5 Signs You're Ready To Start Your Own Business

Staff Writer, The Career News EDEN PRAIRIE, MN -- The tough job market has forced many people to consider starting their own business. But before you trade in your time card for an expense account, consider these five signs you're ready to go out on your own: You've been pondering it for some time You crave more flexible work hours It doesn't come from a place of unhappiness You have the expertise and confidence You have a desire to keep on learning In the history of business, this happens to be an amazing time to start your own enterprise. Of course the economy is a bit rough right now; no doubt about that. And yes, that's a challenge. But what we're talking about is taking a broader view. The fact is, between technology, the Internet and global capitalism, this is the golden era of small business -- a moment in time unmatched. It used to be possible that if you worked hard and hung in there, then eventually, you'd be recognized for your efforts and rewarded. However for hundreds of thousands of Americans this hasn't been the case for quite some time. And no one is exempt. From entry-level workers on up to middle managers and executives, individuals find themselves missing rungs on their corporate ladder, or worse, downsized. Job security is a rare commodity in today's workforce. Indeed, job security is a rare commodity in today's workforce. And maybe that's why more and more disillusioned corporate refugees are leaving the 401k fold, opting to put their skills to use by going into business for themselves. The entrepreneurial spirit is alive and well. But the reality of it is that start-up businesses require risk. Likely more risk than the average corporate castaway would care to take. And that's why franchise businesses have become popular solutions for many job seekers. Be your own boss and run your own company Is it a good solution for you? A franchise makes a lot of sense if you'd like to be-your-own-boss and run your own company, yet minimize the risk that an independent business incurs. A franchise allows you to avoid the trial and errors of a start-up, and instead, go into business with a tested and proven operating, marketing and distribution system. Performance can be much more predictable as well, with a parent company's watchful eye. A franchise also offers the benefit of group buying power to keep costs down. Sound great? There are more than 1,600 registered franchises in today's market - and counting. Some have been around for years, and others are young, innovative and growing. So where do you begin? The number one priority is to find a good match in a franchisor. When your ideas and philosophies match that of the franchisor, then you're even more likely to succeed. You may even come to feel like your franchisor is an extended part of the family. Get a free-consultation with a franchise expert So how do you find a good match? Start by doing research, but we don't recommend you go it alone. If you're interested in exploring franchise opportunities, we suggest a free-consultation with FranChoice -- the premier "matchmaker" of the franchise industry. Their consultations are complimentary and they don't make you feel obligated in any way. As the name suggests, FranChoice is a company that specializes in helping individuals choose a franchise - matching franchisees with franchisors - much like a real estate agency matches potential buyers with sellers of homes. Why don't they charge you? Well someone does pay, but in this case it's not you. FranChoice is actually paid by franchisors to help educate and refer qualified franchisee matches. But make no mistake -- FranChoice is very selective about the franchisors they work with. It's the only way they can be successful. In fact, they pre-screen hundreds of franchisors from industries such as retail, hospitality, automotive, beauty, business-to-business and more, to find only the ones with the right "value proposition". What's more, the consultants you'll work with all have franchising backgrounds and can help you determine if the franchise business is right for you. You'll find their experience and knowledge invaluable in helping you research and evaluate different opportunities.