Diary of a Franchise Entrepreneur

A guest contributor shares her experiences searching for professional satisfaction.

Even as a child I enjoyed the company of all kinds of people. I’ve just always had a sense of what others were thinking and feeling. After University, I found I was a natural fit in Human Resources and began a long, successful career at a mid-size publishing house. Over the next two decades I started a family, bought a house, and steadily increased my earnings—though only through very slight annual raises. I was happy I suppose, but never really satisfied.

My workplace was a typical one—stressful, hectic, and often a little tense. Co-workers would often rely on me as an empathetic ear, and day after day I patiently listened to complaints of counter-productive policies and out-of-touch managers. I’d often come home cranky and weighed down by all of the fuss. I was forgetting what I loved about people to begin with, and even my personal relationships were becoming strained through my stress.
The idea of running my own business had occurred to me, but with a family and a mortgage it was something I hadn’t seriously considered. Still, a big part of me feared I might live out my professional life without ever finding my true calling. The thought just wouldn’t let up.

It was actually an article in a magazine that changed my life. The piece was a profile of a very successful young man early in his thirties. He had been operating his own restaurant for years and had gone on to make some very wise investments. I couldn’t help wondering how on earth such a young man had been able to afford the risk of opening his own business. At the conclusion of the article, he was quoted saying, “I was lucky to find a great franchise to work with—my initial investment was very affordable and I had support every step of the way. Not all franchise opportunities are created equal, but I would never have made it where I am now by opening an entirely independent restaurant.” Whilst I knew the restaurant business wasn’t for me, his words inspired me to make a change.

Two months later, I once again found myself lending an ear to the people in my office—except this time they were my own employees. After weeks of intensive research and mental preparation, I had found a franchise opportunity that suited me perfectly. My employees and I were reflecting on our first month of operation and how excited we were about the year to come. All of us were happy, and I had found my place as a leader who understood how to listen. Running a franchise meant being my own boss without the intimidating financial risk of starting my own company, though it turned out to be a priceless opportunity.

Today I run my career and my personal life differently. I get up and work each day because I love it, not because I have to, and at the end of the day I bring the positive energy of self-satisfaction and gratitude back to my family, not the stress and resentment of years past. Simply put, I live my life the way I’ve always wanted (and I set my own schedule and salary too!). The only thing I do regret is not making the change sooner.

Personal MatchMaking on the rise as Online Dating falters

Online dating may be past its prime, but the Internet may still hold the key to the perfect singles solution!

In its infancy, online dating expanded explosively as people were dazzled by its convenience. According to Jupiter Media Metrics, in 2006 visitors to online dating sites increased by 57%, towering over the reported 22% overall growth of the Internet. However, as the number of Internet users has grown steadily each year, the number of mainstream online dating site memberships has stagnated, meaning that proportionally the numbers aren’t what they used to be.

Lots of people have bad experiences with online dating—many report anxiety over flawed security measures, which is particularly troublesome in an increasingly insecure society—and the stories spread. Low success rates overall raise eyebrows about the effectiveness of the services. Unfortunately, vast pools of members are rarely, if ever, evaluated or monitored by human eyes. The unique opportunity for people to pretend they are somebody they're not, leads to misuse by the more unsavoury members of society, causing distress to many users.

What people want is real support—real results. In fact, the traditional matchmaking business is on an upswing, according to a report by the Marketdata Enterprises. The popularity of online dating seems to have drowned out the stigma formerly attached to seeking assisted introductions, and genuine and professional matchmakers can offer a personal touch that most online dating networks can’t get near.

At TopMatch, we saw an easy solution. You get the best of both worlds - the convenience of internet dating technology but with the security, quality and personal touch you'd expect from a high-end introduction agency - all at prices far less than online sites charge.

Our company is built on the founding idea that everyone should be able to afford a convenient, secure, and highly effective singles solution. Perhaps that’s why, whilst many online dating services have reached a dead end, TopMatch is now operating through a dedicated network of Franchisees in 5 countries and growing.

We think it’s simply a matter of good business sense, and if you do too, then you may wish to consider a future as a TopMatch Franchise Operator.

For more details of the TopMatch Franchise opportunity, please visit:
www.topmatch-international.com

How Did the Dating Game Become Big Business?

