Women in franchising.

With the complexities of juggling a family and career, sell-employment, particularly franchising opportunities, are especially appealing to women. "Seventy Five percent of the adult population has that grain of sand in their shoe. They want to be self-sufficient," according to Terry Powell, CEO and Founder of The Entrepreneur Source. Women are definitely no exception.

"We want to be our own boss and dictate our own lifestyle and work hours," says Dr. Tracey Banks, president of North Central Women's Health Partners and co-owner of two franchises. Franchising enables women to achieve those goals. "Franchising offers two major advantages for women," says Dr. Banks, "1) self-employment using proven methods and 2) Flexibility to cater a business to the lifestyle we want."

Rose Lorenz, a blossoming franchisee with Educational Outfitters also believes that the primary benefit of joining a franchise vs. creating a business from scratch is "the infrastructure that comes with the franchise package." The infrastructure doesn't just refer to the physical systems (equipment, store designs, processes, etc.), but also the network of franchisees, vendor partners, and experience. According to Mrs. Lorenz, "a successful track record with other franchise locations will assist women when they're securing startup capital, selecting a location, managing the human resource part of the business and establishing marketing and sales strategies. Women, by nature, can network, multi-task, and delegate. With these foundational skills, applying an existing business model created by a franchised organization makes sense for us, as long as the product or service is something we believe in."

Traditionally, women have found franchises that cater to the needs of women/children or service oriented to be very gratifying and fulfilling. Women are able to join any franchise system that exists; however some of the more popular ones for women have been those systems that offer the most flexibility or control over their schedule.

These "quality of life" businesses may range from home-based businesses to those that have limited weekend hours or 9-5 hours. A perfect example of a home-based franchise that caters to the typical lifestyle of a busy woman is Housewarmers. Housewarmer, a new-resident welcoming service, was the idea of Founder & CEO Rachel Ireland and is a business that allows her and her franchisees to balance work with their family lives. Several owners operate the business on a part-time basis from their homes, while others operate it on a fulltime basis. Another example is Parcel Plus, a postal center that is centered in residential communities. It is very attractive to women and husband/wife combinations because it offers limited weekend hours and 9-6 weekend hours.

Ms. Lorenz offers some "woman-to-woman" advice to women wanting to own their own franchise.

1) What are your lifestyle goals? How will the franchise fit within the framework of family, community, volunteer service and personal time? Especially consider the commitment to the franchise as it relates to a spouse and children if this applies. Have clear honest, parameters to these questions.

2) Work with a franchise consultant, preferably someone who is recommended to be objective and knowledgeable about franchise opportunities. A qualified consultant will not push you into making a decision, but facilitate the path and set milestone decision points for you.

3) Speak with as many franchise owners as possible. A reputable franchisor will be able to provide you with locations and contact numbers for franchisees in your area. Ask some basic questions: What works well for you as a franchisee? What does the franchisor provide for you to be successful in your franchise? What would you like to see done differently in the franchise organization?

Additionally, Jacqueline Prude, a 6 year franchisee with the Coverall Franchise in the Detroit area offers this personal testimony to women considering a franchise vs. starting your own business:

"I used to own an independent beauty supply store prior to joining the Coverall Franchise. When you are independent, all of the other businesses in your category are your competitors, and it is very hard to compete and succeed alone. You're not in business by yourself when you are in a franchise. With a franchise, you're almost guaranteed. It's already been proven a success by the founders. If you have a good attitude, are outgoing, love people and possess some general skills, you can make it.

The training typically provided by a franchise is phenomenal. You sit side-by-side with your new franchisee peers, and experience a cohesiveness that is hard to find with an independent business. The franchisors often have a Ranchisor Day or Conference where new and old franchisees come together to discuss their businesses, their challenges, their successes, their best practices, and their friendship. This is so wonderful when I compare it to the prospect of starting or having your own independent business. I have no regrets!"

According to a recent study sponsored by the U.S. Small Business Administration, for the first time in 10 years, self-employment rates are on the rise across the country. Technological start ups, minorities, women, and baby boomers are driving the surge. Women now make up 32 percent of the country's 12.2 million business owners, up from 25 percent in 1983, according to the SBA. "More women, African Americans and Latinos are climbing the entrepreneurial ladder that is self-employment and realizing the advantages of becoming franchised small-business owners," said International Franchise Association (IFA) President Matthew Shay.

If you are looking for a couple of good female role models in the franchising community, a few females on the move (in franchising) are: Linda L. Burzynski and Terrian C. Barnes.

Ms. Burzynski is the president and CEO of Computer Morns International, a nationwide leader for providing affordable IT services to the residential market. Computer Moms' (Mentors on the Move) franchisees are trained on a broad array of skills, offering a one-stop, end-to-end solution for the home or small business. Recently, Ms. Burzynski was elected to the International Franchise Association's (IFA) board of directors and was the 1998 recipient of the distinguished Bonnie Levine Award from the International Franchise Association, honoring individuals who further the cause of women in franchising.

Similarly, Ms. Terrian C Barnes, director of public affairs, community diversity for Yum! Brands Inc. received the IFA's Bonny LeVine Award in 2005 for her ongoing efforts to mentor women seeking careers in the sector. Ms. Barnes has long promoted franchising as a vehicle for economic development. She provides diversity leadership for all of Yum! Brands in forging strategic business partnerships with national and local community-based organizations, multicultural groups, and minority and women's associations. Ms. Barnes was also instrumental in creating the IFA's Women's Franchise Network, Minorities in Franchising Committee and Women's Franchise Committee.

There definitely is a future for women in franchising. Franchises offer a buffet of opportunities that can fit any lifestyle through already proven methods. As more and more women decide to become self-employed, they are turning to franchise models that aid in the balance of career and family. Maybe it's time to check the sand in your shoes and see if there is a pearl of a business waiting to be conquered by you.

Mark Howard's Website: http://www.TheEsource.com/MHoward

The International Franchise Association: http://www.franchise.org

SBA Online Women's Business Center: http://www.onlinewbc.gov/

SBA Financing options for Women: http://www.sba.gov/financing/special/women.html

National Association of Women Business Owners: http://www.nawbo.org/

National Women's Business Center: http://www.womensbusinesscenter.org/

Wall Street Journal Center for Entrepreneurs: http://www.startupjournal.com/franchising/

Mark Howard, President

The Entrepreneurs Source, Texas