UNEMPLOYMENT is rising at the fastest pace since 1992, and the job  market  looks bleak. Newspaper and on-line help wanted ads continue  to fall and layoffs, especially  in manufacturing remain the news of the day.

So, how secure is your job?  If you’re a person who’s always dreamed of working for yourself, your dream may be about to come true-whether or not you’re ready for it. Why not start checking out your entrepreneurial options by visiting the Small Business Administration Website at www.sba.gov? Get information on everything from business ideas, creating a business plan and procuring financing to choosing the right sign for your shop. A donation by Microsoft to the SBA (www.sba.gov/services) in July last year now puts a variety of business software at your fingertips in local SBA offices, including Office XP, Publisher version 2002, Front Page version 2002, Windows 2000 Professional, Windows 2000 Server and Small  Business Server 2000.

Of course,  you won’t be the first entrepreneur who shudder at  the thought of all the little details involved in a business start-up. That’s why buying into a franchise looks attractive to many people. Beware  though: you will gain some, but you’ll lose some things, too.

“Franchising isn’t for everyone, “explains Ted Dixon, editor and publisher of the Franchise Annual Directory, Lewiston, New York. “Franchisers don’t really want true entrepreneurs because they’ll try to change things. They want people who fit into the system, someone who’s sold on the product.”

There  is no shortage of variety when choosing a franchise business, from fast food to auto sales to real state. The real appeal, however, lies in having  someone else – the franchiser provide the business expertise such as marketing plans, management guidance, site location and training. 

“They help us get good prices on ads and get us the best deals locally,” says Joan Noble of the Wisconsin-based franchiser, Kitchen Solvers. The Nobles opened their franchise is Dallas, Texas. “You know, when you’re just starting, there are a thousand  nitty-gritty questions that come up and there is always someone there with an answer. Plus there is a professional network of other franchisers in the United States.”

Here’s a quick look at the pros and cons of buying  into a franchise rather than starting your business from scratch:

Pros
Head start.  You buy an established product or service.

Technical and managerial assistance. They’ve done it before; now they’ll tell you how to do it.
Quality control standards. You have to follow their standards (great if you don’t know the product, a problem if you disagree).

Less operating capital. While nothing is ever free, many franchisers offer some type of financing. They also have spent the money on marketing and product recognition for you. 

Opportunities for growth. Once you get  good at it, you may want to buy more franchises in other markets or expand your existing territory.

Cons
Play by their rules.  There may be some restrictions  on the freedom of ownership, including dress codes and hours of business.

Royalties. Most franchisers requires you to pay them a percentage of your monthly gross sales. 

Failed expectations. Did you really want to serve up frozen yogurt all day?

Here are some fraud tactics the Better Business Bureau warns to be on the lookout for when considering a franchise opportunity. Be wary of franchisers that:

Demand  you act “immediately” before investigating, so you can get in on the ground floor.

Fail to provide statistics on franchise sales, profits, or locations.

Fail to identify company  officers or principals. 

Promise large incomes from work-at-home or spare time efforts.

Offer to “trade you up” to a higher than advertised price franchise.

The Better  Business Bureau has on on-line area with tips on selecting a franchise – http://www.bbb.org/library/busfranc.asp  .  You can also  look up franchising opportunities worldwide plus  read up on franchising basics at BeTheBoss.com