When you think of the word “franchise”, you probably think of McDonald’s, KFC, Car Valet services and many many more. These full-on franchise businesses usually involve a large injection of cash up-front, extensive training, premises that are fitted out with the corporate colour scheme, staff uniforms etc. etc.

At the heart of the franchise business model though is a simple but vital component; duplication. The franchise model is built entirely on the ability to duplicate business processes (and success) over and over. You basically take a fully fledged recipe for a profitable business, follow it step by step and success should follow. This process is usually so well defined, that customers come to expect a high level of consistency, with service and products, at any franchise operation of a given business (e.g. a Big Mac is expected to be almost identical from any McDonalds outlet).

Franchising is a very powerful business model which, if you follow the recipe, can lead to consistent and predictable results. The biggest stumbling block for many people would be the initial investment required. This is often in the order of tens (sometimes hundreds) of thousands of dollars.

But what if this obstacle could be removed? Furthermore, what if you could also remove the need to hire staff, the need to operate from a dedicated premises, and even the need to go through a lengthy training program? What if all you had to do is two simple things:

1. Buy hamburgers for personal consumption
2. Encourage others to do the same

Would you be able to do that? Around 95% of people would respond with a resounding “yes”, it’s a no-brainer. Now, eating hamburgers as a franchise opportunity doesn’t actually exist (maybe I should look into that?). Equally simple “franchise” opportunities DO exist, they follow the exact same 2-step model given above, are available to ANYONE without massive up-front investment, and require no staff or premises EVER (unless you want to go that way of course).

I know this because I have one of these simple “franchises”, I spend a small amount of time on it every week (because I don’t have a shop, staff, or retail sales to make) and I have been able to assist others in doing the exact same thing.

Perhaps you already own one and didn’t realise it? Take a look at your network marketing business through franchise lenses and you might see it.