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Technology franchising outlook is excellent

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By BOB WEINSTEIN, Special Sections correspondent

Published: January 20, 2008

They used to say that techies had no interest in business. Give them a cubicle, a powerful computer, fast Internet access and privacy, and they were content.

Veteran techies ought to be insulted by that stereotype. You can be a technical wizard and still love and excel at the business end. And there is no shortage of billionaire techies who've taken their technical smarts and built global business empires.

That said, many franchises are projected to do exceedingly well in 2008. That includes a host of technical franchises as well. And it's because historically, franchises tend to do well when the economy slows down.

This year, the economy, which has been recording rapid growth over the past three years, is forecast to taper off somewhat.

The great news is that the technology-franchise landscape has been aggressively expanding over the past decade. In fact, you'll be pleasantly surprised to learn that there are more franchises out there than you realize. And new ones are starting up every day.

In an uncertain economy, it's smart to have a backup plan in case you should suddenly find yourself jobless. Consulting and contract work always have been mainstays for laid-off IT workers. Technical franchises ought to be another alternative. Depending upon your personality, risk tolerance and financial situation, you can either work for one or buy one.

Three hot technology-franchise areas are: 1. Web design/maintenance, business solutions; 2. computer installation, repair, troubleshooting; and 3. security and surveillance.

Security, particularly, has emerged as a prime growth area of tech franchises. It took large companies longer than it should have to invest serious dollars in security technology, which encompasses everything from sophisticated new firewall technology and network monitoring to video cameras strategically positioned throughout buildings and entranceways. Now, small companies are installing security technology, and they're paying specialist tech franchises to do it.

Here are a few successful technology-related franchises in each area:

1. Web design/maintenance, business solutions.

True Presence (www.truepresence.com). This Baltimore-based franchise provides products and services that help businesses create a Web presence. That includes designing a Web site, along with fashioning e-mail, sales and marketing strategies.

2. Computer installation, repair, troubleshooting.

Geeks on Call (www.geeksoncall.com). Launched in 1999, this franchise services the business and residential IT markets.

3. Security and surveillance.

EyesThere (www.eyesthere.com). Offers businesses video installation and remote around-the-clock monitoring. The Internet-based software is accessible from any Web browser. You can be on another continent and instantly plug into the security system.

Want to break into the franchise niche? It's not difficult to find a technology niche market with franchise possibilities. Each of the three areas discussed is nowhere near the saturation point. The idea is to pick a niche you love and excel. Being an expert is the initial step. Or, find a new niche that's just waiting to be pounced on.

Next, get some franchising experience by working for one of the established ones. Franchising is a world unto itself. You're not going to learn about it in two or three months. Plan to work for a franchise at least a year so you can get hands-on, everyday experience. At the same time, immerse yourself in the franchising world. Take courses — anything you can get your hands on — and most important, plug into the franchising networks and blogs. Make friends and contacts. In short, live and breathe it 24 hours a day. After serious immersion, you may find that it doesn't meet your expectations. If so, consider yourself lucky, because you probably saved yourself time and money.

More likely, you'll be hooked, ready and confident to move on to the next step — seeking advice from a franchise consultant and attorney.

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