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Though most people think of franchises in terms of stores and restaurants, there are plenty of home-based franchise opportunities available too, such as computer consulting, pet care, financial services and cleaning. Some may require specialised equipment, like a van with the company logo.
There are pros and cons to running a business from home. An obvious advantage of a home office is the possibility of tax deductions – your accountant can determine what is applicable to your situation. One sensitive issue is whether you can separate your business life from your personal/family life. It’s easy to fall into a routine of never being 'off work' when you’re based at home, so to maintain a healthy lifestyle, you should draw boundaries between work and home.
Set up your office where it is separate from the distractions of children, pets, television screens etc. Let family members know that you are working when in your office and that you should not be disturbed unless it is urgent. Establish a regular schedule for yourself, with breaks to stretch, eat lunch, exercise or attend to domestic tasks. You’ll be more productive if you stick to an established work schedule.
Since working from home can be isolating, reach out to other franchisees and home-based business operators in your area. It’s a great way to network – you’ll get useful tips and maybe even some new customers.
The first thing you must find out before buying a home-based franchise is whether your town permits a business to be run out of a home. Make sure your business operation will be in compliance with any applicable zoning/planning laws, and be sure to get whatever permits are required.
Next, you’ll have to think about the equipment you’ll need. Some franchisors provide the equipment, which might be specialised tools, such as those used for home repair or landscaping maintenance. The franchisor may also provide a computer with customised software for the business. But you may have to outfit your own office from scratch, and it’s probably helpful to talk with other franchisees in the business to find out which items are essential and most practical – notebooks, a pager, stationery, business cards, multiple phone lines, broadband internet and so on.
Working from home has its rewards as well as drawbacks. If you can stay focused, ignore distractions, and keep to a schedule, it could be the right option for you.
For more inspiration on investing in a franchise opportunity, see the following franchisee success story.
Working At Home With Additional Resources
Nikki Addison, Additional Resources home-base franchisee:
“I spent the summer looking seriously at a variety of franchise opportunities. I wanted a home-based business where I could reap the rewards of my own hard work. But all of them asked for a large start-up fee and it seemed to me I would get very little in return.
“Then I came across Tracy at Additional Resources and I knew I'd found the real deal. I had no recruitment experience but I did know something about business. The opportunity almost sounded too good – there must be a catch somewhere. But there isn't. Tracy and Russell have done exactly what they said they would do. They have set me up, given me access to excellent recruitment software, granted great technical support and most importantly, provided jobs for me to work on.
“Within four weeks I had my first job offer, and within eight weeks my first placement, which has been swelling my bank balance very nicely! I can confidently say that Additional Resources offers the best business opportunity together with outstanding value for money; allowing you to make the income you want. All the support and help is there, you've just got to do it.
“It has been a really enjoyable experience so far, I love all aspects of the job. And I set my own hours and can have coffee in the garden and watch the squirrels from my office. Fantastic! I couldn't go back to being employed now. Additional Resources has given me the lifestyle I want.”
Fnd out more information about the Additional Resources unique home-based opportunity.