After a lengthy study carried out over 7 years by the US Department of Commerce, it was revealed that over 90% of franchisees were still in business. Those who had decided to go it alone and start a business on their own, only 20% were still trading.

The franchise industry has finally shaken of its dubious reputation and people are moving towards franchise businesses in droves. This is probably due to the fact that a lot of high paid jobs in manufacturing industries are declining as more and more manufacturers are moving their plants overseas where they have access to a lower paid, highly skilled work force.

For businesses wanting to expand rapidly, franchising has many benefits. The franchisee helps fund the businesses expansion and has a major interest in making sure that the business is successful.

For franchisees the benefit is that they get access to a proven business model, full training and support. They also have access to higher funding from banks that realise that the risks are lower in funding a franchisee then somebody who is starting out on his own!

So how does one go about choosing the right franchise opportunity for them? Most people dream about being self employed but are scared to take the plunge. The best way to choose a franchise business is to start by analysing your self. What kind of person are you? Are you self motivated, do you like networking or do your skills lie in management?

If your forte is in managing other people then a business which involves a labour force might be right for you. If on the other hand you don't like being tied down to one place then a franchise business that involves meeting and networking with local businesses would suit you better.

Are you a morning person or an evening person? Some franchise opportunities require a very early start like a coffee shop franchise. Other businesses involve working mostly in the evenings, like legal franchises that involve drawing up standard documents for the public. In this case most of your appointments will be in the evenings.

You must also be prepared to educate yourself in a field that you know nothing about. Most franchises, I am sorry to say, involve a lot of training and are hard work. You will have to be prepared to put the effort in, especially in the initial stages, when you are starting up.

In the longer term you should have a successful business that allows you to employ staff who can take a lot of burden away from you.