summer pineapple cocktailIt’s the dog days of summer when the sun is high and the heat is on. Are you relaxing on the deck with a little umbrella in your drink or swinging in the hammock? I would like to be doing that more myself!

We Americans tend to work, work, work. Many times that isn’t a choice; it’s dictated by an employer. But it doesn’t have to be. There are options and alternatives that allow you to decide when you’re going on the family vacation or if you can knock off early and have some fun.

If you’re going to miss the best days of summer, shouldn’t your time be spent making a success of your own dreams? Sure, you’re going to work hard, very hard. No surprises there. But you will find yourself energized on the inside even when the weather is pulling you outside. And the biggest difference is, you’re building equity for yourself and your business, not for someone else in their hammock!

Franchise ownership is one of the most rewarding, successful business models a fledgling entrepreneur can choose. As one person told me recently:

“A franchise would accomplish 2 goals for me.  First, to create a source of income to meet current obligations, as well as provide for a retirement in 10-15 years. Secondly, a franchise would satisfy a long-term desire I have had to own my own business, have something I can call my own. I have spent the past 30 years driving performance for someone else, now it is time to do it for myself. I have the drive, determination and overall business experience needed to be successful. A good franchise will propel me to success in owning my small piece of the American Dream.”

If you’ve been thinking about being your own boss and personally reaping the rewards from all your hard work, it’s time to look at franchising.

Even if you’re not sure of the timing, taking the first step now ensures that when you are ready to make the move, the groundwork will be laid and ready for a new venture to take shape.

As the old proverb says, “The best time to plant a tree is 20 years ago. The second-best time is now.”