The profession of matchmaking is as old as the idea of marriage itself, and actually predates the popular idea of romantic love. Whilst once upon a time matchmakers worked closely with each individual to determine the best possible match depending on any number of factors, today’s matchmakers include computers, game show hosts, and even the newspaper. It’s not hard to see that dating has become big business.

In the U.K. alone there are over eleven million eligible singles, and that number is forecast to grow by over 40% during the next decade, which only means that worldwide, the demand for professional introduction services is certain to increase substantially. Why? Because the challenges for people seeking suitable partners have never been greater. In today’s hectic times, many of us are either too busy to have the time to meet like-minded singles socially, or with fewer opportunities to meet are simply too isolated to have the chance. We work longer hours than ever before and relationships in the workplace are actively discouraged. Many people telecommute or use technology to communicate with others, and people can go days at a time without much human contact. Divorce rates continue to climb whilst our desire to compromise in our relationships diminishes further. Times have changed, but what remains the same is people’s desire for quality companionship.

Despite the tremendous growth in demand, the stigma surrounding professional introductions put a cap on the expansion of the industry for many years. People were curious, but they certainly did not wish to appear desperate or unwanted. Fortunately, word of mouth is a powerful thing and before long success stories began to spread. Interest grew, and the market became saturated with information. Through the sheer number of available options, people began to see the truth: even attractive, successful people enlist help to find the perfect partner. Today there is little stigma attached to professional introductions, and more demand than ever before.

Of course, some services work much better than others. At TopMatch we still believe it takes that classic human touch to introduce truly compatible people, for the long-term, though we also know the computer is an indispensible tool, which is why we utilise both. There’s no denying the number of introductions services available, although it proves the demand! If you’re thinking about operating your own franchise, you won’t want to rule out the opportunities in the wide world of dating.

For more details of the TopMatch Franchise opportunity, please visit:
www.topmatch-international.com

Profits and Rewards

“More money would be splendid, but the highest paying jobs are too stressful and would leave me miserable.” This is an argument many people use to convince themselves not to be more professionally assertive, and that is perfectly natural. Another argument is that most people profiting from big business are doing it to the detriment of their personal ethics. This argument is not completely unfounded either—some businesses don’t necessarily allow employees to live out their previously held ideals. However, when we make these points, whom are we really arguing with? Usually, ourselves.

When we choose a career, we typically weigh profitability as well as personal rewards. Is it more important to feel good about what we do, or to feel financially secure? Is it possible to feel both? Truthfully, in agonising over these details we stand in the way of our potential for success. Earning what we deserve whilst doing what we love doesn’t require compromise. It requires courage.

Franchisees often enjoy unlimited income potential, and most of them set their own schedules. Because they are part of pre-established companies, the financial risk is minimal and a sturdy support system is usually in place. The real trick is to find a franchise that suits your interest and
personal goals. Do that, and you really can have it all.

Here are some questions to ask yourself if you are considering purchasing a franchise:

What natural skills do I have?

What kind of product or service can I feel good about providing?

What did I want to do with my professional life when I was more idealistic and less practical?

Which companies do I trust to provide franchisees with great support and the substantial opportunity to succeed?

Keep these responses in mind as you explore your options—having some solid answers will get you a lot farther than asking the same old questions.

For more details of the TopMatch Franchise opportunity, please visit:
www.topmatch-international.com

Great Business Leaders Who Took Rewarding Risks

The greatest business leaders of our time are not fearless; they simply know how to weigh cost and benefit without letting the fear of failure consume them. If you’re thinking about going into business for yourself, or even if you’re already well on the way to success operating your own franchise, here are some success stories to motivate you to get started, or inspire you to keep up the good work!

Bill Gates

Today he is the world’s richest person and certainly one of the most respected. However, in 1975 he was simply a computer enthusiast thumbing through an issue of Popular Electronics. After reading an article that demonstrated the Altair 8800, Gates contacted its creators to say that he was working on a version of the programming language BASIC for the platform. While the rest—Gates’ subsequent rise to unequivocal success as the chairman of Microsoft—may seem like history, the really juicy part of the story often gets overlooked. Gates and his colleagues didn’t actually have any of the code written, they simply wanted to gauge interest in it. The Altair’s manufacturer was interested it turned out, and quickly scheduled a demonstration. Over the course of the next weeks Gates frantically worked alongside colleague Paul Allen to develop the BASIC interpreter. The demonstration, though born out of a calculated bluff, was a great success, which lead to Gates’ next big risk. He dropped out of Harvard to start his own business.

