Many people who are interested in opening their own business and becoming their own boss often wonder what the advantages might be of investing in a franchise opportunity. Following are ten reasons why buying a franchise may translate into the long-term success of your investment.

Robust Industry: Many franchise systems offer services that are in high demand. The children’s segment of the recession resistant Hair Salon Industry is one such example, It's currently worth around $19 billion. To date, there are around 45 million kids in the Shear Madness age group – and this is expected to grow by about 7 million by the year 2020! 

Marketing Support: Ask anyone who runs a business, and they’ll tell you that marketing not only takes a lot of time – but can cost a lot of money too. However, an effective marketing plan is critical in letting the community know about what your business does, where it’s located, and so much more. For example, Shear Madness Haircuts for Kids understands this, and offers great resources and strategies to help businesses attract new customers.  

A Record of Success: Franchisors will have a proven record of success. Through years of experience marketing to their customers, they usually understand what works - and what doesn't. Through becoming a franchisee, you automatically gain this valuable business advantage.

The Brand: A franchise brand is a powerful tool. As an example, the Shear Madness Brand is one that is instantly recognizable as being fun. Those who own a franchise with Shear Madness are automatically connected to the tens of thousands of parents and children who love who we are and what we do. This translates into many repeat customers who share with friends and family about their great Shear Madness experience! 

Buying Power:  Franchisors usually have experience in knowing what products sell well and what don’t. Additionally, they have the knowledge on how to negotiate for the best prices on everything needed for the successful operation of the business. Many times the sheer number of franchise locations allows the franchise to negotiate for better pricing.

Store Location: Where to locate is an important question any business owner should consider. Franchisors help study your community in order to help you find the best possible location for success.  They know the numbers and other criteria that allow for the possibility of a successful franchised business.

Networking: Franchising can be a little like a group of trusted friends, and should be a great environment of sharing and building each other up. Franchise owners who work with other franchisees and communicate what works and what doesn’t will have a competitive advantage over those who don’t! 

Training Support: Great franchise systems have worked hard to develop many training resources to help you achieve success. For example, with Shear Madness Haircuts for Kids, we provide our franchisees with in-store training with stylists, and encourage opportunities to network with other franchise owners. Because of this, you’ll have access to a wealth of business knowledge at your fingertips.

Building your Store: One of the benefits in buying a franchise is the franchisor's expertise  in designing the layout of a prospective business, working with the right contractors, and knowing how much furniture and equipment will be needed. Again, this helps a business owner save time, money, and keeps the headaches to a minimum! 

Minimizing Risk: Ultimately, as a potential owner of a franchise, the success of your store will be up to you. But through being a part of a franchise system like Shear Madness Haircuts for Kids, the risk of starting a new business is significantly reduced. Sure, there will still be challenges that come your way, but as a franchisee, you’ll have greater confidence and know-how in how to succeed. 

When an individual buys into a franchising opportunity with Shear Madness Haircuts for Kids, they won’t be going at it alone. Our team excels at being a partner who wants our franchise owners to succeed! Learn more tips on how to achieve success from our team of business experts by downloading our free resource below.

Buying any business or franchise can be an exciting and rewarding adventure, but success won’t come overnight! You’ll likely spend a great deal of time, energy and financial resources in order to help ensure the success of your business. And in a way, because you’re making such an important investment, you’ll find yourself putting a little bit of “you” into your business too. Therefore, it’s good to take a step back before starting the whole process and ask yourself the following: Does the franchise you are considering really fit with who you are as a person?

Following are several tips to keep in mind when investigating a franchise.

Personality – Does the franchise you are considering fit with your personality? Do you consider yourself an introvert or an extrovert? Do you enjoy leading, or would you rather be behind the scenes? Are you outgoing, funny, regimented, or reserved? Because there are so many different kinds of franchises that provide a large variety of services, you’ll want to look at areas that suit your personality.  For example, many people who choose Shear Madness Haircuts for Kids are generally a more outgoing personality type who enjoys the fun atmosphere our stores have. They also enjoy working with kids, and like the thought of being able to provide a service that seeks to bring a little more happiness into the world!

