The corporate grind is draining. Punching in and out, working to fatten someone else’s wallet, and doing the same things every single day can wear you down, which is why so many people turn to owning their own businesses. If you are ready to take on the challenges of business ownership, leaving your job behind and investing in a franchise might be the right choice for you. Read through this guide on how to open a branded apparel franchise to get started.
Independent Business Vs. Franchising
One of the first things that comes up in any discussion about franchises is how franchising differs from starting a business on your own. Both share many of the same benefits:
- Independence: You are working toward your own business goals.
- Freedom: You have the final say in the products/services you sell, employees you hire, customers you work with, and more.
- Flexibility: You decide when you work and how hard because the fruits of your labor go directly into your pocket, not someone else’s.
But the key difference is support. If you open a business on your own — that is, without the help of a franchise network — you are left to do every little thing completely on your own. From finding a logo to choosing software to writing operations manuals, it is all your responsibility. When you open a franchise, however, all of that is already done for you and included in your turnkey business model. Add to that the training, support, and resources that you can expect from a franchise system, and you can see how investing in a franchise simplifies the whole process of being a business owner.
How to Leave Your Job and Start a Franchise
It is no secret that a lot goes into starting a branded apparel franchise. Here are some of the steps that will help you make the transition to business owner.
Write Down Some Goals
What are you hoping to get out of owning a business? Do you want to make your own schedule? Earn more money? Expand an existing business? Whatever your goals are, write them down. This will be beneficial as you are researching franchise opportunities and brands.
Research Your Investment
Before you invest in a branded apparel franchise, do the research to know as much about the brand as possible. Talk to existing franchise owners, read reviews, and get all the information you can about what a day in the life of a franchisee is like.
Talk to Your Loved Ones
Before making any big change, talk to your loved ones to get their perspectives. Your family and friends may be impacted by your decision to invest in yourself and start a business because business ownership requires a lot of time, effort, and energy. Make sure you have a supportive network around you before you get started and the journey to business ownership will be much smoother.
Be Prepared to Work Hard
We don’t want to sugar coat it, owning your own business is a lot of work. Prepare yourself to put in long hours, especially as you are getting your franchise up and running. But remember that the payoff — a flexible schedule, the freedom of not answering to someone else — is around the corner.
Ready to get started on your own franchise? Fully Promoted is a full service promotional products, marketing services, and branded apparel franchise, and we are excited to help you go into business for yourself!