Choosing to start your own business is a big decision. But, the freedom that comes with being your own boss and setting your own hours can be very tempting for parents to support their lifestyles and commitments. If you like working with children, you might consider running your own kids’ activity and joining a children’s franchise is a great option to help you navigate the world of small business ownership with added support. In fact, the benefits of franchising are well documented. Franchises offer experienced management teams, proven marketing strategies and a strong brand identity. However, perhaps the most important benefit is that you can minimise your risk by investing in an established children’s franchise. We’ll look at some more specific ways you can protect your investment when you purchase into an already-successful business model below.
One of the things that can put prospective business owners off franchising is the element of control within their business. Whilst working with an established franchise means there will be brand guidelines and key policies to follow, it also means you have a lot of the legwork done for you. For example, setting up a children’s activity business means you will need to establish your own safeguarding policy that will ensure all children in your care are safe and supported to the highest possible level. This can seem like a daunting task but if you are working with a franchise, the policy will have been created for you at a group level so you can learn and follow the lead of the franchisor’s policy.
However, being a franchisee does also allow room for freedom in many business operations. For example, at Stagecoach Performing Arts, franchisees act as the Principals of their own schools. This means they are free to pick their venue and teaching team, choose what shows the students will perform and, ultimately, with the help of their regional franchise manager, decide when they are ready to expand further into additional schools or buy a whole new territory.
Furthermore, Stagecoach Performing Arts have developed a unique Educational Framework which establishes the skills development expected at each stage of students’ learning. Teachers have the flexibility to adapt their class content to the interests, talents and ages of their students. More importantly, as a Principal you can customise delivery of the Educational Framework with your teachers, to choose and plan the exciting, creative content that is appropriate for your school to personalise your students’ learning.
Being a franchisee also means greater flexibility as you can set your own schedule, manage your time and work around any other commitments you may have – a key advantage for parents and guardians with busy routines!
Another important benefit of investing in an established franchise is the safety net it provides. Franchising is a proven business model that has been tested and refined over time so there’s no need to start from scratch. As a franchisee, you’ll also have access to a support network and other established businesses that can help you succeed.
Franchisors provide training and support for their franchisees so they can run the business successfully. They also provide marketing materials, technology platforms, legal support and more – all things that will help your business grow. This also means you always have someone to call for any question or issue that arises at any point, whether you’re new to the franchise or ten years into running your business.
Many franchises also give their franchisees the opportunity to learn from one another. Conferences and cluster meetings give franchisees the chance to network with their peers and learn from each other’s experiences.
Investing in an established franchise can hugely minimise your risk both when starting out in the field of business ownership, and for those who have experience from previous businesses but are now looking for the security of a franchise. For a children’s activity business, some of the key ways you can minimise your risk and maximise your profits are by making use of that recognisable branding and the franchisor’s support.
You might not necessarily come from a business background, for instance, many of the franchisees at Stagecoach Performing Arts are formerly performers or teachers who have decided to run their own school. Joining an established franchise that gives them all the support, advice and assistance they need to take the leap from performer or teacher to business owner without the risk.
As you can see, there are many benefits to investing in an established franchise. The biggest one is that you’ll have the support and resources of a proven system behind you. That means less risk and more security for your business, which will allow you to focus on what matters most: growing your company and making customers, and yourself, happy!
If you’re passionate about the performing arts and want to inspire the next generation through fun and engaging singing, acting and dancing classes, you can find out more about investing in a Stagecoach Performing Arts franchise at stagecoachfranchise.com