For many of us job security is a must, but it’s also, in times of looming recession and financial uncertainty, becoming a thing of the past.

            Many of us worry just how safe our regular jobs are, we may even wonder, given the recent news of the collapse of some of the major financial institutions, how stable the companies we work for are. At any given moment we could be asked by our bosses to clear our desks and be being told we’re out of a job.

            That can’t happen when you’re your own boss. And you’re your own boss with a franchise. But there’s a major difference between being your own boss with a start from scratch business that you’ve devised yourself and a franchise.

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            A franchise offers you the chance to reap the benefits of being in control of your working life, but it takes away the stress of wondering how well your business will fare. You already know the brand name of your franchise is successful, right? It’s been proven, and has a track record and a good reputation. People like and need the services or products your franchise provides. So from day one your business (and a franchise is your business) is a success. Not only that it’s a success that people already know about. It’s as if all the promotional work has been done for you. The familiarity with your brand is something that potential customers appreciate.

Top reasons why a WSI consultancy franchise can offer more security than a regular job or from scratch business in today’s financial climate:

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Profitability

Accurately projected sales figures and profits, based on WSI’s track record, are available to you prior to commencement.

Low start-up costs

Consultancy franchises with WSI are affordable priced at $49,700. This is an all-inclusive fee.

Your domain

The territory is potentially vast, as this is an Internet business. Although you would be based wherever you choose, the World Wide Web offers you the chance to build your business globally.

Ready Made Market

When you buy a WSI franchise, you’re buying a recognized concept with a proven history of achievement. As a WSI franchisee you’re licensed to use the company’s brand and identity. Thus, WSI is, effectively, affording you the benefits of marketing its already known services to customers.

Support from WSI

Whilst you’d be running your own business, you have the advantage of WSI’s support program whenever you needed assistance.

Training

WSI’s franchisees are all given the essential training to start their business and operate them effectually.

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Benefits of Existing Promotion

WSI franchise holders the benefit from the company’s existing promotional campaigns.

A WSI franchise offers a great many people the security they never felt they had with their regular jobs and offers those considering franchise and a career change the chance to enjoy the benefits of doing the same.

In times of financial uncertainty, with many people wondering how secure their positions are, it’s heartening to know that there are still opportunities with WSI that are honed by years of experience to succeed, no matter what the financial climate.

Elizabeth Miranda
http://www.articlesbase.com/human-resources-articles/career-security-franchise-or-regular-job-731252.html

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Location, location, location-that old real estate cliché is just as appropriate when it comes to a business franchise. You may have fallen in love with a certain business-maybe while you were on vacation-and are now wondering how it will do in your hometown. Don’t leave this to chance; the right location can make all the difference in the success or failure of your franchise. Make sure your location is right for your business by knowing the following factors.

Population in your area. Every business needs a certain level of population density to support itself. That Starbucks on the trendy corner in Seattle might do well because it’s in a location with over 100,000 people walking by every day. That doesn’t mean it’ll do as well on a quieter corner in your small town of a few thousand people. Before buying into a food franchise opportunity, get in touch with a few owners in other areas. Find out what their surrounding population is, just to get a sense of what kind of population you’ll need to support your business.

Economic levels. Does your population have the income level to make your franchise choice appropriate? Different franchises appeal to different income levels, and turn others off. Do your research-check out the prices of your favorite franchises before buying in. Does the pricing seem on the high end, or are they going for a discount market? How will that appeal to shoppers in your town?

Demographics. Know the appropriate demographics of the people in your area as well. Is your business franchise opportunity typically more appealing to a certain race, age, or sex? If you don’t know, talk to representatives of the company’s franchise department, or simply walk into one of this business’s locations and look at the people inside. Is this demographic plentiful in your hometown? If so, you may have found a good fit. If not, chances are slim that your franchise will do well.

Competition. You might love this franchise, but if there’s one on every corner back home, don’t expect an easy time with this business. Some parent companies will grant you a territory when you buy into their business-meaning that they won’t set up another franchise within your area. Others don’t; some even encourage competition between franchise owners. Make sure your market isn’t over-saturated before you buy into a franchise.

Appropriate setting. Does your business rely on a great deal of walk-in or drive-through traffic, or is it more the type of place where you make reservations and appointments? If your business relies on impulse-buyers, it needs to be in a place where it is easily accessible to walk-in or drive-in traffic. Make sure your hometown has a location that puts you in front of a stream of steady visitors.

