any employees. With this opportunity, he and his wife could work when they wanted and would have all the flexibility they would need.
Both Kellie and Louis were fed up of the corporate world and their stories are very typical. After devoting their lives to the corporate world, they wanted a change and a new lifestyle. Perhaps you feel the same way. Perhaps owning your own business and working from home might be way to go for you if you’re ready to take control of your career and life.
The Challenges of Working from Home
Before you start a home based business you need establish some basic perimeters. For instance, where does your home life start and where does your professional life end. You need to have separate personal and professional time frames. Most people who work at home work alone … you may miss the social factor of having no co-workers. Plus, the successful home worker needs to have a wealth of self-discipline and be self-motivated. You definitely need to be the kind of person who can set and keep a schedule.
For Kellie the challenges of working from home included setting up and running an office out of her home and distractions. She added that sometimes it’s hard to walk away from work. Because Louis works with his wife, he advices those who work with a family member have a very good personal relationship and share the same commitment and passion for their business.
What Kind of Person is Best Suited for a Home Based Franchise?
Working from home and running your own home-based business may nit be the best scenario for everyone. As with everything else in life, it takes the right type of person to succeed. The basic characteristics an individual needs are: drive … ambition … passion … desire … organizational ability … and the management skills to follow the franchise business plan.
Louis reminds us of the importance of self-motivation because no one tells you that you have to go to work! Obviously, if you don’t keep up with the work, there will be no paycheck. Kellie feels that her transaction from the corporate office to the home office was successful due to her self-discipline. She adds the individual needs to remember that when it’s your own business, you have to do everything and that takes restraint and self-control.
The Advantages of the Home Based Franchise …
The benefits of the home based franchise are many. First, and perhaps foremost, it enables you to spend more time with your family and being available for your children. You can set your own schedule and work on your own time table. You have the comfort and convenience of your home … without a costly commute. A home based franchise can greatly reduce the initial investment necessary to start your business because you do not have to rent an office … plus operating and inventory costs will also be lower.
Louis says with his home base business he can take a break whenever he wants and he can eat whenever he wants, too. His particular franchise requires that he works only four days a week. Louis enjoys the options he has available in running his franchise and reaffirms that working from home definitely grants you flexibility.