FRANCHISING IN THE SERVICE INDUSTRY
SERVICE SECTORAuthor :
Donna Messer 
Donna Messer is a networking expert. She is the author of “Effective Networking Strategies” a Canadian Best Seller. Donna is a motivational speaker, addressing audiences on three continents. To reach Donna or get a copy of her book - www.connectuscanada.com
"Service is not just a noun, it's a verb. It's not just a job, it's a calling. It's not just a way of doing business; it's a philosophy of life. "
According to many of the men and women who are choosing a service franchise as their income generator, it is exactly that, a philosophy of life.
In this article we are going to look at several “service” franchises and provide a little insight into their viability and their philosophy. We are not targeting any specific franchise and the information we share is found throughout the industry.
Seniors – Home Care
With the number of baby boomers and the zoomers on the rise, there is a need for high performing franchises that cater to the non-medical senior care sector. Service franchises that provide companionship, light housekeeping, shopping, meal preparation, medication reminders and a general caring for seniors is a good bet when it comes to picking a winning sector in the service industry. Many seniors may only need a little extra help with day to day activities and the option to live independently is possible through home care franchises for this “booming market”.
As the population ages and the baby-boom generation starts to approach retirement age we see an incredible business opportunity. According to statistics, by the year 2020 there will be more than 60 million North Americans over 65 years of age. And 80% of this number will prefer to stay at home as long as possible before considering a care facility.
Often caring for a senior first hand is what drives a franchisee to consider this market sector. Experiencing the rewards and challenges of taking care of a relative helps to make the decision for many looking for a business opportunity in this service sector.
According to some who are already in this market sector, the biggest surprise about owning a franchise that offers care for seniors is how gratifying it is. Seeing the difference the services make in the community makes it all worthwhile.
Cleaning Services
This is another booming business sector. More people than ever live in two-income households, they don't have the time or desire to do their own housecleaning and that puts the opportunity for a cleaning franchise right up there at the top of the list! According to statistics, it’s one of the fastest growing industries in the country.
To make the sector even more attractive, the business isn't seasonal and it doesn't rise and fall with the economy. And best of all, since this growth spurt is a relatively new phenomenon, the industry is far from saturated. The business of house cleaning is booming. In most cases there is no weekend work, it is days not nights. There is no heavy lifting and it again adheres to the philosophy of liking what you do. You have to like to clean or appreciate those who do, if a franchise in this sector is for you.
If the cleaning is done in offices then it’s after hours and there is another set of statistics. “Most offices don’t want to have to do their own cleaning and are happy to go with the company that is established in the tower or mall where they are located.” Often the equipment is unique and has a well deserved reputation. Training and support is easily provided. And there are no nights or weekends with the home cleaning.
Pet Services
Do you have a dog that isn’t well behaved? Are you passionate about business and dogs? If you are and you like a flexible lifestyle then this service sector might be for you.
The market for dog training services is enormous. Dog owners are willing to pay for effective, quality services, not only for their own benefit, but also out of respect for their neighbors. A dog behaving badly is socially unacceptable. This demand creates a unique recession-resistant industry that will continue to grow each year.
The pet industry is the 7th largest industry in the North America and they are spending over $42 billion on their pets each year, with projected spending at over $52 billion by 2010.
According to statistics there are over 70 million dogs in the North America today (and most need training!)
Think about all those owners who want to make sure their pet is a welcome addition to the community. These owners are being taught the secrets to training a dog, to see their dogs change completely and provide their previously stressed household with peaceful bliss.
Imagine a service that provides the training needed to turn that disaster dog into a definite asset. A service sector like this one has a tremendous opportunity for a franchisee who loves doges and wants to make a difference in the lives of dogs and people everywhere.
Painting a New Life
This sector is a highly profitable one in the $100 Billion Home Services Industry. If you are looking for the opportunity to run your own company, that can generate tremendous income and build asset value, then this sector is for you! This sector services both residential and commercial customers with interior and exterior painting. Some companies even provide that special service like false painting.
The residential and commercial painting business is an annual $22.5 billion industry, nationwide.
Those statistics should come as no surprise considering a few important and very real factors - the price of new homes are becoming prohibitive for many; people are living longer and extending the number of years in their homes; and perhaps most compelling of all, people don't have the time or the skill to paint their own homes.
Service is not just a noun, it's a verb. It's not just a job, it's a calling. It's not just a way of doing business; it's a philosophy of life. Choose your service sector to reflect who you are, and what you care about!
Side bar: “Great 8 Top Tips”
Maximize your business opportunities within the franchise service sector
1. Join the Chamber of Commerce in your area – attend the meetings and events and if you can, offer to host an event to showcase your service.
2. Check out other networking groups – BNI is an excellent group to consider – it’s all about referrals and it’s easy to refer a good service franchise!
3. Be visible. Donate to your favourite charity – not just money but time and services. Get your company name out there!
4. Write a column for the local newspaper. Share information that will raise awareness, without looking like an ad. For example: Top ten tips for a cleaner house.
5. Form strategic alliances – if your service is cleaning, connect with the painters, and other service sectors that can compliment your business.
6. If possible get involved in your local BIA (Business Improvement Area) – this organization is mandated to help any business in catchment their area.