Where you put your franchise business can be crucial to its success. Make sure you have the right location in mind-and that the franchise is a good fit for your town. Put some work and time into finding the right fit, and it will pay off in the end.

Franchisefetch
http://www.articlesbase.com/business-articles/take-a-good-look-at-your-location-before-making-your-franchise-leap-112598.html

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It can be tempting to ax your job at the first sign of success in the process of running your business. However, it is important to remember that you may need your job for a period of time, until you know for sure you can fully support yourself on your home business. Some of the reasons why you should not quite your job right away when starting your home business are as follows:

You may need the benefits: If you are a worker who has kept down a job for a year or longer, the chances are that you have substantial medical, dental, and other personal benefits, such as maturity leave, or retirement pension. Depending upon how much time you have put into your job, it would be a shame to let all these benefits go too soon.

You may need the income: Starting a business can be expensive, even if you are starting extremely small on a shoestring budget. Even if you have not taken out any large sums of money for operating or start-up costs you may still need the money to pay your house bills, to buy food, and to support your family if you have one. Not only that, but you may still need it to fun any vacations or extra-curricular activities you choose to participate in, even during the start-up phase of your business.

For Proof of Solid Income: If you are applying for small business loans or other start-up loans, you will need proof of solid income. This is one of the most important aspects of receiving money from the government or private lenders. You need proof of your projected ability to pay back this loan money or you may not quality to receive the money. As tempting as it may be, you will have to hold on to your job for a little while longer.

For Income During Waiting Periods: If you are waiting for an application for a loan to be approved, you may need money to run your business during the waiting period. Of course, then you may still need the money to pay back the loan as you begin to develop your business. It is important to remember this, because the development of a successful business always takes time.

For Emergencies and Unexpected Expenses: You never know what could happen while you start your business. Your car that lasted thirteen years could finally break down. (If you have a car that lasted that long, let others know, by the way!). Either that, strong winds could cause a tree to fall on your roof. You never know what could happen. It is always important to have some security so you are prepared.

To Reduce Amount Needed to Borrow: When you start a business it is a good idea whenever possible to start with as little money as possible. Your job can help fund your business instead of having to take out a loan to cover those expenses. In addition, money that you have earned from a job to start and run a business you do not have to pay back. Therefore, keeping your job for as long as you possibly can after starting your business can help alleviate the possibility of large debt in the future.

For Personal Discipline Reasons: Believe it or not, many people actually work better in the beginning stages of their business if they stick to a regular schedule. Therefore, not only will keeping their job help fund their home businesses, but that it will also help them stay on task. Knowing they have very little time to take for granted they will be less likely to waste it come time to

For Networking Reasons: As long as it is allowed on your job, and your business is not a conflict of interest with your current employer, there may be the possibility of you networking with your co-workers at your current job. For instance, if you want to make extra money housecleaning, and you work in an office all day, you can make arrangements to begin housecleaning on the weekends. You may even be able to get hired by your boss. You never know where your current employment will lead you. Not only that, but the possibility also exists for you to purchase a franchise of that current business as well.

The above reasons are only a few examples of why you may need to keep your job while starting your business. You may have other reasons to keep your job as well, which have to do with other aspects than just with finances, discipline, or networking. For instance, you may need to monitor the success of your growing business for a while; to make sure it will sustain you for the long haul. This is more than about money, but also about a long-term commitment. You need to make sure that the business you are involved in will not only support you in the long run but will also be something that you will enjoy being involved in for the long run.

If you are not sure if a business idea is right for you and yet you start it, you can easily change your mind more readily if you have kept your job. However, if you have made the commitment to your business, and no longer have your job, it may be harder to turn back. You will have to either ask for your old job back or find a new one. To avoid that from happening, you may consider keeping your job for as long as you feel is necessary., until you know for sure you can fully support yourself on your home business. Some of the reasons why you should not quite your job right away when starting your home business are as follows:

You may need the benefits: If you are a worker who has kept down a job for a year or longer, the chances are that you have substantial medical, dental, and other personal benefits, such as maturity leave, or retirement pension. Depending upon how much time you have put into your job, it would be a shame to let all these benefits go too soon.

