Business in a box
IF YOU’RE LOOKING FOR A FRANCHISE OPPORTUNITY WITH PHENOMENAL FUTURE GROWTH POTENTIAL, LOOK NO FURTHER THAN ON MY DOORSTEP

On My Doorstep is a network of community websites designed to help local residents get the most out of living in their area. Every On My Doorstep website is launched with a wealth of information, including local resources (doctors, dentists, schools, etc), events, local weather from weather.com, regional news from the BBC, and so much more. They really are the only websites local people need to find out what is available in their area - right now.

Community website franchisor On My Doorstep is seeking franchisees to help with its nationwide expansion plans. The company currently operates over 900 websites covering approximately two thirds of the UK; by the end of 2009 On My Doorstep plans to complete the network, providing local online information for all UK communities.

NETWORK
Jeremy Woolger from On My Doorstep comments: “At the moment we have five franchisees in our network, managing either one or a portfolio of local websites. We are looking for prospective franchisees who are outgoing and have basic computer skills to take over the company-run websites. Specific web design or programming skills are not necessary as business listings are created within a control panel that requires only basic IT knowledge.

INVESTMENT
“On My Doorstep is a franchise that can be run from home. We operate a ‘business in a box’ approach to franchising, which means that the franchise package includes virtually everything the franchisee requires to set up the business - from a laptop, laser printer and software to stationery, full training and ongoing support. The three-day training programme teaches franchisees everything they need to know to get their business up and running, from how to sell advertising space to uploading new information onto the website".

It is a well-known fact that most residents in a town would prefer to use a business or service available locally, rather than one from miles away. They appreciate that to do so can save them considerable time and money, as well as being beneficial to the environment. With the apparently ever-escalating cost of travel, people are increasingly seeking services and businesses that can satisfy their requirements locally.

The downside of operating a small local business is that often the potential customer base in their area has never heard of them and might not be aware that such a service exists. They could be exactly what customers are looking for but, unless they have an expensive high street presence or spend considerable amounts on advertising, they could remain anonymous to the very town they aim to serve. www.onmydoorstep.co.uk unlocks the potential for businesses to deal with local customers. Unlike other online business directories, On My Doorstep has a variety of flexible packages available for advertising. These range from a very simple basic entry, with just the company name and telephone number, through to a comprehensive listing comprising up to 10 web pages, each with up to 1,000 words of text and 10 images, complete with a domain name, giving companies that choose this option their own website for just £300 per annum.

This means that there is a listing option for every business - large or small.

APPEALING PROPOSITION
Running an On My Doorstep franchise is an appealing proposition. Franchisees are based at home and the hours are flexible, fitting around your other interests - be they family, golf or something completely different. The start-up cost is low, opening the door, possibly for the first time, for many to start their own business. You could become part of the fastest growing sector in advertising today. On My Doorstep is the only franchise in its sector approved by the British Franchise Association. This means that the opportunity has been through a thorough three-month accreditation process that checks every aspect of the franchise. So what does this mean to you as a franchisee? You can be confident that every aspect of the On My Doorstep franchise has been independently checked. It confirms that you will be joining a franchise that is run ethically, has a sound business model, a fair contract, strong potential to be economically viable/ profitable over the long term and enjoys a high/ professional level of support from the franchisor.

So what type of person is On My Doorstep looking for? Obviously there is a lot of hard work
involved in setting up a business, especially in the early days. The right attitude and a cheerful, friendly, positive and determined personality are essential, as is a high level of self-motivation. You do not need previous computer or web skills as full training will be given. If you can manipulate text, tables and images within a ‘Word’-style document then you can already use the tools developed by On My Doorstep to run your own website. If not, you will be shown how to - it really is very easy. Some experience in a sales or customer service-related environment would also be helpful, but certainly not essential.

There are four territory sizes available, starting at just £5,995 (plus VAT). Each is determined by population: small - up to 50,000 (£5,995 plus VAT); medium - up to 100,000 (£9,995 plus VAT); large - up to 150,000 (£12,995 plus VAT); and extra large - up to 250,000 (£15,995 plus VAT). Management fees are not charged in the first three months and are then introduced gradually as the business grows to give you the best chance of success (full details are available on request).

Jeremy concludes: “Businesses recognise that in a recession they need to promote themselves to maintain their market share, but must do so more ‘smartly’. On My Doorstep offers them the perfect platform with extremely cost-effective advertising options. Despite the current economic situation, our existing franchisees continue to perform strongly.”