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Franchising and the LGBTQ+ Community

The Perfect Deluxe Combo

When you think about franchising, what’s the first thing that comes to mind?

Probably McDonald’s or Super Cuts, as they’re two of the most popular franchises in the U.S.

But franchises aren’t just big-name fast-food chains or hair salons. There are more than 750,000 franchise organizations in the U.S., ranging from mental health to home services to pets! There is an organization out there for everyone, especially the LGBTQ+ community.

This opportunity to start your own business venture with a partner like Franchise Playmaker can get you closer to achieving your lifestyle and wealth-building goals and service a need within your local community.

“Working with a franchise consultant like Franchise Playmaker is a no-brainer. Don’t waste your time trying to sort through the thousands of franchises yourself. You’ll get expert guidance at no cost to you—it’s a win-win,” says Alex Roberts of Franchise Playmaker.

Fighting workplace discrimination from within

It’s no secret that the LGBTQ+ community has faced frequent challenges within the workplace from discrimination to verbal abuse to even physical violence. Everyone deserves to feel safe in the workplace, regardless of sexual orientation or gender identity.

While workplace equity and inclusion have become a popular topic of discussion, there’s still work to do. Still today, 38% of transgender and non-binary employees are either unsure of their employer’s support or stated that their employer was trans-unsupportive. Tip-toeing around leadership, unsure if they support who you truly are, is certainly not a fulfilling way to spend your time.

Moreover, the #1 reported cause of dissatisfaction in the workplace is unfair treatment at work. A lack of respect, inclusivity and feeling of community all contribute to this experience.

These negative workplace experiences are often cited as the reason for members of the LGBTQ+ community to begin their own ventures. The benefit is twofold: You can create a safe and inclusive workplace for both yourself and the entire community and beyond. And as a bonus, you can do it while working for an industry that lights your soul on fire.

On the flip side, your sexuality and gender identity can be an asset in business ownership. Studies show that starting a business can give LGBTQ+ people the strength and confidence they need to be their most authentic selves. Calling the shots and driving a culture of positivity and acceptance within your business eliminates the barriers you, and fellow LGBTQ+ members, once faced.

Why should you consider owning a franchise?

Taking part in this business model is a great way to develop and capitalize on your business experience without the risk of starting from scratch. There are several advantages to owning a franchise:

#1: No industry experience? No problem.

No specific industry experience is necessary to purchase, and succeed with, a franchise. One of the many benefits of franchising is that you receive supportive training, business assistance and expert knowledge from the franchisor. Having years of experience readily available to you makes it a lot easier to run a successful business from the start.

The LGBTQ+ community also has a variety of resources available to support and provide guidance throughout the business development process including the National LGBT Chamber of Commerce and local queer chambers like the Detroit Regional LGBT Chamber of Commerce.

The National LGBT Chamber of Commerce further reinforces how the support system within the LGBTQ+ community is undeniable:

“The LGBTQ+ community is a self-supportive group where, whether people are business owners or simply consumers, community members are excited to support businesses led by people in the community,” said Jayson Mamaclay, founder of Think Quick Events, a Certified LGBTBE® supplier.

#2: Follow your passion

More than 60% of people reported being emotionally detached at work last year. This could be caused by negative workplace culture, not feeling appreciated, lack of direction, or feeling like work is meaningless.

Owning a franchise allows you to dive head-first into an industry you’re passionate about. Are you the type of person to ask if you can pet every dog you see? Take a look at franchises like Fetch Pet Care that offer reliable animal care services. Or maybe you’ve always dreamed of getting into the salon industry after doing your cousin’s hair for prom. Whatever your interests are, there’s a franchise out there that supports your goals and beliefs.

#3: Your customer base is taken care of

When starting a franchise, you’re buying into an established business, so the customer base and brand awareness is already taken care of. A franchise’s target market is already set and active, so franchisors have established strategies to attract customers and those customers already know what to expect when they walk into your store. Establishing a brand and attracting loyal customers is one of the most difficult parts of business ownership, but when you buy a franchise, the heavy lifting has already been done for you.

Being an LGBTQ+ business owner also allows you to connect with the LGBTQ+ community, a group that’s often overlooked, which holds roughly $917 billion of purchasing power in the U.S.

#4: Lower risk than starting a business from scratch

The fear of failure is the reason why many don’t go out and start their own business. We get it — owning a business can be downright terrifying! But in general, franchises have a higher success

rate than others because they’re owned by established corporations that have a proven success model.

#5: Be your own boss

One of the top reasons to own your own business is the opportunity to be your own boss. When starting a franchise business, you get the pleasure of being your own boss while receiving support and knowledge from the franchise itself.

Owning a business is hard work, there’s no doubt about that, but being your own boss means having the freedom to create your own schedule and be in the driver’s seat of your career.

How to find your perfect (franchise) match

To find your ideal franchise, your first stop should be with Franchise Playmaker. Seasoned franchise executives John McLellan and Alex Roberts have extensive experience in franchise and business development. Think of them as the realtors of your professional life. They’ll guide you to the franchise opportunities that match up with your specific personal and financial goals.

What if you have no idea what industry you want to be in? That’s perfect. Coming into these conversations as a blank slate is ideal — you don’t have blinders on and are open to learning more about the hundreds of opportunities available.

Finding your perfect franchise starts with some discovery work. What keeps you up at night? What are you looking for? Perhaps you are looking for an opportunity to build on your existing passions or control your financial future.

Think about what you’ve done in your professional life up to this point. What have you enjoyed doing the most? It could be sales, marketing, business development or a combination of all three. Venturing into franchising allows you to capitalize on your skills and interests.

Want to take control of your schedule? You can decide to work full-time or part-time, in-office or from home. At the end of the day, owning a franchise can be anything you want it to be. You decide what your goals and dreams are, and

Franchise Playmaker helps you chase after them.

“Owning your own business means taking the reins of your future. For many LGBTQ+ members in the corporate workforce, there is a glass ceiling that’s limiting the potential for greatness. With franchising, there is no glass ceiling — no one to limit the opportunities before you. You are in control of your future,” says McLellan.

Making money while making a difference

A diverse organization builds strong ties to the community it serves. Owning a franchise as a member of the LBGTQ+ community will open doors for those in the same negative workplace culture you’re in right now. The community is loyal to and supports its LGBTQ+ owned businesses, so you’re already gaining traction in customer loyalty.

This article is a sponsored editorial produced in collaboration with Franchise Playmaker. Franchise Playmaker offers free, nationwide consulting services to those interested in franchising opportunities. Take the first step to franchise ownership and take control of your future with Franchise Playmaker’s free guide at franchiseplaymaker.com/pride, email John and Alex at [email protected] or call (734) 812–4757.

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