As Seen On
For decades, climbing the corporate ladder has been the hallmark of the New Zealand dream. But today, feeling the pressure of layoffs and corporate restructuring, a new wave of entrepreneurs are turning to business ownership in pursuit of their new dream: self-sufficiency. With university tuition skyrocketing in recent years, many graduates have been left with significant debt and few job prospects in the ever-shifting corporate world. The return on investment is no longer a sure bet in today’s market, which is increasingly favoring business ownership.
Owning a business offers something the corporate world doesn’t: asset building. When you earn $100,000 in a job, that’s all you have. However, when you build a $100,000 business, you create a tangible asset that continually builds equity and can be sold for a significant profit in the future. This is true self-sufficiency, a level of independence unattainable when working for someone else.
Success Through Franchising
Franchising offers a higher rate of success in business ownership compared to starting from scratch. It provides a solid pathway to build a sustainable business, maximizing revenue potential by leveraging the resources, support, and experience of an established brand. Moreover, starting a franchise can often be done for less than the cost of a university education, with the potential for financial gain being much greater. Consequently, more and more young people in New Zealand are entering the franchise industry, reaping the rewards of greater self-sufficiency.
Specialising in fields ranging from lawn mowing to house washing, service and trade-based franchises are on the rise. These services are always in demand, regardless of economic conditions, and fewer people are specializing in these “blue collar” trades due to outdated perceptions of the traditional dream. As a result, these industries are quickly gaining traction as lucrative and fulfilling alternatives to traditional white-collar careers, offering stability and recurring revenue.
Work On Your Business, Not In It
There is a high demand for business-minded individuals to build and run these service-based businesses. Performing the trade and managing the business are distinct roles. While there are rare individuals who can excel at both, most will find their business reaches a ceiling unless they can rise above day-to-day operations and focus on growth.
Running any business requires acumen and the ability to build and lead a team—skills that are transferable across industries. It is an education in making money. The skills acquired while running a business, such as finance, marketing, and customer service, are valuable in any field, and the experience gained is invaluable.
The Strength of the Service Industry
A strong franchise model offers an excellent support network that can help achieve business and self-sufficiency goals. In the changing landscape of what constitutes the New Zealand dream, it represents a path to professional development. For example, franchises in the commercial landscape industry often provide comprehensive training programs and ongoing support, helping franchisees build sustainable businesses over decades.
One significant advantage of commercial franchises is the recurring revenue stream from long-term contracts, which provides consistent income throughout the year. Additionally, many franchises offer a range of services beyond their primary offering, allowing franchisees to diversify their revenue streams and capture more business.
Values Driven
Along with the pursuit of self-sufficiency, this new wave of entrepreneurs places a high importance on values. Successful franchises often maintain strong core values, such as service, stability, discipline, integrity, and professionalism. These values are woven into the brand's operations and the franchisee network, contributing to the overall success and cohesion of the organisation.
A commitment to staying close to the network and tapping into collective power is crucial. Robust advisory committees, mentor programs, and annual conventions ensure that every franchisee has a voice and that the organisation remains committed to 100% satisfaction.
Build Your Sustainable Business
More people are breaking free from the “golden handcuffs” of the corporate world in favour of business ownership. With business ownership comes the opportunity to lead and make a meaningful impact in your community. Franchising, in particular, increases the chances of success. The mission of many successful franchises is to help franchisees build sustainable businesses with unlimited revenue potential.
Business ownership is not without challenges. It requires hard work, dedication, and a willingness to take risks. However, the potential rewards, both financial and personal, can make it an incredibly fulfilling and satisfying career choice.