Lifestyle – Many people consider investing into a franchise system because of the unique challenges and opportunities that running your own business represents. But it’s important to remember that the kind of lifestyle you have (or appreciate) is an important factor in considering a franchise opportunity. Forcing yourself into a system that isn’t really “you”, can quickly lead to feeling burned out and unhappy.  For example, if you enjoy getting up early and going to bed early, certain types of franchise systems that are open late hours (or 24 hours) may not be ideal for you. Or maybe you don’t really like the thought of having to wear a suit everyday, or prefer more low-key environments over fast-paced high energy work spaces. All of these are important lifestyle preferences to take into consideration.

Skills – Think of looking for the right franchise as looking for the right job. If you have 10 years of experience working as a chef, it probably wouldn’t be a good idea to look for a job as an architect. You simply wouldn’t have the right skills to effectively do the job. Or, if you’re someone who really doesn’t have a lot of experience in managing people, a job that requires management of entry-level staff may not be a good fit. Similarly, when making a decision on a franchise, don’t be afraid to perform an honest look at what your skills are. You can do this through looking at your resume and seeing what you’ve demonstrated an excellence for over the course of your work history. Or you may additionally want to consider what you may enjoy doing in your free time as well. Either way, in order to help ensure success as a future franchise owner, be sure to focus on what your talents and abilities are!

Tools for Assessment - If you would like a little help in figuring out who you are and what really motivates you to get through each day, you might want to the following online resources. The Keirsey Personality Sorter is an online personality assessment that can be done for free at http://www.keirsey.com/ (more detailed reports are available for a fee). iPersonic Career Test also has an online personality test available at http://www.ipersonic.com/career/ that may help you more clearly define your work values.

Yikes! Just hearing the word lice can make your skin crawl. According to the Center for Disease Control (CDC), around 6-12 million people are treated for head lice in the United States each year! Why are so many families having to RID themselves of those tiny insects? The answer is all around us: gymnastics mats, football helmets, the cute scarf you tried on at the store, and maybe even those headphones you shared on the airplane. But perhaps the most common transmission of these bugs is through head-to-head touching, which is why it is no surprise that most cases are in children between the ages of 4 and 14 (as children enjoy being in close proximity with one another).

Luckily, because our salons have a lot of experience working with children and hair, we have a pretty good idea of how lice can be prevented from entering your home. Tabby Bibbs, manager at the Lee's Summit Shear Madness Haircuts for Kids notes that, "Head lice can happen to anyone at anytime, no matter the socioeconomic status. It is more prevalent 3 times a year - the beginning of the school year, winter coat time, and when pools open for the season. It's a never ending cycle."

Head lice are small - about the size of a sesame seed. They are wingless, and as such can't fly or even hop. But with feet that are especially designed for hanging onto hair follicles, these annoying little parasites can live up to a month on the head. However, they will die within 2 days of falling off - which is why sealing infested items in plastic containers or bags for around 2 weeks will make sure there are no surviving lice. Lice will also lay tear-drop shaped eggs (nits) that are attached to hair follicles near the scalp. 

So what should you do if you find lice in your home? The first and most important thing is not to panic! As stated by the CDC, "head lice can be a nuisance but they have not been shown to spread disease. Personal hygiene or cleanliness in the home or school has nothing to do with getting head lice." As for treatment, it's totally up to the parents. We suggest getting it professionally done, because you have follow up visits. And as always, remember not to share hairbrushes, caps, beanies or any other head covering with others. If your child is in school or daycare put their coat, hat and gloves in their book bag. Also, be sure to ask their teacher if there have been any cases of lice every few weeks. Keep boys hair cut shorter, and girls hair in a high ponytail or braid. 