7. Build a website that provides you with additional ways to grow your business. Write a blog using the meta tags that will increase your on-line visibility.
8. Support a local minor sports team – seeing the company name on kid’s sweater raises your profile !
According to many of the men and women who are choosing a service franchise as their income generator, it is exactly that, a philosophy of life.
In this article we are going to look at several “service” franchises and provide a little insight into their viability and their philosophy. We are not targeting any specific franchise and the information we share is found throughout the industry.
Seniors – Home Care
With the number of baby boomers and the zoomers on the rise, there is a need for high performing franchises that cater to the non-medical senior care sector. Service franchises that provide companionship, light housekeeping, shopping, meal preparation, medication reminders and a general caring for seniors is a good bet when it comes to picking a winning sector in the service industry. Many seniors may only need a little extra help with day to day activities and the option to live independently is possible through home care franchises for this “booming market”.
As the population ages and the baby-boom generation starts to approach retirement age we see an incredible business opportunity. According to statistics, by the year 2020 there will be more than 60 million North Americans over 65 years of age. And 80% of this number will prefer to stay at home as long as possible before considering a care facility.
Often caring for a senior first hand is what drives a franchisee to consider this market sector. Experiencing the rewards and challenges of taking care of a relative helps to make the decision for many looking for a business opportunity in this service sector.
According to some who are already in this market sector, the biggest surprise about owning a franchise that offers care for seniors is how gratifying it is. Seeing the difference the services make in the community makes it all worthwhile.
Cleaning Services
This is another booming business sector. More people than ever live in two-income households, they don't have the time or desire to do their own housecleaning and that puts the opportunity for a cleaning franchise right up there at the top of the list! According to statistics, it’s one of the fastest growing industries in the country.
To make the sector even more attractive, the business isn't seasonal and it doesn't rise and fall with the economy. And best of all, since this growth spurt is a relatively new phenomenon, the industry is far from saturated. The business of house cleaning is booming. In most cases there is no weekend work, it is days not nights. There is no heavy lifting and it again adheres to the philosophy of liking what you do. You have to like to clean or appreciate those who do, if a franchise in this sector is for you.
If the cleaning is done in offices then it’s after hours and there is another set of statistics. “Most offices don’t want to have to do their own cleaning and are happy to go with the company that is established in the tower or mall where they are located.” Often the equipment is unique and has a well deserved reputation. Training and support is easily provided. And there are no nights or weekends with the home cleaning.
Pet Services
Do you have a dog that isn’t well behaved? Are you passionate about business and dogs? If you are and you like a flexible lifestyle then this service sector might be for you.
The market for dog training services is enormous. Dog owners are willing to pay for effective, quality services, not only for their own benefit, but also out of respect for their neighbors. A dog behaving badly is socially unacceptable. This demand creates a unique recession-resistant industry that will continue to grow each year.
The pet industry is the 7th largest industry in the North America and they are spending over $42 billion on their pets each year, with projected spending at over $52 billion by 2010.
According to statistics there are over 70 million dogs in the North America today (and most need training!)
Think about all those owners who want to make sure their pet is a welcome addition to the community. These owners are being taught the secrets to training a dog, to see their dogs change completely and provide their previously stressed household with peaceful bliss.
Imagine a service that provides the training needed to turn that disaster dog into a definite asset. A service sector like this one has a tremendous opportunity for a franchisee who loves doges and wants to make a difference in the lives of dogs and people everywhere.
Painting a New Life
This sector is a highly profitable one in the $100 Billion Home Services Industry. If you are looking for the opportunity to run your own company, that can generate tremendous income and build asset value, then this sector is for you! This sector services both residential and commercial customers with interior and exterior painting. Some companies even provide that special service like false painting.
The residential and commercial painting business is an annual $22.5 billion industry, nationwide.
Those statistics should come as no surprise considering a few important and very real factors - the price of new homes are becoming prohibitive for many; people are living longer and extending the number of years in their homes; and perhaps most compelling of all, people don't have the time or the skill to paint their own homes.
Service is not just a noun, it's a verb. It's not just a job, it's a calling. It's not just a way of doing business; it's a philosophy of life. Choose your service sector to reflect who you are, and what you care about!
Side bar: “Great 8 Top Tips”
Maximize your business opportunities within the franchise service sector
1. Join the Chamber of Commerce in your area – attend the meetings and events and if you can, offer to host an event to showcase your service.
2. Check out other networking groups – BNI is an excellent group to consider – it’s all about referrals and it’s easy to refer a good service franchise!
3. Be visible. Donate to your favourite charity – not just money but time and services. Get your company name out there!
4. Write a column for the local newspaper. Share information that will raise awareness, without looking like an ad. For example: Top ten tips for a cleaner house.
5. Form strategic alliances – if your service is cleaning, connect with the painters, and other service sectors that can compliment your business.
6. If possible get involved in your local BIA (Business Improvement Area) – this organization is mandated to help any business in catchment their area.
7. Build a website that provides you with additional ways to grow your business. Write a blog using the meta tags that will increase your on-line visibility.
8. Support a local minor sports team – seeing the company name on kid’s sweater raises your profile !