flexible lifestyle balance Archives | Franchise Dictionary Magazine

Why Invest in a Franchise?

Here’s Nine Compelling Reasons

by Brian LaCour
Certified Franchise Consultant

When you’ve got the entrepreneurial itch, you might be weighing whether to go it alone or invest in a franchise. Here are nine arguments in favor of the second option.

1. You get off to a head start with the backing of a named brand. By purchasing a franchise, you’re often buying into a business with a brand that’s already been developed or emerging, marketed, and, most important, familiar to consumers.

2. You can choose the franchise that accommodates your lifestyle. Maybe you want to work from home or work only certain parts of the year. Perhaps you don’t want to manage employees. Investing in a franchise allows for this flexibility. Franchises are diverse, and many of them don’t require employees or office space. You can opt for a franchise that’s right for your interests and skills.

3. You receive customized training designed to get you up to speed with your business. In a mix of classroom and on-the-job training, the franchisor will teach how to operate the business as well as the techniques particular to the brand. The transfer of knowledge during training serves as the foundation of a successful franchise network and is not available to someone in business by himself.

4. You benefit from intellectual property, trademarks, and patents. Many franchisors grant you access to proprietary technology or software that’s designed specifically to their brand and gives franchisees an edge over their competitors.

5. You benefit from strategic partnerships and agreements. By joining a franchise network, you become part of a much larger, more powerful network than you could have on your own. This applies to everything from negotiating the purchase of advertising to making supply arrangements.

6. You increase your chances of success. Franchise ownership increase your chances of being in business five or 10 years later and being profitable.

7. You have a team protecting the integrity of the brand. Being part of a franchise network requires adhering to rules and regulations. The upside is that there are standards for quality control among all franchisees. In addition, a strong franchise network will ensure all the franchisees are operating at peak performance.

8. You follow a formula that has proved successful. One discouraging aspect of starting your own business is testing the products and/or services you’re trying to sell. Going out on your own requires a leap of faith. A franchise network has already found what works.

9. You’re not alone. Starting a business can be intimidating. It is a test of endurance as you navigate unfamiliar territory. With a franchise, your network is just a phone call, email, or text message away. A support team will assist you when you open and as you continue to grow your business.

Brian LaCour

Brian LaCour has more than 20 years of business leadership experience in driving fiscal results, strategic planning, saving costs, increasing revenue, streamlining processes, and developing top performing teams. LaCour’s passion for helping people led him to the role as president of the International Franchise Group. Call LaCour at 561-502-7283 or email him at blacour@internationalfranchisegroup.com. Visit www.internationalfranchisegroup.com.

With Age Comes Wisdom

Audra2019-03-12T11:04:05-04:00March 11th, 2019|Tags: established professional networks, flexible lifestyle balance, motivated to succeed, perfect age for business ownership, The 50-something life experience, wide range of experiences|

With Age Comes Wisdom

Why 50-somethings are at the perfect age for business ownership.

by Diana Capirano
Certified Franchise Consultant

Franchising is great for people of all ages, but men and women at mid-life are prime candidates for these opportunities. The 50-something life experience brings great value to business and the entire franchise system. If you’re not yet 50, keep reading—one day you will be and it comes sooner than you think.

One of the coolest things about franchising is that there is no age discrimination, but 50-somethings are prime candidates because often the kids are out of the house and they can focus on their own wants and goals. Even retirees are getting in on the action as business models are conducive to semi-absenteeism and allow a very flexible lifestyle balance. AARP and social security are just added bonuses.

As a franchise consultant, I help clients realize that along with business acumen, life experiences—personal and professional—are of huge value to franchisors. Stored applied knowledge, emotional intelligence, and transferrable skills from other careers can make a big difference in owning a business.

At age 50, you have better clarity as to what is missing in your life. Maturation somehow brings us to, “there must be more to my life than this.” The mindset shifts from what can we do for our employer to what value owning a business brings to us. We desire a higher form of our mid-life selves.

Statistically, the highest rate of entrepreneurship in the U.S. has been among 55 to 64-year old’s, and people older than 55 are twice as likely to launch successful new companies than those in the 20-to-34 age group. So it’s a misconception to think that only young people are risktakers and wildly innovative. Next time you think you’re past your prime, get inspired by Ray Croc (McDonald’s), Charles Flint (IBM), Bill Porter (E*Trade), and Bernie Marcus (Home Depot). Didn’t anyone tell you that 50 is the new 30?

WHY 50-PLUS WORKS

Although franchise models can be plug and play, the 50-plus age group has more to offer than you might think. Here are a few great perks that come with life experience.

Broad and deep life experience: Having had a wide range of experiences in the past, will help you handle new situations and relate to a broad group of people now.

Diversified knowledge and skills: People over 50 often have understanding in sales, operations, finance, training, and mentoring others. This builds confidence and flexibility.

Networks: The ability to leverage established professional networks can accelerate growth and provide recruitment opportunities.

Past failures: Likelihood of previous failures provides learning opportunities. It tends to make us less risk adverse and more motivated to succeed.

Accessibility: Now even retirement plans can be used to fund the business.

Diana Capirano, CFC, has an expansive career which includes corporate and franchise sales and development, marketing and operations, merger and acquisitions, structuring and negotiations as well as business ownership. As a highly-respected consultant and mentor, Diana espouses a profound commitment to help prospective business owners and investors understand and navigate the process of deciding on a franchise business. Contact Diana at 941-999-0095, email diana@focusfranchise.com, or visit http://www.focusfranchise.com.