Furthermore, if you'd like a little extra insurance in keeping the creepy-crawlies away, be sure to pick up either Circle of Friends Lice Defense products or our Organic Original Sprout products at our stores. They are both very effective without being full of harsh chemicals. Lice Defense from Circle of friends includes a hairspray, leave in conditioner, and hair gel. Organic Original Sprout carry several products as well. Bibbs says that, "The Miracle Detangler and Leave in Conditioner from Original Sprout helps to repel and prevent head lice - and they smell absolutely wonderful!" Read more about Lice treatment and Hair care products here

Here at Shear Madness Haircuts for Kids Franchising, we work hard to share our many great resources and business experiences so that our franchisees will have the tools to succeed! If you're interested in learning how to become a successful owner of your own franchise business, please click below!

Coupons and January Special Sales! 

Semi-Annual Bow-Out Sale! Shear Madness Haircuts for Kids has an awesome selection of bows. We have so many hair bows and accessories to choose from, that it's sure to be an experience you'll want to come back for again and again! And best of all, right now all of our beautiful Christmas Bows are now on Clearance!

Valentine's Day Specials! Our Daddy Daughter Makeover or Mother Son Fun Valentine's Package is only $29.95. This includes one Diva Day, a FREE certificate with 4x6 photo, FREE sweetheart ring and a membership to the Diva Club! There's also an option of adding a haircut for Dad for a total of $39.95. But hurry - this offer ends February 28th!

Great Coupons! Start the new year right by saving a little cash on that awesome item you've had your eye on, and check out our coupon page! Whether it's shopping for an upcoming party or other special occasion, you're sure to find that great deal you’ve been waiting for at Shear Madness Haircuts for Kids!

Locks of Love and Crafts!

Locks of Love:  Did you know that at any time in the year your hair can be donated to Locks of Love at Shear Madness Haircuts for Kids? By donating at Shear Madness (click here for a movie), you'll receive a special certificate with a before/after picture that can be framed to remember your gift. Click here for locations, and make an appointment today (Please note: Haircut is at the normal price, but the certificate is provided free as our thank you for the locks donated!)

Crafts for Kids: Start 2015 with some fun! Check out our great Crafts for Kids section on Pinterest, and learn how to make wishing wands (for the new year), party hats, party poppers, confetti balloons and kid-friendly fireworks! From all of your friends at Shear Madness Haircuts for Kids, we wish you a great start for the New Year!

January News at Shear Madness!

Albuquerque Best of the City 2014! We're proud to share that Albuquerque The Magazine readers voted the Albuquerque Shear Madness Haircuts for Kids location as Best of the City for 2014. Congratulations to owner Michelle Vick and her great staff! Michelle shares that, "I believe we won 'Best in the City' because our store is a unique, fun and a happy place! My staff is awesome and so great with the kids! They make each visit special." Click here to visit the web site for the Albuquerque Shear Madness Haircuts for Kids.

Your Source for Shear Madness Fun! If you'd like to keep up with the fun at Shear Madness Haircuts for Kids, why not check out our Facebook page? Not only do we share a Free Haircut Friday each week, but we also post funny jokes, sales and specials, great photos, customer feedback and more! And if you want more Shear Madness, why not check out our Franchise Blog, Instagram, Google+ and Twitter! And of course, you’ll want to take a look at some of our favorite Shear Madness pins this month on Pinterest!

Start the New Year with a Franchising Opportunity!

What is a Franchise, and what makes owning a Shear Madness Franchise so special? If you've ever found yourself asking this question, or are interested in opening a Shear Madness, you might want to check out some of our new resources available through our franchise website. From a great blog discussing the many aspects of franchising, to free downloads and more, we invite you to check out our franchise website by clicking: Franchise Opportunities

We're having a great day at Shear Madness, you have one too!

In the franchise world there are many options, and choosing between categories alone can be an interesting challenge.  However, one category that is worth careful evaluation is salon franchises.  Why?  Well, everyone needs a haircut now and then.  Most sectors of the salon industry are recession resistant, and it doesn't appear that the internet is going to be able to replace haircuts anytime soon!

