Each month we receive thousands of enquiries from prospective franchise owners who consider a franchise business opportunity that they can work from home as the best path to self-employment. In general, these enquiries are from downsized and "fed-up" corporate employees who wish to carefully test the waters of working from home before jumping in. Congratulations to all of you who take it slow in an effort to choose the best path to entrepreneurship and successful business opportunities. For the benefit of readers trying to decide on their own entrepreneurial journey, here's a franchise question typical of those we receive on choosing a business opportunity. It hopefully accomplishes two things. One, shows that you are not alone, and two, at least start you on the road to a quality choice.

"Dear Community Times, I've worked in the car industry for years and now I think it's time for a change. I have other job options, but I really do not want to be an employee again. Actually, I feel that I have been controlled monetarily for too long, and want to take a chance at creating my own income. I am seriously interested in starting a home based business, either a franchise or another business opportunity. What advice can you give me?"

"Hello……You have a couple of options in identifying a business opportunity or franchise business. One of the key decisions is whether you wish to work from home or operate a business from business premises. Working at home is usually cheaper and has lower risk but the nature of the business opportunity you choose will determine whether the business opportunity or franchise is able to be operated from your home or dedicated premises.”