Before you buy
The Federal Trade Commission publishes an 11-page consumer guide to buy a franchise. It’s available online here.
Here are some questions to ask yourself before investigating specific opportunities:
Your investment
How much money do you have to invest?
How much money can you afford to lose?
Are you purchasing the franchise alone or with partners?
Do you need financing? Where’s it coming from?
What’s your credit rating? Credit score?
Do you have savings or additional income to live on while you start your business?
Your abilities
Does the franchise require technical experience or special training or education
What special skill set can you bring to a business, and, specifically, to this business?
What experience do you have as a business owner or manager?
Your goals
Write down your reasons for buying a particular franchise.
1. Do you need a specific annual income?
2. Are you interested in pursuing a particular field?
3. Are you interested in retail sales or performing a service?
4. How many hours can you work? How many are you willing to work?
5. Do you intend to operate the business yourself or hire a manager?
6. Will franchise ownership be your primary source of income or a supplement to your current income?
7. Do you get bored easily? Are you in this for the long-term?
8. Would you like to own several outlets?
Full Article Here: KnoxNews.com
Local JobPods 
There are many factors that go into buying a franchise and also being successful. Like the article stated buying a franchise that fits your personality, interests, and skills are a large aspect. Being involved with and working in the industry that excites you and interests you is very important. Also during a recession is a time when buying a franchise may be the right step. When jobs and careers are harder to obtain going into your own business may be something worth trying. For example, if you always wanted to have your own business but never could pursue it because you were working, or didn’t have time; well this could be the right opportunity. Lastly research is crucial. Know the franchise, know the business, and learn as much as possible. For example, we at Driveway Impressions do decorative asphalt (stamping asphalt). This is something that you don’t see everyday or you may see it and not even know it was stamped asphalt. This is a challenge when trying to sell a franchise. To overcome this, we hold free live-demo showcases in different communities and states to allow individuals to come out and see what we do and to answer any questions. It is a no cost, no obligation event, and is for educational purposes and to allow the community to see our brand and the great work we do. We may not be as big as the larger companies but we have a very unique product, and our franchise is in 5 states and growing. Our StreetPrint technology is also seen in Times Square Plaza, NYC, 40 different countries, and major international cities. These are things that interests people.Just a thought, great article.
-My Driveway Dr.
http://www.DrivewayImpressions.wordpress.com