The choices for a Salon Franchise are larger than you think!

1.  The ones everyone thinks of are some of the original hair salon franchises - think Great Clips, Fantastic Sams, Snip n' Clip, etc.  These are low end walk in type salons.  Clientele does not make an appointment and they tend to exist on every major street corner in most metropolitan cities.  These typically have the stylists act as management, and the owner is an absentee owner.

2.  Mens' salons - this niche is relatively new to the franchise sector.  Probably the most well known mens salon franchise system is Sport Clips.  However, many others have opened in recent years.  Everything from very high end Men's Country Club type salons that offer a full array of services i.e. The Boardroom, down to lower end salons that do high volume yet still offer men a good haircut without all the frills.  There are those that appeal to pool players and those that just cater to "players".  Most wives don't really appreciate those, and taking your kids to one is deemed "inappropriate"!

3.  Kids salons - again we have a type of salon that is relatively new to the scene.  There is no real dominant player in this arena.  Shear Madness Haircuts for Kids has been in operation since 1997 - and that's one of the earlier children's salons!  None of the salon systems predate the 90's!  Each franchise has its own personality and philosophy on running a succesful salon.  Extras added to some are kids retail and birthday parties.  Some are run by a manager and others have the stylist/manager configuration. A close evaluation of what makes up the revenue portion of the salon is important to look at.  How easy is that portion to run?  Does it take an onsite owner or can it be run absentee?

4.  Hair Removal Salons - these are also very new to the franchise arena.  Tropical Laser Hair Removal opened in 2007! They still fit under salons as the technicians need to have licenses, just as hair stylists need to have licenses.  These can be combined with the above types of salons or can be a stand alone type. Many times these are partnered with businesses offering massages.

5.  Nail Salons - there really is not a dominant player here at all.  It seems that most nail salons are individually owned, yet we're waiting for a franchise to pull it all together!

6.  Lastly would be Massage Salons - think Massage Envy.  These typically sell memberships as opposed to collecting revenue when the service is actually performed.  This type of franchise with membership fees is very popular, especially in the health club arena.  Many buy memberships, and then don't use them like they should - which in turn makes the franchise system more profitable.

There you have it! Lots to choose from!  Which one is best will depend a lot on your specific situation. 

• Are you located in an area that already has enough of any one of these types of salons?
• Do you want to work in your salon or run it absentee?
• How much income are you hoping to generate on your salon?
• How many salons can you afford to open?
• How much support does the franchisor offer vs. how much you need?
• How does your talent set match with that of the franchisor?  Or, will the franchisor be willing to help provide what you might lack?

If you are thinking that you might like to learn more about franchising, we invite you to download our free whitepaper (available at the link below). Once you know a bit more about investing in a franchise, you'll be more prepared to contact individual franchisors and ask great questions!

Developing a children's salon franchise into a thriving business requires a lot of time, hard work, and the use of effective marketing. Sometimes overlooked, marketing a business to your community not only can be a way to exercise creativity and have fun with your staff - but also helps generate a positive and exciting image to your audience! 

Erin Nanke, the owner of a successful Shear Madness Haircuts for Kids franchise location in West Des Moines, has used successful marketing campaigns to grow her business. Everything from using the famous Shear Madness pink Cadillac for parades, to passing out flyers and coupons at events around town, Erin's efforts have helped raise awareness on who Shear Madness Haircuts for Kids is - and how much fun it can be to come by for a visit! And through the use of marketing, the word is starting to spread. As an example, The Des Moines Parent noted recently that "Shear Madness is totally kid friendly and makes the whole haircut experience fun for the kiddos."

Erin has also been active in the Des Moines sports scene, and shared her initial idea and subsequent involvement in helping develop a Kid's Club for Iowa Energy (a minor league basketball team). After searching both Iowa Energy and Iowa Wild's (a minor league hockey team) websites last year, Erin discovered that neither team had a "Kid's Club". So Erin decided to contact them to put one together as a sponsor.

