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women and franchising - a successful combination

With the number of successful women franchisees and franchisors continuing to increase, as well as many women operating at senior levels within the industry, women are at last making their presence in franchising known.

"Many women who have been running a home and raising a family have many of the attributes needed to run a business successfully - they are decisive, energetic, organize- well and are used to doing at least three things at once! If you have these qualities you may be well suited to running your own business, but if you are unsure what to do, then franchising could be just the thing." Cathryn Hayes, National Franchise Manager, HSBC

The unique skill set of women are well customized to the franchise environment:

Women tend to be good listeners and build lasting relationships more easily, which are fundamental requirements of franchising.

Many women prefer fulfilling work in a pleasant culture to building empires, another reason why so many women want to start-up their own business.

Prioritising and being detail-oriented are other characteristics of women that make them ideal for franchising.

As are placing greater emphasis on such skills as being organised and having the ability to handle numerous tasks.

What encourages women into franchising?

Unfortunately even today sexual discrimination of some level still exists in many industries and organisations. Many-a-time it is these so-called "push" factors that force women into looking at new directions in their career.

Going into business on your own helps to break down some of the barriers that exist. Being your own boss in your own company allows you to avoid the "glass ceiling" that still exists in some organisations. In your own business you are not prevented from reaching the top.

With one in five small businesses failing within their first year of operating, this can be a major financial and social commitment for most to undertake.

The concept of franchising helps reduce the risks considerably. As though you are your own boss, in franchising you have a network of people around you, all willing to provide help and support when needed. For women especially this not only gives reassurance and peace of mind, but more importantly the drive and motivation to achieve their goals in a business of their own.

Another major obstacle for many women is the lack of flexible work arrangements for those with, or planning to have children, upsetting their need for balancing work and family life.

Women who leave employment for this purpose are sometimes unable to re-enter work at the same level in which they left, and instead can be forced into unwanted part-time and temporary positions. This situation is now changing with new legal guidelines coming to the forefront of employee's rights.

Franchising however creates an opportunity for experienced and ambitious women, seeking greater job enrichment to continue operating at a high level, whilst also providing the flexibility they require to juggle their home life with work.

Women returning to the workforce after a career break may feel that they do not have the necessary experience, skills and knowledge to successfully start-up and manage their own business.

Franchising offers them a safer alternative. It combines the flexibility and creativity of a smaller business with the assurance and efficiency of a larger organisation.

Purchasing a tried and tested formula allows women to benefit from the support and experience of the franchisor. This can include introductory training, ongoing support and specific training if required for the type of business you are buying into.

This all adds up to one conclusion.women and franchising do make a successful combination!

For further information on franchise opportunities, please visit.

http://www.whichfranchise.com/women/index.cfm
http://www.whichfranchise.com/index.cfm

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