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3 franchise models for the career corporate

Nick Hall

Franchise systems are about more than just food and fitness. Over the past decade, a rising number of business and professional service models have entered the sector, buoyed by a desire for white-collar workers to leverage their previous business experience while working for themselves.

A reliance on cloud-based operations has given way to a new generation of mobile professionals, presenting more lucrative opportunities for entrepreneurs in the mortgage broking, marketing and advisory industries.

For industry corporates with a stable income, starting a business may draw connotations of risk and a lifetime hunched over the home-office desk.

With a business services franchise however, entrepreneurs can leverage brand image and reputation, with the freedom to control their hours, all with the support of an experienced franchisor.

It’s not all home-offices and heartache. Here’s three franchise models for the corporate worker you may not have considered.

Mobile

For small business owners, work/life balance is often seen as a primary indicator of performance, with more Australian workers willing to forgo large pay-checks in favour of increased family time.

In the finance sector, mobile broking has emerged as not only a profitable franchise business opportunity, but one that presents enhanced flexibility.

The one-man operation allows parents returning to the workforce, semi-retired professionals and those looking for self-development to realise the goal of business ownership, all the while, choosing their hours and setting their own appointments.

Dani Stokes, mobile mortgage broker for Aussie said the ability to schedule work around her family commitments made the flexible model a perfect fit.

“I can choose to work 25 hours a week – or I can work 50 hours a week. It really depends on what’s going on with the kids, their school and my family commitments,” the working mum said.

It isn’t just financial professionals getting in on the mobile franchise model however, with workplace services models providing a flexible solution for health and safety professionals.

Mobile alcohol and drug testing franchises, such as Drug-Safe Workplaces allow franchisees with a professional mindset to help improve a client’s business and can easily be operated by semi-retired corporates and part-time workers.

Retail storefront

Despite the rapid-digitisation of the business world, bricks and mortar service outlets are still providing career corporates with a profitable window to entrepreneurship.

The ability for businesses and consumers to enter a physical store and view products in person is a highly valued commodity, particularly in the print marketing and communication sector.

Brands such as Snap Franchising provide digital, print and web marketing solutions, allowing marketing professionals to utilise their industry expertise, and sales professional to use their skills to acquire clients.

For entrepreneurs looking to exit the agency sector, or seeking further personal development, a retail franchise in the business services sector can provide a profitable opportunity with the potential for footfall client acquisition.

Home-based

On the other end of the spectrum, operating a franchise business from home presents the opportunity for career growth, self-sufficiency and personal fulfilment without the need for costly overheads such as rent and staff wages.

Similar to the mobile model, online and cloud-based franchise businesses increase flexibility and can be scheduled around lifestyle factors, such as family commitments.

An experiment by Ctrip, a 16,000 employee NASDAQ-listed travel agency, volunteers who worked from home reported a 16 per cent increase in performance, of which four per cent was from to more calls per minute, attributed to a quieter, more convenient workplace.

Australian business, Valenta BPO has established itself as a global leader in SME outsourcing and process advice, providing career corporates with a profitable franchise opportunity that can be operated from home.

The unique approach to the franchise system means franchisees can focus solely on acquiring new business and strengthening client relationships, while Valenta handles the operations.

As a result, franchisees can enjoy unrivalled flexibility and reduced overheads, with no need for a physical office until the franchise business substantially grows.

Final thoughts

For business professionals who have spent several years developing a portfolio of clients, projects and successes, starting a franchise in the handyman or food retailing sector may seem like a backward step.

As the demand for work/life balance increases, the impact of flexible working arrangements is seeing more Aussie businesses launch franchise models to accommodate.

If you have a goal of owning your own business, the diverse range of franchise models in the business and professional services sector will no doubt present a system that utilises your skills and caters to your needs.