"I did both last year to give myself more exposure, being new to the market," Erin explains. "I pushed audio and video mentions at the game and they pushed having booths at the games. What I found last year is I couldn't staff the booths all the time and it was difficult to have interaction with parents and kids because they are there to watch games. We did free hair braiding, free color gel, I had a prize wheel they could spin to win free stuff. However, for this year, I decided I was only going to renew one of the two.  I went with Iowa Energy because they gave me most everything I asked for - which was more Kid's Club games (last year only 2, this year 4), video board mentions all games, PA announcements all games, and NO BOOTH, just signage, etc.  Also they had over 450 kids sign up last year, and Iowa Wild's was half that amount!" 

Erin also notes that her experience working for a local television station for 17 years in Des Moines before opening Shear Madness also helped develop important relationships, marketing opportunities, and negotiation skills. For instance, when Iowa Energy didn't quite meet Shear Madness expectations the prior year, Erin still chose to renew with them because she understood the errors weren't intentional, and that "they would go above and beyond to make it up to me this year. One example is the size of my logo on the t-shirts.  Last year it was the size of a half-dollar, this year it's the entire backside!" 

Meanwhile, after looking into what will deliver more of the results she's looking for, Erin has decided not to focus on having any booths at the Iowa Energy games - and just stick with audio and logo mentions. "For the four designated Kid's Club games I will have a fun interactive 'HAIR CAM' feature during one of the time outs where they put different hair graphics on the fans with my logo bugged throughout the feature.  Last year they wouldn't do it...this year they are for the same investment. And last year I passed out coupons. But this year, kids show their Kid's Club lanyard and they get $2 off a haircut through Mar '15."

"We are so proud of Erin and what she brings to our franchise system.  She is willing to share her ideas and help any store in our system come up with unique marketing strategies.  Erin runs an excellent business because she is not afraid of hard work and asks questions to make sure she is doing everything in the most successful manner." Shear Madness Franchising CEO Janon Otto said.

If you are interested in running a successful kids salon business - a Shear Madness Haircuts for Kids business might be just the match!  To find out more feel free to download our toolkit.  No obligation, just good information!

Albuquerque Salon Franchise Shear Madness Haircuts for Kids was recently voted by readers as Albuquerque The Magazine's Best of the City for 2014! The magazine, which serves as a schowcase for Albuquerque's most interesting people and places, explains that for 10 years the Best of the City award has allowed readers to vote on their favorites in order to "find the newest, the coolest, the most interesting, and most exciting things about Albuquerque."

With a fun mix of mounted cars for styling chairs, as well as TVs and Xboxes at every styling station, it's easy to see how the Shear Madness Haircuts for Kids in Albuquerque franchise location is regarded by customers as a cool, interesting and exciting place to visit! Shear Madness also includes an award-winning YOUniquey Boutiquey where kids and parents can shop a fantastic selection of toys, jewelry, hair products, hair accessories and more. And to top it off, by mixing in the La De Da Spa, themed parties, and a great styling staff - customers are sure to find something to bring a smile to their face! 

Michelle Vick, owner of the Shear Madness Haircuts for Kids in Albuquerque, states that some of the reasons her store may have been selected for the honor is because Shear Madness is a "unique, fun and a happy place! My staff is awesome and so great with the kids! They make each visit special."

Michelle also notes the important part that effective marketing has played. By generating positive brand awareness, the salon has seen steady growth since opening in October of 2013. "I have advertised in New Mexico Kids magazine and ABQ Magazine, participated in public events like ZOO BOO, local school functions, and done joint parties with a large pet store in the same neighborhood."

