Franchise ownership is ideally suited for women. Today's business market offers a variety of options for women who want to become their own boss. The franchise market is a strong growing market with appeal for female entrepreneurs. According to the International Franchise Association, women own approximately 25% of all franchises. The National Women's Business Council noted a 20.1% increase in the number of women-owned businesses from 2000-2007. The rise in women business owners speaks to the continued growth of franchises and the success of women in the business world.
Women Make Excellent Franchise Owners
The franchise option is a natural fit for women. For the newly retired woman who wants a second career as well as those women entering the business world for the first time, a franchise is the perfect opportunity to build successful business.
Women possess the type of people-skills that lead to success in the business world. According to Franchising.com:
- Women tend to be great organizers, can prioritize well, and have an eye for detail. Important skills for operating a successful franchise.
- Women often have the ability to think quickly, improvise, and adapt when necessary. The day-to-day business of running a franchise calls for this kind of flexibility and ability to shift gears.
- Women are known to have strong networking and communications skills. Franchisees work with many vendors, customers and partners in the daily operations of the franchise.
- Female business owners tend to be more financially conservative. They are willing to start small on their way to growing big. This kind of business approach and philosophy is perfect for opening, operating, and growing a franchise.
(Adapted and excerpted from the article: Women in Franchising: This Business Is Not Just For Men Anymore.)
The Franchise Advantage for Women
When you become a franchise owner you immediately become a part of the franchise network with its resources, support and consultants. There is no need to start from scratch, you have access to a proven business plan based on the research, success and expertise of their business model.
The whole package concept of franchises is ideal for women who want to balance a personal life with career, without feeling the need to sacrifice other aspects of life. As a franchise owner, you are connected to the corporate office and its resources. There are experts to guide the new owner through every step, from finding the right location, securing funding to training staff and planning your business opening. The franchisor has already done branding, developed marketing campaigns, written operational manuals and set up the support network for franchisees.
The materials are available to you as a franchisee. Owning a franchise allows you to bring your unique set of skills and personality traits to the business—excelling at the things you do best.
Children-oriented franchises, like children's gym programs, are ideal for women. Working with families, helping to nurture children and give them a strong foundation for the future is appealing to many women. The atmosphere is playful, always lively and full of personal interactions. It is a business model with a proven track record of success and strong franchisor-franchisee relationships.
The Little Gym has franchise opportunities for business owners of all ages, levels of experience and business skills. If you'd like to learn more about The Little Gym franchise see their website.