An alternative way to do business

In a world fraught with job insecurity, joining a franchise is an extremely attractive option, says Sarah Cressall, the founder and owner of Creation Station.

An alternative way to do business

In the ever-changing landscape of politics and socio-economics, job security isn’t guaranteed. So have you ever thought about running your own business? It can be a very attractive option indeed. 

However, choosing the best sector for you is crucial. You will need to select one that will provide you and your family with a sustainable income. You will also have to do your homework to find one that will adapt to the ever-changing world of business.

With mental well-being a high priority in the current world, it’s also essential to consider how your personal circumstances might change and how your business can support you in achieving both your financial and personal goals.

I launched Creation Station in 2002, and during the past two decades have witnessed a huge amount of change. We have navigated the business to be true to our core values. 

We broadened the scope of our business so that our franchise partners had more than 10 different income streams to satisfy their own personal needs. And we made certain that these income streams offered year-round financial potential to our entire franchisee network.

Here are some key points to consider when choosing a business opportunity that offers both flexibility and stability in the current financial climate:

1: Search for a business opportunity with multiple income streams. A business with multiple revenue streams will help you weather the ups and downs of the economy. If one stream is not performing particularly well, you can rely on another to provide a source of income. The ability to generate income from multiple sources should provide you with a steady cash flow throughout the year.

2: Choose a business that allows flexibility in your personal life. Consider how it can fit into your preferred lifestyle. Not just currently but also in the future. You may want to work from home, or have the flexibility to find a schedule that suits your needs. This is especially important for those with a young family. You may also wish to work part-time on certain days of the week. Balancing your work and personal life is important to your mental health and overall well-being.

3: Find a business that supports your personal goals. We spend a lot of time working, in order to generate income that allows us to pay our mortgage, food bills and general life expenses. Think about what business opportunity could not only support your financial goals but also align with your personal ambitions. For example, if you have a passion for supporting children’s wellbeing and education, you may want to consider a franchise in that industry. You must love what you do, while also earning an income.

4: Before investing in a business opportunity, it is important to research a company’s support system. Most franchises provide initial training and support. But you will also need to investigate the topics of on-going training and marketing assistance. How much will you continue to receive? A franchise’s head office team should always offer practical help, ongoing support, as well as training to help you adapt to ever-changing economic circumstances.

5: Consider brand recognition: A well-known established brand can help you attract customers and generate sales. Being part of a market-leading franchise will help you when members of the public use online search engines. A well-known brand creates trust. Peer reviews are an important factor when customers make their decisions. Research what customers are saying about the brand. Investing in a franchise that enjoys brand recognition can help you stand out from the crowd and succeed in a competitive market. This is especially important when starting out in business, as you attempt to attract those early sales.

A franchise that offers multiple income streams benefit from the franchisor’s ongoing research and development work. Franchisors invest in improving their products or services, which will help network members to stay ahead of the competition. 

Franchise partners also benefit from the franchisor’s network and purchasing power, which will help to reduce costs and improve profitability. A multi-income stream franchise will provide you with many benefits and safeguards. These include diversification of revenue, personal flexibility, plus a certain amount of financial stability during changing economic times.

It is always crucial to do your due diligence when researching a franchise. Never make any investment decision without doing so. With the right franchise, you can achieve financial stability, flexibility and personal happiness.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Sarah Cressall
Sarah Cressall
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