Shear Madness Haircuts for Kids in Albuquerque additionally has really perfected the art of giving a great haircut and hosting fabulous kids Birthday parties.  The spa party concept has been a real hit in Albuquerque. Girls are treated to wearing spa robes, getting mini manis, twisty updos, and glittery makeup.  They sing Karaoke and also get to make a fun bracelet and take home a headband of their choice.

Janon Otto, CEO of Shear Madness Franchising said, "Michelle has done an awesome job making her store a great place for kids to come to.  She has been careful to follow the Shear Madness systems and has hired an incredible staff - they are all so excited, friendly, and love their jobs!  Michelle is great to work for and someone that everyone loves to do business with! With the Albuquerque store having just opened in late October of 2013, for this store to be honored with this award within such a short period of time is a real accomplishment."

Here at Shear Madness Haircuts for Kids Franchising, we work hard to share our many great resources and business experiences so that our franchisees will have the tools to succeed! If you're interested in learning how to become a successful owner of your own franchise business, please click below!

Franchise buyers are currently combing through a choice of some 160,000 franchise businesses in the United States. Why do some franchises businesses take off while others flounder? What franchise is right for you? More importantly, is owning a salon franchise right for you?

Although there are many factors when looking for a franchise (training, length of time that the franchisor has run the business, and number of franchisees currently in the system), there are four ultra important keys to look for when seeking a salon franchise.

1) Does the Business Model Make Money? First and foremost, you must determine if the business model you are looking at makes money. This may sound elementary, but franchising, with all its advantages, is a completely different business model.  Many businesses make money, but if those businesses were forced to pay an additional 6 to 12% in Royalty and Marketing costs, their owners could not survive. Therefore it's recommended to not try and reinvent the wheel. Seek out a salon franchise business that currently has a long track record of success. Keep in mind that the franchise system itself may be younger than the actual concept itself.  Find out how long the franchisor has had a history with the concept itself.  Have they really figured it out before offering the franchise?

2) Is the business model sustainable? We live in an ever changing and fast paced world. Consumers demand change by the minute and we are greatly influenced by technology. Look for businesses that are being done the same way today as yesterday, and will be done the same way tomorrow. Luckily haircuts (and hair care in general) is a pretty hard industry to imagine being completely taken over by technology!  This is why over the last decade more and more salon concepts have begun to franchise.

3) Is the business relevant? We can probably all think of companies whose products have either gone out of style or are no longer relevant. The most recent example is Block Buster entertainment. The video rental store has been replaced by Netflix and other on demand movie services. Another example is Borders. Borders book stores unfortunately didn't keep up with Amazon's on line book stores, and recently closed most of its locations as well.  Again, it's hard to imagine a time when hair care is no longer a need - no matter what happens with technology.

4) Can you see yourself in the business? If you can't visualize yourself in the business, don't do it! Find something you're passionate about, something that you feel would make a difference in others people lives, and something that makes the world a better place. Running a business is hard work. Make sure you have a strong support system around you and seek wise council before you begin. Salon franchise or not - you must be passionate about what you do!  A salon owner may or may not cut hair!  Remember, running the business portion of a salon doesn't take a cosmetology degree because it's much different than cutting hair.

It's a fact that running a business can be hard work and encompasses many challenges that most people have never encountered. But it's arguable that you can buy a salon franchise and have a greater chance of success. Most salon franchises do offer the advantage of a successful business history. However, even getting a salon franchise off the ground takes effort!  

When evaluating any franchise - the above 4 questions are those that MUST be answered with a YES.  Luckily with the salon business, it's likely that two of the four already have YES as the answer!  Now, what about the other two?  Can you see yourself in this business? This question you can most likely answer for yourself.

The other question - does this business make money? That one can only be answered by doing a little research.  Contacting many salon franchises, talking to the franchisors, and comparing business models is something that is important to find out.  Getting the Franchise Disclosure document, the Franchise Agreement, and then talking to current franchisees is the best way to determining this answer.

