Whether you’re ready to slow it down after a lifetime in the workforce, or to restart your career after primarily being home with your kids, franchising has multiple opportunities for you to work at home.
Locating your business at home allows you to set your work hours around the needs of your life. So you can watch your grand-daughter’s afternoon softball game or take your kids to school without spending valuable time commuting. Or have more time to pursue hobbies or volunteer activities.
Working at home, in fact, is a growing trend, having increased 46 percent between 1997 and 2010, for people who work at least one day per week at home, according to the U.S. Census.
Increasing numbers of full-time workers are setting up their businesses at home, thanks to new technology that allows us to easily connect via the Internet. In its most recent survey, the Census reported that more than half of all businesses that responded to its 2007 Survey of Business Owners operated out of someone’s home.
The other main benefit of setting up a new business at home is the ability to significantly lower your overhead costs.
The advantage of a franchise is you don’t need any experience in your business of choice. A good franchise comes with a tried-and-true system, training and ongoing support to help you gain the skills you need to make a good living.
Of course, your responsibility is to do the research necessary to help you make a good match with your interests and your experience. This includes reading Franchise Disclosure Documents and talking to franchisees to fully understand not only your complete costs, but potential snags, as well.
After all, you don’t want to choose a business that requires an outgoing personality when you prefer solitary work, such as research or perusing spreadsheets. The good news is opportunities abound to suit every area of interest.
Home-based franchises range across many industries, from various cleaning services, assisted living or home health care, business to business services, tutoring and fitness training.
Characteristics of a home-based franchise include:
- Few or no employees
- Interaction with clients mainly by telephone or by you bringing your business to them
- Technology easily available at home
- Lower space requirements
We recommend you start looking into various franchises online, starting with the International Franchise Association, and then consult a franchise coach to help you fine-tune your selection.
Spend the time upfront on a thorough due diligence and you greatly improve your chances for long-term success.
Choosing a new business can be among the most exciting moments in your life. So let your goal of creating a balanced life with a business you enjoy be your guide and get started today!
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Contact Dan Citrenbaum to help you create the career you’ve always wanted. As a franchise coach, Dan brings years of experience helping people select and buy a franchise or existing business. You can reach Dan at dcitrenbaum@gmail.com or at (215) 367-5349.
© Dan Citrenbaum 2015
*This post was written by Career Confidential Expert Dan Citrenbaum of The Entrepreneur Option.