For the entrepreneur, few ventures in life can top the excitement of launching a new business. With that excitement comes a host of decisions, ranging from what to name your company and where to set up shop, to how many employees to retain and which technology to acquire. One of the most important decisions is whether to open a business on your own or invest in a franchise.
No matter what route you choose when making the leap, you’ll find that you’re in good company. Business ownership is on the rise, with the U.S. Census Bureau reporting that a record 5.5 million new business applications were filed in 2023. What’s more, franchising is a budding opportunity for entrepreneurs, as evidenced by a steady surge in franchise establishments across various sectors.
When you’re ready to join this surge in entrepreneurship, how do you know whether “going it alone” or franchising is the right choice for you? Let’s explore the benefits of both options.
Option 1: Launch Your Own Independent Business
If having complete control of your business is your goal, then starting your own independent company is likely an appealing choice. Having autonomy over your career offers personal and professional freedom and puts you in the driver’s seat when it comes to branding, service offerings, and changes to your business model.
Here’s a breakdown of the top advantages of starting a business alone:
- Complete Control – As mentioned above, with independent business ownership comes autonomy in decision making for all aspects of the company.
- Creativity and Innovation – As the captain of your own ship, you have the freedom to bring your creative vision for your company to life.
- Financial Independence – Independent business owners have more control over investment decisions and timing.
- Unique Identity – When you choose to be your own boss, you can proactively cultivate your business’s distinct brand.
- Location Flexibility – Choosing the ideal location for your independent business rests in your hands.
- Long-Term Value – If you decide to pursue other ventures or retire, your assets can be sold.
- Direct Relationships – With you at the helm, you can build strong relationships with your colleagues and customer base.
- Adaption for Growth – You can set up your business for long-term success by continually exploring new opportunities.
Option 2: Invest in a Franchise
Franchise ownership is an option that makes sense for those who want to go into business for themselves but could do without the hassle of building that business from scratch. You can still be your own boss, but with the added benefit of receiving support from the franchise’s knowledge base.
A franchise is a type of license that grants a franchisee access to a franchisor’s proprietary business knowledge, systems, processes, and trademarks, typically allowing the franchisee to sell a product or service under the franchisor’s business name, in exchange for a franchise fee.
There is also a private or white label franchise model, where the franchisor provides the business knowledge, systems, processes and doesn’t require the franchisee to take the franchise name, or trademarks. While the franchisor maintains the business process, the franchisee agrees to operate their business in accordance with a contract (franchise agreement) and the franchisor’s model.
According to Statista, in 2023, it was estimated that there will be some 805,500 franchise establishments in the U.S., with an economic output estimated to be roughly $860 billion. In fact, franchises constitute 10.5% of all businesses in the United States, showcasing their significant presence in the market.
The top benefits of becoming a franchisee are:
- Proven Business Model – Starting a franchise business allows you to tap into the franchise’s knowledge base and established business system.
- Training & Support – Owning a franchise gives you access to expert support and training programs that teach you how to run the business and orient new employees.
- Easier Financing – As a franchisee, you’ll likely have an easier time securing financing from banks, including loans backed by the SBA (Small Business Association).
- Ongoing Research and Development – Franchisees benefit from continual efforts by franchises to develop new products and services and improve existing ones.
- Network of Franchisees – You can be your own boss while simultaneously taking advantage of belonging to a network of businesses.
- Known Brand – Often, franchises are well-known businesses with established customer bases already built in.
- Higher Success Rate – In general, franchises have the potential for higher profits than independently established businesses.
- Established Supply Chain – Franchisors provide their franchisees access to their supplier network and support in supply chain management,
The Better Option: Let Proliant Give You the Best of Both Worlds
For those interested in starting a title company franchise, Proliant Settlement Systems combines the benefits of being a franchisee with the freedom to focus entirely on building your brand. Proliant’s private-label franchise system breaks down barriers to title company ownership, providing you with all the necessary production support.
Our fully compliant system can dramatically simplify the process of starting, owning, and operating a successful, full-service title agency by providing you with:
- I.T. Infrastructure: Our unique, customized title software platform that is intuitive, easy to use, and easy to learn. Plus, it’s a plug-and-play system, so you don’t have to incur the costs or headaches typically associated with I.T.
- Title Production Support: We provide all our franchisees with title production support and assist in the title closing process. Every requested property is thoroughly researched by our veteran title staff who then prepare your title report. This also helps you cut down on your staffing needs. Our franchisees also benefit from our relationships with trusted underwriters.
- Training & Support: Extensive on-site training is provided. From simple tasks to complex processes, we are your first line of support. We have the tools and resources to help you grow your skills the moment you open the doors and provide continuing I.T. and operational support throughout the process.
- Quality Control Review: Our comprehensive quality control review process minimizes errors before you get to the closing table.
- And much more!
The best part? From the customer’s perspective, your title business is 100% yours, right down to the name on the door. And that’s not the only way Proliant differs from many franchise agreements. Our franchisees have complete control over their businesses, can choose their locations, and even have the ability to add on to their companies or sell their assets.
Proliant’s turnkey title company model is also the answer to variable costs. We help you during high periods so you can maintain great service to expand relationships and build upon your networks, and your costs go down as demand decreases. We give you an advantage, even during economic downturns, because Proliant gets paid only for the work you send our way.
Contact us today to learn how you can gain the best of both worlds and start your own title company with all the financial operational advantages and support systems that eliminate the most difficult barriers to entry.