If you would like to talk to us about a Shear Madness Haircuts for Kids Franchise, please call 1-888-98-Gone Mad (1-888-984-6636). To find out more about Franchising and receive our free Franchise Buyer's Toolkit, just click the link below!

The global recession that took place in 2008 caused many Americans to lose their jobs. Many people lost their homes, their careers, and their sense of security. "We were starting over in a competitive job market with people half our age and experience we didn't have," says a couple who lost the majority of their income in the construction business when the economy tilted on its side three years ago. Many small businesses folded under the same financial hardships, their owners returning to school or another fallback career. Many of these individuals took a long look at their situations and concluded they must RE-INVENT themselves.

Career Shifters: Whether or not you are an entrepreneur, when it comes to diversifying your income or perhaps shifting careers, there are some important decisions to make. What are my likes and dislikes? What are my strengths and my weaknesses? It can be very helpful to take a career/personality assesment test in these early stages to help determine what you might do best and best match your lifestyle goals with your career. We recommend the PRO-D from TAI, Inc. assesment test. This test will connect your motivations, talents, AND your personality with your best career matches. Many career shifters are looking for a lifestyle change as well. The ability to set your own hours and do something you love is actually what attracts many of these shifters into the world of franchising.

We find it interesting that studies show women make up the largest percentage of career shifters in the last four years (over 70%). Many women are starting up businesses or buying existing businesses and running them successfully in a fine balance with their own family and personal lives. It is suspected their social flexibility (often gained as mothers and as wives) allows them to reinvent themselves more readily in the professional arena.

Freedom to Choose: MOST mid-life career changers will choose entreprenuership or small business ownership to ensure financial freedom and a successful future for themselves and their families. It's a point when all acquired knowledge and professional skills come together in an orchestra of Passion, Performance, and Hard Work. The owner and founder of Shear Madness Haircuts for Kids, Paula Thurman was a fiery entreprenuer back in 1997 when she opened her first kid's salon. Her fantastic concepts and relentless work ethic is now reaping the benefits as Shear Madness grows rapidly across the United States. Paula says her only key to success has been “totally believing in the concept and never giving up.” But it doesn’t hurt that she passionately pursues new, innovative ways to bring clients in and help Shear Madness™ grow.

Career Shifters are Franchising

If considering a new career, buying an existing business, starting your own business, or buying a franchise, career shifters can expect a significant impact on their lifestyle and finances for the first year (at least!) Hopefully, initial investment does not outweigh the long term benefits of making the career change. Many career shifters are opting for Franchise Ownership because the professional groundwork has already been laid and a successful business model has emerged. When buying a franchise or mutiple franchises, shifters can choose exactly what type of business they wish to own and what their income will be. Some of the most popular franchise options (especially for women over 40) today include:

• Concierge Home Services Household and Cleaning Services\
• Winnie Couture Bridal Gowns and Wedding Services
• Lunch Lady Provides Schools with Lunches and Kitchen Services
• Chez Cora Canada Restaurant Chain growing rapidly
• Plato's Closet Gently Used Clothing and Retail
• last but not least (of course!) Shear Madness Haircuts for Kids!

8 Suggestions for Career Shifters

1. Self Assessment - Conduct a thorough self anaylysis of strengths, desires, abilities and goals. There are lots of career assesment tools readily available online for a small fee, sometimes for FREE!

2. Research - Talk to others, read articles (like this one) and process the information with family and friends - research has proven itself most helpful for successful shifters in deciding the best career path for themselves.

3. Take Inventory of your Transferrable Skills

4. Get Training and/or Education - many career shifters begin by returning to school.

5. NETWORK

6. Gain Experience

7. Find a Career Mentor

8. BE FLEXIBLE

For more information on Shear Madness Franchising opportunities please contact Jim Otto jim@shearmadnessfranchising.com or download this excellent FREE resource on the Advantages and Disadvantages of Franchising and begin researching (possibly) your new career! To Download the Whitepaper CLICK Here!

We're having a great day at Shear Madness, we hope you have one too!