The Ctec-Show Blog

Are you fed up with the day-to-day grind of your dead-end job and wish you could find a better way to make a living? It may be much easier than you think when you consider the wide range of home based business franchises with very reasonable investment costs and excellent earning potential. Realizing the dream of having your own business and working for yourself each day can be the way to a much brighter (and profitable) future! Check out the top 10 home based business franchises for 2007. One of them may be just right for you!

What’s Hot Right Now?

The top franchises are those that provide the kinds of products and services that appeal to consumer needs and current social trends. For example, the growing number of elderly persons means that there is a serious need for franchises that can provide necessary products and services for seniors.

Other lucrative home based franchise opportunities are steadily increasing in cleaning, home maintenance and repair as well as exercise and fitness. As the number of new and exciting franchise opportunities continues to grow, so too does the potential for great profit and business success for any franchisee.

Here are the top 10 home based business franchises for 2007. Perhaps one of them is the franchise that can pave the way to a brand new and prosperous venture in which you can operate your own business and reap the benefits!

Molly Maid

This well-known franchise continues to remain strong and ever present among the top home based business franchises available. In today’s fast-paced and busy world, having the time to complete many household chores and daily maintenance is simply not possible. Many consumers rely on this kind of service to keep their home organized and clean. As this need increases, so does the potential for growth and income as a franchisee. With start-up costs as low as $30,000, it is quite affordable and feasible to own a Molly Maid franchise.

ServiceMaster Clean

When the unexpected happens, many property owners seek out professionals to take over and correct the problem. As a ServiceMaster Clean franchisee, you can expect to build a long-lasting and highly respected business when you have this brand name behind you. Specializing in carpet, drapery and upholstery cleaning, this franchise is available with a very minimal initial investment and even offers financial assistance for franchisees who want to get started immediately.

Home Blinds

Many people value the experience and expertise of professionals when it comes to window treatments in their home or office. When you own a Home Blinds franchise, you get all the necessary training and support to become an expert in selling and installing window blinds, shutters, shades and drapery. And with a mobile unit, you can travel to meet your customer’s specific needs and requirements quickly and easily.

1-800-GOT-JUNK

Who knew that a franchise catering to junk removal would become such a large and expansive business opportunity? But many consumers do accumulate large amounts of assorted items that they no longer want or need but don’t have the necessary equipment or time to get rid of the junk. Due to the essential equipment required to start this franchise, the initial cost is slightly higher than some other home based franchises at $90,000, it is well worth it considering the detailed training and ongoing support from the franchisor.

i9 Sports

If you are interested in sports and working with children, an i9 Sports franchise business might be the one for you! Specializing in the organization of youth sports leagues, camps and after-school programs, this franchise offers flexible work hours and is home based. Plus, initial investment is reasonably low at only $60,000.

Matco Tools

This home based franchise is one of the best offering quality tools and diagnostic equipment for automotive technicians. With your own “tool truck” and stock, you can cover a fairly large territory and build a strong customer base. The superior quality, design and durability of the product is sure to help you build a solid franchise that will provide a generous profit.

Companion Connection Senior Care

Just imagine being able to help seniors in your community with your own business! And with a limited membership opportunity with no membership fees. You provide live-in or live-out non-medical care to seniors or disabled adults including such responsibilities as light housekeeping, meal preparation or just friendship and support. As our population ages, the need for this kind of business continues to grow.

ACFN ATM Franchise

As North America’s only ATM franchise, you need no prior experience to operate this business. The franchisor locates and provides the ATM locations as well as complete and extensive training. ACFN ATM machines are located in hundreds of locations including hotels, hospitals, movie theaters and more. With a $36,000, you can get started right away!

Mr. Handyman

Whether it is a small or large job, a Mr. Handyman franchise can handle it. This business can be a dream come true for anyone who enjoys home repair and would like to make money doing it. A very modest initial investment will get you started and the highly reputed brand name and a strong work ethic will keep your franchise busy and profitable.

1800905GEEK

The new age of computers and IT technology dominates our society in both home and business. Why not capitalize on the latest advances with your own on-site computer service and repair franchise? Get comprehensive, ongoing training and support that ensures you are always an expert. And you can base your business from your home with only $60,000 for initial investment.

A franchise opportunity can open plenty of new avenues for your future. When you consider the ever increasing and expansive number of incredible home based franchise opportunities, there has never been a better time to own your own business!

1. Welcome every visitor with a smile. A picture paints a thousand words and your body language is very critical. Therefore, you will need to take the time to speak clearly, slowly and in a cheerful and professional voice while greeting every visitor.

2. Use your normal tone of voice when greeting a visitor. If you have a tendency to speak loud or shout, avoid doing so while greeting the visitor.

3. Address the visitor properly by his or her title. (i.e. Good morning Mr. John, Good afternoon Ms. Kumar, How are you today, Dr.Raj). Never address an unfamiliar visitor by his or her first name.

4. Do not use Poor Language. Respond clearly with “yes” or “no” when speaking. Never use swears words.

5. Listen to the visitor and what they have to say. The ability to listen is a problem in general but it is very important to listen to what the visitor has to say. It is always a good habit to repeat the information back to the client when you are taking a message to verify that you have heard and transcribed the message accurately.

6. Do not eat or drink while you are at the desk. Only eat or drink during your coffee break or lunch break at the designated cafeteria.

7. Be patient and helpful. If a visitor is irate or upset, listen to what they have to say and then refer them to the appropriate resource. Never snap back or act rude to the visitor.

8. Always ask if the visitor has the time to wait. If you are responsible for handling multiple visitors at once, always ask the visitor politely if you may make them wait. Remember that the visitor could have already waited several minutes in a queue before reaching you may not take lightly to being asked to wait. Once the visitor agrees to wait, follow up with the concerned regularly to ensure that the waiting time is not long.

9. Always focus on the visitor. Try not to get distracted by people around you. If someone tries to interrupt you while you are attending to the visitor, politely remind them that you are attending to the visitor and that you will be with them as soon as you are finished.

10. Assist visitors while filling out visitor passes. If your company has a detailed procedure for filling up visitor passes, assist the visitor in the process. It is not advisable to make the visitor spend a lot of time at the front desk filling up the pass, while the time can be utilized by the visitor in a constructive business meeting.

11. Innovate the Visitor pass entry. Where there is a manual visitor pass register available at the front desk, you can get innovative yourself by implementing methods that will reduce the waiting time at your desk. Alternatively you can also suggest to your management the benefits of automating the visitor pass process. Many such visitor management solutions are available today at competitive prices.