Remember a time not too long ago when you weren’t chained to a cubicle?  When a job was more than just a way to pay the mortgage and keep food on the table?  Sadly, many business professionals and entrepreneurs find themselves having to give up their dreams of an adventurous job and end up settling into the stable, dependable and yes, boring jobs that so many of them never dreamed they would end up in.  An exciting job may seem like a luxury that the average person can’t afford, but if you’re looking for an adventure and have ever thought about owning your own business, it may be closer than you would think.  Take a look at the five most exciting international franchise business opportunities that can take an entrepreneur from dull to daring as fast as you can say startup capital.

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I’ve heard it said that modern scientists “stand on the shoulders of giants,” meaning that every new generation of scientific research and knowledge builds upon the work of all the generations before it.  That makes sense: how far would we really be able to get in society if we literally had to reinvent the wheel every time the last inventor of the wheel died?  I don’t think I have to answer that.

This same principle applies to business, and particularly to restaurants.  Though there are people who succeed at reinventing the wheel—or spaghetti, or tacos, or panini—not everyone has to.  And in fact, the vast majority of restaurant owners who try to, fail.  That’s right—those who have done the research to buy a restaurant franchise probably already know this—somewhere in the realm of 70-90% of new restaurants that start up die within the first year of business.  And most of the rest of them will die in the next three—sit-down establishments, burger joints, smoothie shops: no one’s safe.

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By Lori Kiser-Block, CFE
President, FranChoice, Inc.

You’ve probably heard the term “turnkey” many times and may have wondered what it means in terms of franchising. Turnkey basically refers to a franchise package so complete that everything you need to start the franchise will be done for you.

On the surface, this sounds like a great idea. You pay your fee and the franchisor researches the location, signs the lease, builds out the unit, supplies you with start-up inventory, finds and trains the staff, and orchestrates the grand opening. All you have to do is “turn the key” to open your new business.

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By Jeff Elgin
CEO, FranChoice, Inc.

If you’re thinking about buying a franchise, chances are you’ve considered one or any number of food franchises, and for good reason. Fast food franchises have changed the way America eats and are among the oldest and biggest franchises in the U.S.

But are you aware that food franchises can also be among the most challenging businesses to run? Before you invest too much time looking at which food franchise to buy, take time to weigh the advantages and disadvantages of owning a food franchise to determine if you have what it takes to be successful in this business.

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By Jeff Elgin
CEO, FranChoice, Inc.

A wise investor, whether he puts money in the stock market or real estate or even collectible figurines, always considers the return he can expect on his investment. This should also be true of franchise investments. Those investigating franchise opportunities should look carefully at the company’s potential ROI. However, since a franchise purchase involves investments of both time and money, you should expect more than you would from a passive investment.

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By Jeff Elgin
CEO, FranChoice, Inc.

Although it may not be immediately evident, a franchise company is under no obligation to award a franchise to just anyone who can afford the franchise fee.

Like any good business, a franchise company will want to populate their system with great people. Since franchising has as its foundation a strong, consistent brand, a franchisor looks for franchisees who will present the brand in the most positive light. In the same manner, they will want to have only those people as franchisees who are able and willing to learn the system and work within the specific parameters of the business.

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By Lori Kiser-Block, CFE
President, FranChoice, Inc.

Can you answer a resounding “YES” to these questions?

• Am I willing to dedicate long hours every day for at least two years to get my business up and running?
• Do I have or am I willing to learn (or hire someone) to network with other small business owners in my local community?
• Am I able and willing to take direction from a franchisor partner? 
• If some of my potential customers turn me away, will I remain upbeat and steadfast in an effort to get new business?

If your can answer in the affirmative to all four questions, a business to business franchise may be the ideal opportunity for you. As a B2B franchisee, you will provide needed services to other small businesses, saving them time and money and making you part of their success while making a success of your own business. There are also advantages to being part of the B2B industry over retail businesses and the varieties of franchises in this area are vast.

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By Jeff Elgin
CEO, FranChoice, Inc.

Statistics show that your chances for success as an entrepreneur are greater if you start your new business as a franchisee rather than opening a business all on your own. However, there are times when even franchise systems aren’t successful and around for the long term. While there are no guarantees, there are ways you can boost your chances for finding a franchise with stability.

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Congratulations on your interest in buying a franchise! The number of companies that have chosen to grow their businesses through franchising and the number of people who have decided to own their own business through franchising is a testament to the power franchising has to make dreams come true. But there are numerous questions you will want to have answered before you commit to anything and asking MONEY questions may be the most important.

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By Lori Kiser-Block, CFE
President, FranChoice, Inc.

This seemingly simple question is actually quite complex. It demonstrates the power and importance of terminology and how the words we use to describe a process can influence the philosophy we use to direct that same process.  By the way, the correct answer to this question in the title is “yes.”

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