Richard Branson

While he may be one of the world’s most notable billionaires today, Richard Branson wasn’t always a success. By the age of 15 he had earned poor marks in school and had started two business ventures that both eventually failed. However, Branson was a man with ideas, and he was certainly a man who learned from his failures. By 16 he left school to start his first magazine, Student, which turned out to be an entrepreneurial success. He later went on to try his hand in the record business, and eventually helped found Virgin records—a name suggested as the original founders were all virgins to big business. In his adult life Branson took risk upon risk to expand the Virgin brand in every way imaginable. The sky was truly the limit as today he can include Virgin Atlantic Airlines in the portfolio of his successful ventures.

J.K. Rowling

Many aspiring writers are discouraged based on the financial prospects. J.K. Rowling was one of them. Her parents thought she’d make an excellent secretary, knowing that she’d at least be financially secure in a steady profession. However, as a secretary Rowling wasn’t able to focus—she would reportedly jot down story ideas instead of taking the notes required of her. At 26 she packed her bags, sans transcribing machine, and moved to Portugal to teach English. Feeling inspired by her work, she was able to concentrate her creative energy writing a story about a young wizard. Rowling may have made a lousy secretary, but chances are today, as one of the world’s wealthiest writers, she can afford to hire plenty of people to take notes for her.

For more details of the TopMatch Franchise opportunity, please visit:
www.topmatch-international.com

Quiz: Are You Ready to Run Your Own Franchise?

Keep score by answering True or False to each statement.

1. I am prepared to do a variety of tasks—everything from administration to client service—at least until I am able to hire on more employees.
True or False?

2. I often feel taken for granted at my current job. I am a hard worker, but am rarely rewarded for my effort.
True or False?

3. I am an Idea Person. It is natural for me to come up with fresh ideas, though I’d like more opportunities to carry them out.
True or False?

4. It is easy for me to adapt to new situations. Variety in work keeps me excited and engaged.
True or False?

5. Control is important to me. From my schedule to daily duties, I like to be in charge and make decisions.
True or False?

6. My family is supportive of my dreams and I talk all big decisions over with them first.
True or False?

7. I am self-motivated and I don’t tend to procrastinate on tasks that really matter.
True or False?

8. Leadership appeals to me. In many situations, I emerge as a natural leader.
True or False?

9. As a problem solver I am both creative and pragmatic—I think outside the box in a practical way.
True or False?

10. Hard work doesn’t scare me. I am ready for a challenge!
True or False?

Now tally up your score! Give yourself 1 point for every time you answered True.

8-10 points: You are a natural leader and the challenge of running a franchise will let you put your special skills to good use! It’s time to start thinking about what kind of franchise would best suit your interests.

5-7 points: Your high standards make you a valuable employee at any company, but you may be a bit hesitant about operating your own franchise. Remember, franchisees get the benefits of running their own businesses without the high risk of starting from nothing. A little confidence and some more research will be very helpful as you make your decision.

3-5 points: Though you may not be comfortable with all aspects of running a franchise you certainly have some valuable skills. You are most likely quite organised and more or less content with the direction your life has taken. It may not be the perfect time for you to make a drastic change, but you might consider looking for an opportunity that would allow you to make a gradual transition.

0-2 points: Perhaps you are tremendously creative but not very practical, or maybe you are too grounded and intimidated by risks. In any case, there’s a good chance that you have a strong personality with very specific skills. You might consider teaming up with a partner who has a skill-set to complement your own. After all, partners head some of today’s most successful businesses.

For more details of the TopMatch Franchise opportunity, please visit:
www.topmatch-international.com

Choosing a Franchise

Today there are more successful franchises than ever before and most of them have a lot to offer new entrepreneurs. Narrowing down the choices may be as simple as weeding out ventures that don’t match your own interests (for example you probably wouldn’t open an auto-repair garage if you had no prior interest in automobiles), but it only gets harder from there.

So let’s say you’ve done some research and you have a short list prepared. On your list are companies that interest you and offer opportunities that are within your financial grasp. Now it’s time to request a little more information! Go ahead and request any brochures or info. packets available and start asking some important questions.

