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You know you want to own your own business, and youve read that franchises can be the safest and fastest route to success. You start investigating franchise opportunities and find yourself feeling like a kid in a candy store. There are so many franchises out there! Do you prefer to have a food franchise? Or perhaps a franchise that helps seniors stay in their homes? Do you want to build things? Have a staff? Work from home?

Perhaps you already have an idea of what type of franchise youd like. Or perhaps you have no clue. Either way, you are at a critical juncture. Making good decisions now can save you a lot of time and grief by assuring you only investigate franchises that could constitute a good fit for you.

The Wrong Path

Lets look at the typical franchise candidate. Shes excited about the idea of franchise ownership. Suddenly, she has an increased awareness of small businesses in her town. Everywhere she goes, she realizes that people are working for themselves. She pictures herself in different businesses. She thinks about what she loves in life, and what kind of business that might lead her to. Hey, she likes clothes and shoes and is constantly organizing them! She really understands the importance of a great closet and believes that perhaps a franchise that builds beautiful closets systems would be fun! She even read an article that stated custom closets are hot! And there isnt a single closet company in town! She determines shell begin her search by considering closet franchises.

The Ambush

By starting the process this way she has made a grave mistake. Just because she likes clothes, shoes and organizing does not mean that she will be an qualified owner of a cabinet design, manufacturing and installation business. Only because there are no other businesses in the community providing this service, it does not imply that she is positioned for success. Her hobby/passion is for shoes, clothes and organizing. Does she really have a passion for woodworking, managing a staff, managing a marketing program or selling? The purchasing and cash flow aspects of this business are critical. Would she be effective in this area? Following your hobby and passion into business often leads to a loss of the hobby and a challenging business.

Avoiding the Ambush

The franchise investigation beginning place is never external - what does the community want - and its seldom your hobby. Do not make the mistake of thinking you need to pursue your hobby/passion to be successful. As Rich Dad, Poor Dad states, Passion is more about what you are being (business owner), than it is about what you are doing (laundry).

The most effective way to focus on the type of franchises that are right for you is to focus on your skills and abilities, as well as what you desire from a business.

Skills and Abilities

Lets imagine our hypothetical franchise prospect has spent the last 20 years managing casual dine restaurants. Over the years she has acquired solid skills when it relates hiring, firing and managing high-turnover employees, creating happy customers in a retail setting, inventory management, scheduling, purchasing perishables and planning. In order to position herself for maximum success she must look for franchises that utilize those skills. To learn more about how to do this read Chapter 4 of The Educated Franchisee.

What You Desire from a Business

There are other things she may also want. Maybe she wants to have weekends and evenings off for the first time in her life or maybe she wants a low investment. If this is the case, she may need to leave the restaurant industry. Maybe she wants a business that will allow her with greater flexibility to spend time with family. Then she will want to consider businesses that have key employees she can rely on to manage the business when she is away.

There are numerous things a person could want from a business. Before considering franchise businesses, you need to identify both your skills and your desires. Then you need to gather the franchise information required to ensure you find the best business for you. Remember, most people are happiest when they are successful. Prioritize your skills and lifestyle desires to give yourself the highest potential for success.