You may need the income: Starting a business can be expensive, even if you are starting extremely small on a shoestring budget. Even if you have not taken out any large sums of money for operating or start-up costs you may still need the money to pay your house bills, to buy food, and to support your family if you have one. Not only that, but you may still need it to fun any vacations or extra-curricular activities you choose to participate in, even during the start-up phase of your business.

For Proof of Solid Income: If you are applying for small business loans or other start-up loans, you will need proof of solid income. This is one of the most important aspects of receiving money from the government or private lenders. You need proof of your projected ability to pay back this loan money or you may not quality to receive the money. As tempting as it may be, you will have to hold on to your job for a little while longer.

For Income During Waiting Periods: If you are waiting for an application for a loan to be approved, you may need money to run your business during the waiting period. Of course, then you may still need the money to pay back the loan as you begin to develop your business. It is important to remember this, because the development of a successful business always takes time.

For Emergencies and Unexpected Expenses: You never know what could happen while you start your business. Your car that lasted thirteen years could finally break down. (If you have a car that lasted that long, let others know, by the way!). Either that, strong winds could cause a tree to fall on your roof. You never know what could happen. It is always important to have some security so you are prepared.

To Reduce Amount Needed to Borrow: When you start a business it is a good idea whenever possible to start with as little money as possible. Your job can help fund your business instead of having to take out a loan to cover those expenses. In addition, money that you have earned from a job to start and run a business you do not have to pay back. Therefore, keeping your job for as long as you possibly can after starting your business can help alleviate the possibility of large debt in the future.

For Personal Discipline Reasons: Believe it or not, many people actually work better in the beginning stages of their business if they stick to a regular schedule. Therefore, not only will keeping their job help fund their home businesses, but that it will also help them stay on task. Knowing they have very little time to take for granted they will be less likely to waste it come time to

For Networking Reasons: As long as it is allowed on your job, and your business is not a conflict of interest with your current employer, there may be the possibility of you networking with your co-workers at your current job. For instance, if you want to make extra money housecleaning, and you work in an office all day, you can make arrangements to begin housecleaning on the weekends. You may even be able to get hired by your boss. You never know where your current employment will lead you. Not only that, but the possibility also exists for you to purchase a franchise of that current business as well.

The above reasons are only a few examples of why you may need to keep your job while starting your business. You may have other reasons to keep your job as well, which have to do with other aspects than just with finances, discipline, or networking. For instance, you may need to monitor the success of your growing business for a while; to make sure it will sustain you for the long haul. This is more than about money, but also about a long-term commitment. You need to make sure that the business you are involved in will not only support you in the long run but will also be something that you will enjoy being involved in for the long run.

If you are not sure if a business idea is right for you and yet you start it, you can easily change your mind more readily if you have kept your job. However, if you have made the commitment to your business, and no longer have your job, it may be harder to turn back. You will have to either ask for your old job back or find a new one. To avoid that from happening, you may consider keeping your job for as long as you feel is necessary.

Paul P. Duxbury
http://www.articlesbase.com/careers-articles/start-a-home-based-business-but-do-not-quit-your-job-90023.html

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One method of doing international business by licensing trademarks is called Franchising. This method dates back to the 1850s where the recurring royalty fee is the prime source of income.

Good illustrations of this in the earliest times were the bars of New South Wales, the agreements between the breweries and these bars can be considered as the first foundation for the modern franchise businesses. Another good example of franchising hitting the international business scene are the telegraph system operated by various railroad companies but controlled by Western Union, and exclusive deals between automobile manufacturers and local dealers.

Franchised-based restaurants paved the way for franchise businesses wave since the 1930s with Howard Johnsons traditional sit-down restaurants and then McDonalds in the 1950s providing the US a franchise business dominion.

Presently, as declared by the Financial Times, if sales by US franchise businesses were converted into national products, it would be eligible as the seventh largest economy in the world.

Guide to International Business Franchising #1
The first step between the willing parties is a franchise agreement that binds the parties together through contractual provisions and strengthening it further by selling ones own products or services through another person holding the license. The agreement also specifies the area of operation under the franchise holder, generally the franchise provider will not grant complete and exclusive control of that area to the franchise holder alone over that particular area.

Guide to International Business Franchising #2
Franchise in the US stands by the jurisdiction granted by the state and federal laws although there is no federal filing requirements for information or no federal registry of franchising.

