Franchise Owners

One relatively easy way to learn about franchising is to do some research on the Web. The International Franchise Association, for example, hosts a very informative Web site (http://www.franchise.org). The association also offers the magazine Franchising World. Also, check out your public library or bookstores for the many business magazines that report on small business opportunities. Many of these magazines, such as Entrepreneur (http://www.entrepreneur.com/magazine), publish special editions dealing specifically with franchises. Additionally, read "The Franchisee Voice Blog" (https://www.aafd.org/the-franchise-voice) to learn more about the field.

Join your high school's business club, a group that may give you the opportunity to meet business leaders in your community. You should also consider joining student business organizations—such as Junior Achievement (https://jausa.ja.org), DECA (https://www.deca.org), Future Business Leaders of America (https://www.fbla.org), and Business Professionals of America (http://bpa.org) to learn more about the business world and participate in activities that develop your leadership, managerial, and financial management skills. Some organizations—such as DECA—offer business and entrepreneurship competitions. Additionally, SkillsUSA, another youth organization, offers an entrepreneurship competition. Visit https://www.skillsusa.org for more information.

Find a local franchise owner and ask to meet with him or her for an information interview. Discuss the pros and cons of franchise ownership, find out about the owner's educational and professional background, and ask them for general advice. Also, most franchise companies will send you brochures about their franchise opportunities. Request some information and read about what's involved in owning a franchise unit.

Think about what industry interests you, such as services, fast food, health and fitness, or computers. Come up with your own ideas for a franchise business and do some research to find out if this business already exists. If it does, there may be a part-time or summer job opportunity there for you. If it doesn't, keep the idea in mind for your future but go ahead and get some work experience now. Many franchises hire high school students, and even if you end up working at a Subway when what you're really interested in is lawn care, you'll still be gaining valuable experience dealing with customers, handling sales, and working with others.