Starting a new business can be a daunting prospect, but increasingly women are finding it offers the best opportunities to balance an exciting career with time for their family. For many, the proven track record of an established and well-run franchise can ensure their business is a real success.
Typically, you trade under the brand name of the business offering you the franchise, and they also give you help and support. Successful franchises have a much lower failure rate than completely new businesses. However, you will still need to work hard to make the franchise a success and you may have to sacrifice some of your own business ideas to fit in with the franchisor’s terms.?
Two young mothers who have been friends since university, Jane Bozic and Sarah Peacock, each decided to take the plunge when they bought a Puddle Ducks franchise in September 2008. Here they tell us a little bit about why they bought a franchise and offer some tips for other Mums looking to start up on their own.
Jane had a well-paid career in marketing before her son, Jack, was born. However, she found that on returning to work four days per week she was no longer able to commit as much time and energy as the company required, and subsequently she was missing out on the most exciting challenging and interesting work.
She looked at opportunities for starting her own business and went to a British Franchise Association (www.thebfa.org) franchisee workshop, which clarified for her that franchising was going to be ideal. Jane says ?I felt that franchising would provide all the support and back up of an established company but with the independence to run your own business. Shortly after that I found out about Puddle Ducks, arranged to meet up with the founders Jo and Tracy and we really hit it off. I watched some Puddle Ducks classes and completely fell in love with the programme, it was inventive and fun. I came away from the meeting totally exhilarated – I couldn’t wait to get started!?
When Jane?s friend, Sarah heard her enthuse about the franchise opportunity, she couldn?t wait to find out more herself. Sarah says ?I was already teaching baby swimming classes but found myself wanting to do more when Sam began full-time school. I considered returning to marketing but really didn?t want to do a full time job. I also hated the idea of giving up teaching baby swimming. After meeting Tracy and Jo, I felt so excited about the Puddle Ducks business and wanted to be part of it.?
Jane and Sarah both completed the franchisee training together, and then launched their own franchises ? Jane in Dorset and Sarah in Bristol. Now, just over six months later they can each boast of a rapidly expanding business with over 300 customers between them already. Jane says ?the training was hard going and really took me out of my comfort zone but I came away with the skills to teach my own classes and manage all of the admin associated with running a franchise?.
Sarah cautions that even with a franchise, the start-up of the business requires hard work and dedication. ?Starting a franchise isn?t easy and shouldn?t be underestimated.? However, if I am unsure about something, I simply open up my Puddle Ducks operations manual and nine times out of ten, the answer will be there. I also speak to Tracy often on the phone and she is always so positive, and never short of ideas!?
No regrets
Jane tells us ?I absolutely love what I do – teaching the Puddle Ducks programme is a complete joy. I feel so happy that I made the leap: now I’m the boss and it’s great to feel I’m responsible for shaping my own future. Although running a Puddle Ducks franchise is seriously hard work I can structure my days to suit my family. I’m so excited about the future of Puddle Ducks – both my own business and the brand as a whole: I can honestly say that joining Puddle Ducks is one of the best decisions I have ever made.?
Sarah sums up the benefits of running a franchise by saying ?A franchise is the best of both worlds. On the one side, you have the autonomy to run your own business which means learning loads and having the flexibility of working when it suits you. I love the fact that I can walk Sam to and from school every day and spend the school holidays with him. On the other side, you are not alone. Being part of a franchise network means there is always somebody to bounce ideas off and ask for advice?.
For more information about a Puddle Ducks franchise visit www.puddleducks-swimming.co.uk.