Guide to International Business Franchising #3
As per Federal Trade Commission Rules, franchise holders are required to have a Uniform Franchise Offering Circular that helps in disclosing the business transactions and purchases that remain involved.

Guide to International Business Franchising #4
Franchise holders are authorized to work under the trade mark by which was developed business system belonging to the franchisor and at the corresponding control from the franchisor, and therefore to use the advantages from positive factors associated with the given name.

Guide to International Franchising #5
Franchise holders should make major investments from own resources and should be the proprietor of the business. The franchise holder owes anyway to pay the franchisor for the rights given and the constant services provided.

As defined by the International Franchise Association, Franchise represents continuous mutual relation between franchisor and franchisee at which knowledge, the image, success, industrial and marketing methods are given franchisee for counter satisfaction of interests.

Franchising often appears to be the best way to future business success, as the norm of bankruptcies are low, however experienced businessmen may show that it is not completely the certain way to success.

T J Madigan
http://www.articlesbase.com/business-opportunities-articles/a-guide-to-international-business-us-franchising-112936.html

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Here’s the situation that aspiring franchise owners commonly find themselves in: they have adequate resources to use as capital, they want to stop being a paid employee, but they have zero entrepreneurial skills. And so they end up choosing to buy a franchise because it’s the perfect compromise…or is it?

What is a Franchise?
The term franchise is used to refer to a business that’s using the name, logo, and system of operation of a parent company in exchange of a franchise fee and a share of profits. Other rights beside the ones mentioned previously may be included depending on the agreement between the franchiser (the parent company selling franchise rights) and the franchisee (the buyer, which may be an individual or a company).

Pros and Cons of Owning a Franchise
Just like any other business, there are both benefits and drawbacks of owning a franchise, and whether you’ll have a positive future with a franchise or not depends on numerous factors.

PRO: A Franchise Allows You to Hit the Ground Running.
When you purchase a franchise, you need not suffer months or even a year of finding out for yourself who your target market is and what’s the best way to operate a business. Everything is handed to you on a silver platter.

CON: Franchise Fees are Usually High.
And in return for spoon-feeding you a whole new business, you’re usually asked to pay a hefty franchise fee and which may take you long years to recoup. Thus, if you have not enough money set aside, purchasing a franchise can be quite the burden.

PRO: A Franchise Has Lower Risks than a New Business
No matter how good your product is, there are more risks associated with opening a new business compared to owning a franchise. There is no basis to determine whether a new business will succeed or fail while the success of the parent company or its other franchisees can be used as basis for the success of a new franchise.

CON: A Franchise Has to Strictly Abide by the Rules of the Parent Company.
Even if you think you have great and innovative ideas to improve the performance of your franchised business, the most you can do is provide suggestions. As such, there are limited opportunities for you to explore and challenge your creativity.

Factors that Affect the Success of a Franchise

Type and Success of Business – Don’t choose to franchise just from any other company. Evaluate first the kind of success the company’s enjoying. Do you think your franchise can and will have the same fate? Do you think the business is just a passing interest for the public or does it show signs of longevity?

Skills and Other Qualifications – Some franchises require the franchisee to possess certain skills and abilities and maybe even an exceptional knowledge on a given field. If you don’t match the requirements specified by the franchisor, there’s a good chance that you wouldn’t be able to succeed in this endeavor.

Time and Management – If you’re not willing to spend sufficient time managing your business, you need to make sure that you put dependable and trustworthy people in the forefront. If you simply rely on anyone, how can you be sure that your business will continue running smoothly?

There are other factors that can affect the success of a franchise, but in the end, just make sure that it’s what you really want, need, and able to handle before signing on the dotted line.

Mario R. Churchill
http://www.articlesbase.com/business-articles/should-you-buy-a-franchise-or-not-112007.html

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If you want to have a business, sometimes buying one is easier than starting one. An already established business has its own advantages than building a relatively new business from scratch. But purchasing a small business, even though it seems to be the easier route to go, is not necessary easy to do. And there is certainly a load of things that you have to know before you go ahead and buy a franchise or any pre-existing business.

When buying a small business, the first thing you should consider is the kind that you would like to own. It is not a good idea to invest on something without knowing for sure that it return your investment’s worth in threefold. The most important question to ask yourself is: What line of business should you invest on?

