The New Year is all about fresh starts, whether it is making resolutions or starting a new business. Franchising is a popular career for those in the armed forces, whether starting while active duty or after retirement, because military skills translate well into franchise ownership.
Here are five reasons why January is an optimal time for those currently serving in the military to open their own business, specifically a travel franchise.
Timing
Travel franchise owners who start their business in January will be fully trained and operational in time for Wave Season, a three-month period when cruise sales surge. Historically, CruiseOne franchise owners have experienced a spike in their sales during this time period. What better way to start a new business and immediately see results?
Accounting
Even the most savvy accountant and business person can find it confusing keeping different fiscal and calendar years straight. By starting a new business on January 1, a franchise owner can simplify their bookkeeping by matching their fiscal year to the calendar year.
Discounts
Many stores restock their inventory in January with new models of office chairs, desks, computers, phones and more. By starting in January, it is possible to get deeply discounted office supplies that are important in operating a business from home.
Planning
Use holiday time off before the New Year to create a business plan outlining all marketing and business development opportunities. Regardless if working the franchise full-time or part-time while deployed, having a business plan is crucial to succeed.
Training and Support
The beauty of a franchise system is that training and support are available around-the-clock. In addition to initial franchise training, many franchises, including CruiseOne, have on-demand training that can be completed at one’s own pace. What’s more, regardless if it’s a holiday, there is always somebody available to help whether it is other franchisees or the franchisor’s in-house support team.
Military veterans interested in franchising should use the IFA’s VetFran Toolkit (www.vetfran.com/toolkit) initiative as a resource to learn about different franchising and support opportunities available such as financial incentives, training and mentor programs. More than 645 companies participate in this recruitment program, which has partnerships with the White House Joining Forces Initiative, VFW, the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs, the Small Business Administration, the U.S. Chamber of Commerce and others.