What facility and equipment costs must be considered? Whilst some franchises require very little special equipment, if any at all, certain businesses require the owner to make some pretty hefty equipment investments. Restaurants, gyms, and dry cleaners are just some examples of franchises that require special equipment purchases, not to mention the cost of facilities. Some companies will also require special vehicles, especially anything that involves moving equipment or making deliveries.

Must I buy a surplus of materials to begin? Certain franchises, like retail stores and restaurants, will need to be fully stocked before you can open. Other franchises will require you to place significant orders for goods as you start out. Keep in mind you’ll most likely be charged for shipping and handling as well.

What kind of expertise is required? Salons, spas, and repair shops are just some examples of franchises that require special knowledge or talent to operate. Of course you can always hire skilled employees, but it is important that you have a sense of how your business works on every level. Furthermore, skilled employees will cost more and be less widely available.

What role will you play in advertising? Some companies offer full support and training when it comes to advertising, and some even offer you a special budget for promotions. On the other hand, a lot of franchises will leave most of the advertising to you. Consider what will be involved in placing adverts, and remember if you have bought or leased a retail location you’ll need to pay for signs and lighting as well.

Is there a demand? What kind of demand is there for the service or product in your area? What is the local competition like? Think carefully about what is in demand, what is already available, and how your franchise will either offer something new, or will offer something better or for less money.

In summary, you’ll want to think beyond the cost of the franchise itself and into the cost of daily operation. Find something that appeals to you and allows you to put your personal knowledge or talent to good use. Consider supply and demand and how your business will fit into the local economy. Opportunities that allow you to work from home or with minimal investment to begin may help you ease into the transition of operating a franchise—remember you can always expand as you go!

For more details of the TopMatch Franchise opportunity, please visit:
www.topmatch-international.com

Why franchises still thrive in tough times

As the economy faces greater challenges daily, the occurrence of redundancies and the level of unemployment rise. However, those adaptable enough to reach out for new opportunities may be able to find a kind of security they never before thought possible as franchisees.

The franchise business model is one of the few that can weather a tempestuous economy, and among still fewer that can actually benefit from it. That’s because people who have lost confidence in typical employment opportunities often see franchising as a chance to take the future into their own hands. When working for someone else seems too volatile, franchise opportunities make entrepreneurship a viable option for regular people.

For anyone who has lost a job or even lost confidence in their career stability, franchises offer the chance to be independent, but not alone. Whilst the typical working person may face troubled times with only the hope that his or her company will adapt, Franchisees can rely on their own ambition and creativity as much as company resources, and that’s peace of mind they can't get being at the whim of an employer.

In addition, consumers now, more than ever, are choosing the security of buying from recognised companies and brand names like TopMatch, who they know will be around for years to come!

TopMatch Franchisees have the added security of providing a service that’s always in demand. In tough economic times people crave comfort and togetherness more than ever. Single people will always be willing and able to find the nominal amount required to help them through the real challenge of feeling alone.

If you’re ready to move beyond hoping for the best, there’s no better time to take action! The economy may be gloomy, but forget silver linings—a franchise of your own might just lead to a pot of gold.

For more details of the TopMatch Franchise opportunity, please visit:
http://www.topmatch-international.com/

Welcome!

Welcome to the TopMatch Franchise Blog. We’re proud to launch this page in support of courageous franchisees and the businesses they bring to life. Whilst we hope you will consider the possibilities of a future as a TopMatch Franchise Operator, we wish to offer support to budding entrepreneurs in all stages of business—from the very start of researching options to the daily operations of a thriving venture.

Readers can look forward to everything from practical advice to lifestyle articles, and can count on gathering valuable facts and industry news. We’ll provide tools to help you decide if the life of an entrepreneur is right for you, and helpful tips on making the transition.

TopMatch Franchisee or otherwise, this is a place for practical and ambitious business people. People determined to gain more control over their lives and achieve the freedom we all so desire.
We invite you to shape and develop our content by leaving thoughts, questions, and suggestions in the comments section. Check back for regular updates and please share any posts you enjoy with your friends and colleagues. Please enjoy the blog and let us know what we can do to help you on your professional journey.

Best wishes,

The TopMatch Team!

For more details of the TopMatch Franchise opportunity, please visit:
www.topmatch-international.com