During the selection process, narrow down your choice down to the business that you are very familiar with. A business that goes in line with your profession is a good option. You can also choose something you enjoy doing, like a hobby. Either the case, the more important thing is that you must have extensive knowledge about it. This will play an important part in managing the business.

Once you have successfully chosen the right business for you, investigate the reasons why the owner opted to sell out his or her business. If it were due to the performance of the business, analyze carefully all the risk factors you will be dealing with. Are the changes you have in mind enough to make the business more marketable? For franchises, this shouldn’t be an issue, but it is still best to conduct a feasibility study on the target market, the location, and the financial condition of the business before you even attempt to buy it.

Funding is another good point to consider when buying a small business. You need to consider just a simple question: Can you afford it? Getting a business loan may be easy for you and money is out of question, but still, should you buy more than you can afford? This is the same as asking if you should get a loan in an amount you can’t possibly pay back on your own.

Buying a small business is not simple at all. If the business already exists, it is your responsibility to know of any lawsuits, tax liabilities, and debts that the business has, as all of these will be transferred to you for you are now its legal owner. On the other hand, if you choose to get a franchise, it is your responsibility to know all about the royalties, franchise fees, and the other charges that you need to pay and when you should pay them. Try to uncover all hidden charges as well. Sometimes, maintaining a franchise requires you to pay more than you should.

Steps in Buying a Business

1. Review the Business or Franchise Documents.

Business and franchise contracts have to comply with the set rules and conditions as provided by the law and the local government. Don’t buy a business without inspecting the papers first. Consult with the proper people, more particularly a lawyer, to go over the salient points included in the contract.

2. Negotiate the price.

If you think you can put down the asking price for the business a little more, try to do so. However, if you are not fit for these kinds of negotiations, try to enlist the help of your business broker. A few discounts here and there will surely mean a lot to your new business.

3. Process the payment.

If you have the necessary funding, then you can simply write out a check and pay for the business in the schedule as agreed upon. Business loans are offered by a number of banks. It would be good if you can talk to a banker about the same time that you are seeking out the perfect business to buy so the whole process becomes faster.

4. Sign all the necessary papers.

When payment has been made and an agreement was reached, both parties have to finalize the deal by signing all documents involved. These in turn have to be compiled accordingly as they will be needed in the next step. It is also best to have a lawyer around during the time the papers are signed to ensure everything is accounted for and nothing important is missed.

5. Register the business under your name.

The moment you have full rights over the business, you have to file all the necessary changes not yet performed with the proper public office. If you wish to change its name, transfer its ownership, and renew its business license, this is the right time to do all of them.

Buying a small business is a big step. And these are just a few things you have to learn. But with the right amount of skills and management effort, every business might just be a successful one.

Max Stephen
http://www.articlesbase.com/business-articles/what-you-should-know-when-buying-a-small-business-113511.html

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I want to share an interesting ad I saw in the paper the other day: Wealthy fast food addict in search of an Austin business consultant to guide him in the purchase of a fast food franchise so he can save money on burgers and fries.

Okay!

I didn’t really see that ad, but I know Texas business strategists and business coaches all around your area that could help that person, or you, find and purchase a franchise by guiding you through the process if that’s what you want to do.

It just so happens that, even though I’m awful with an opening joke, I know a few things about buying a franchise myself that I learned from Austin business consultants. This time I’ll be serious, so please keep reading.

As with anything, common questions arise that you want answered before you begin to even consider buying a franchise. Before you consult with a Texas business consultant or business strategist, you must read the answers to those questions and save yourself some time and maybe money.

How does a franchisor make his money?

They consult a Texas business coach like you will! Then, they charge a hefty fee for a franchise. After that, they collect a percentage of the sales and also sell supplies and services to the franchise.

Consult an Austin business consultant to find out the standard fees and percentages for the industry in which you want to buy a franchise.

What’s more important? The initial fee or the charges down the road from sales, etc? Assuming you’re buying into a successful franchise, definitely concern yourself more with the charges you’ll incur down the road.

Those charges come directly from a percentage of your sales, not profits. Too high of a percentage can deflate your profits.

Beware of any hefty fees required up front. Make sure the franchise is successful. Most importantly, consult with a Texas business consultant or seek the help of a Texas business coach before signing any contracts.

Well, is it worth it to pay a percentage of my sales?

I can’t decide that for you. Austin business consultants say that if you possess industry experience then, yes, it could be worth it for you. However, if you’re new to the industry you want to buy into and just want to try your hand, you might be best to work for someone else first.

