How to get business ownership right in 2021

The head office team at it'seeze franchise have created this check list for aspiring business owners to go through before taking the plunge

The timing has never been better to be your own boss. The benefits of starting your own business are endless – greater flexibility, more control, a sense of satisfaction that you made it work. That said, every business opportunity that presents itself will require hard work and tenacity. If you are dedicated and focused on making 2021 your year, here are some sure-fire tips to get your business off to a flying start.

Choose your industry wisely

Your business will ideally be something that you are passionate about. We’ve all heard the sentiment ‘do something you love and you will never work a day in your life’ – but is your passion a viable business venture? For example, with face-to-face businesses hanging in the balance, now isn’t the time to start a beauty salon. There are, however, many industries that are thriving such as cleaning and hygiene services, e-commerce, tech companies, fitness equipment, delivery services and tutoring services. 

Businesses large and small have been forced to up their online game, leading to a boom in the digital marketing industry. And if you are digitally savvy, starting your own business in this area is a fantastic choice. Also, with a diverse client portfolio and real involvement in taking their businesses to the next level, you will enjoy huge job satisfaction.

An article from @SMENewsUK states: “There is nothing more that encourages entrepreneurs in their roles than feeling a sense of pride in what they do.”

And Suzy Perry is proof of this. She had her most profitable year in 2020 as an it’seeze franchisee. After developing an effective strategy to source more quality leads, Suzy’s business grew significantly – so much so that she’s now hired her first employees. She “constantly tests and measures different lead sources” so that she knows which are the most effective for her business. With this strategy and a clear marketing message, she built a strong customer base and continues to win new customers each month via her home-based franchise.

Flexibility is key to your business opportunity

If the last year has taught us anything, it is that being adaptable is everything. The businesses that are succeeding are those that have risen to the challenge and updated their offering. It is essential to have a website and online shop to sell to customers in the absence of the freedom to pop to the shops. Businesses are embracing technology to communicate virtually and remote working is the new normal.

The benefits of remote working are huge – flexibility, working around your family’s needs, no commuting. These are all things that many are enjoying right now, however, you can make the choice to do it indefinitely with the right franchise opportunity.

A home-based franchise opportunity is the perfect solution for someone looking for a proven business formula that offers the flexibility of working from home coupled with endless earning potential.

Support and success, a winning formula

Starting your own business is scary, especially in uncertain times. A clear business plan will see you through 2021 and set you up beyond. However, support with your business, ideas and execution will be invaluable in those first months of getting up and running. No entrepreneur does it alone. Every successful business person has a team of devoted supporters, both business and personal, who help them to achieve great things.

As with any new business the decision to start a B2B franchise is huge. For instance, it’seeze ensures that all franchisees and their customers are fully supported in growing their franchise. Most recently, a weekly Zoom call has been well received by franchisees offering the opportunity to share best practices and experiences.

Richard Hubble, it’seeze consultant in Gloucester said: “I really appreciate the weekly update meetings over Zoom. These sessions provide a great opportunity for us to all share best practices and real-world experiences, as well as useful tips on how we can best help our existing clients and, even more importantly, win new customers during this pandemic — information that is needed now more than ever.

“Similarly, the support that the rest of the head office team have been providing to us, in what are obviously quite difficult and unusual circumstances, has continued to be first-rate throughout this lockdown period.”

Brilliant branding

Online your brand is vital. It is a window into your business and gives potential customers an insight into why they can trust you. Your brand and content should be real and relatable. 86 per cent of consumers surveyed said that brand authenticity is important when choosing a brand to like and trust. Branding before you launch is important to make sure you get it just right. Conducting market research and looking at what works for your competitors is essential. It can take lots of time and effort to build a reputable brand but a good brand pays dividends.

Online networking is the new place to be

Networking once took place at events, with client meetings, and at trade shows. Now the networking meeting place to be is online. If you don’t have an online network, you need to build one. There are many tools at your fingertips that, when used effectively, will see your network growing day by day.

LinkedIn is the most popular tool for B2B networking, with nearly 700 million users there is no wonder why. LinkedIn offers huge opportunities to share content, advertise and connect with potential customers on a daily basis. There are even online courses to help to develop your networking skills and source new leads.