Texas business strategists point out that you pay a percentage of sales. That means what you pay doesn’t take into account operating expenses and the like. If you don’t know the industry, you can’t plan ahead so that you can pay those fees and still make the profit you need.

What other costs can exist?

You might have to pay a percentage of advertising costs and not just for your area. This might include local, regional, or even national costs. Again, consult with an Austin business consultant.

Take advantage of the help that Texas business coaches can give to you to help you make the smart choice.

What else should I watch out for?

Talk to other franchise owners and a Texas business consultant before proceeding with buying any franchise. I can’t say that enough! However, you should know if you could sell the franchise easily, if the franchise fees can be increased for any reason, and how your industry skills stack up against others who bought into that franchise.

Again, talk to a Texas business strategist and other franchise owners. The time you take to do your research will pay off in gains instead of losses.

Ben Jordan
http://www.articlesbase.com/business-articles/get-free-fast-food-using-an-austin-business-consultant-124597.html

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As a young boy growing up in a working class family, I always used to fantasize about one day owning my own 5 star hotel in the center of one of the world’s finest cities. I held onto this dream for years, but I eventually left school with little education, only armchair ambition, and employment as a general labourer. I later realized that the only restrictions I had in my life were imposed on me by myself. Some years later, I caught up my best buddy from high school (also uneducated), and he told me he had gone on to open a small chain of trendy coffee shops. Enthralled by his success, I asked him what occupational qualifications or gift of the gab talents he had acquired to achieve his success.

He went onto say that the first thing you need to get good at is money management. Money talks, he said, and you need a fair stash of it to start a coffee shop of your own. Therefore, you need to do whatever you can to show the banks you can save, invest and manage your money wisely. However, saving on its own is not good enough to boost your credit rating and credibility with the banks. They need to see you spending too, but not only spending but borrowing and paying back without default. Investing in property too, is a must have as this will act as fixed collateral when applying for a business loan.

He made it all sound so easy which made me question why so many folks get into such a financial quandary in the first place, like me! He explained that many people go into heavy dept by borrowing more than they can afford to realistically pay back, but worse still, too many people are putting their needs before their wants. It’s this gluttonous approach to life which gets them into financial strife in the first place.

He told me that he had a simple vision shortly after leaving school and that was to start a coffee shop. He explained that he kept his ideals very grounded and simplistic and approached the whole thing in a logical and methodical way. “What other approaches are there for an uneducated dimwit like me?” he jested.

Well, I’ve often thought about owning my own business and I too would love to start my very own coffee shop as I’ve always thought they are the coolest most hip social places to meet and greet than even the pubs and restaurants. A coffee shop has such an informal laid back atmosphere not to mention the delightful aromas of freshly ground coffees. My ole school friend explained that there was aplenty of room in the city for more coffee shops, but despite my ambitious thoughts, I’ve never been able to realise my dreams. Maybe it’s latent fear or something, but I’ve just never had the drive necessary to start a coffee shop, or any business, no matter how much I’ve wanted it.

After talking with my pal, I’ve since taken some baby steps forward though, and rather than independently build a store from scratch, not that I’m lacking ideas you understand, I have been taking a very serious look at using a franchise to start a coffee shop. The reason for this is because I’ll get lots of business support with a franchise, and that can only help to lessen the burden of someone new to the game.

Initially, I backed out of the idea because I felt intimidated due to my lack of education and retail business experience. However, my buddy said that all I need to show the franchise company was that I could acquire the funds, show that I had a good head on my shoulders, and come across with enthusiasm, ambitions, and an open mind. If they like what they see, the franchise will give you all of the training you need to succeed. Well, that was music to my ears, I can tell you.

It’s still early days and I need to do a fair bit of groundwork to prepare my case, but the idea to start a coffee shop in my home town is becoming more excitable with each passing day. I recently read an inspirational snippet about what separates the men from the boys when it comes to starting a new business. It reads like this:

Of 100 people who start with a plan today, 80 will drop out within 6 months.
Of the 20 left, 16 will drop out within the next 6 months.
Of the 4 left, only 1 will still be at it 6 months later.
Be that 1.

And that’s exactly what I to be. That 1. I hope the next time I write a piece it will be about how I came to start a coffee shop in my home town. Maybe not a rags to riches story, but I hope an inspirational one nonetheless.

Gary Tooth
http://www.articlesbase.com/business-opportunities-articles/starting-your-own-coffee-shop-franchise-business-51833.html

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Buying a Franchise is a great business opportunity as the majority of franchisees are still trading successfully after 7 years (source – US Department of Commerce figures). Before you start looking at franchises, decide which market niche you want to enter. Choose a field that not only creates a livelihood but one that you personally will enjoy.

You also have to analyse your self. Are you good at sales? If you do not like being cooped in to one environment, then a franchise which demands that you out and meet people might be good for you.

Do you prefer it if the customer comes to you? If you prefer to have a retail outlet where you task is to ensure that the environment is as conducive as possible so that customers will be more inclined to shop, then a fast food franchise or similar might be up your street.

Where does your expertise and strength lie? This analysis will determine the franchise that you choose. Always choose the option that is right for you!

Some franchises do all the market research for you and even help you to choose a location for your business. Your job is then to manage the business, keep proper accounting records, always be at hand and control the staff. This would be ideal for a person with good management skills.

Other franchises ask you to work from home, set up a mini office and then go out and network with local business to generate your income. This might suit people who do not like to be tied down and handle rejection fairly easily.

Once you have found the niche that you enjoy, then start looking at all the franchises available in this field.

Choose a franchise which has a proven track record, and then speak to existing franchisees. By speaking to them you will be able to quickly understand the business and the pit falls. Spend your free time analysing the market and visit the library if you require further information.

Most franchisors offer excellent training and long term support. Some even have refresher courses throughout the year which you can attend.

The advantages of working for yourself, but not by yourself are what many franchises try to encapsulate. The disadvantages of buying a franchise are that you have are restricted in many areas.

If you’re ready to make the commitment, franchising can be a rewarding, and often highly lucrative business. Remember to take professional advice before signing any legal documents.

Naz Daud
http://www.articlesbase.com/business-articles/buying-a-franchise-business-how-to-choose-87232.html

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It is a well known fact that as the population increases then the number of people wanting to go into business increases -obvious but true.

This is despite the fact that a large amount of businesses fail within the first two years.

Ideally one would like to purchase a business for less than it takes to create one – this is not always easy and can take as much effort as the former.

So just how does one take the choice of whether or not to uptake the business opportunity?

The decision can be helped by the work taken to look at the factors affecting the eventual outcome.

What is commonly misunderstood is that businesses have their life-cycles -if you are lucky enough to buy a business when its life-cycle is still enhanced by its customer loyalty then it is fortunate but if one is basing their future on this then it can be touch-and-go.

So what should one look at when purchasing a business franchise?

Establishing a customer base

Internal systems and procedures

Market awareness and credibility

Premises and cash-flow

Staffing

Franchising is such a popular industry due to the ability to focus on the first three points.

It must be noted that, however, as with any business, it essential to establish a customer base.

Also, it is important to ask oneself whether or not the customers will stay happy in the long-term; this is of paramount importance as it is the key, obviously, to the longevity of the business.

Some schools of thought believe that it is a good idea to have a “work-out” clause included- this involves the owner taking part in the business for a period so that the owner’s skills may be put to the business in its early stages.

What may also be apparent to existing franchisees is the fact that the aforementioned points seem ridiculously transparent but to the unaware may be at first un-noticed.

Again, what may seem apparently clarent to pre-existing franchisees is the need to do the customer approach-whichever business one is involved in; it requires customer contact and this can be the making or braking of a business.

So in deciding to take on a franchise opportunity the potential franchisee must ask almost the same number of questions as that of a person looking to begin a brand new business-what is the integrity behind the business? What are its potential advantages/disadvantages? What are the staff needed? Are there any premises needed-if so how, much area? What logistics are required? Internal systems and staffing? Rent and rates? The list goes on.

Financing of course takes pride of place as this is one of the major reasons we strive to create anything in the world of business.

In my opinion it is essential to ensure that sufficient funds are available to take care of the bad times, and with previous experience it is recommended to expect some problems with any and every opportunity.

However, this being said, the fruits of pursuing this course are plenty otherwise people would not go into these ventures.

The question thus prevails-to buy or not to buy a business franchise?

Naz Daud
http://www.articlesbase.com/business-articles/to-buy-a-franchise-business-118208.html

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