Dress up YOUR TALENT

Q I want to open my own garment showroom as I am fairly fashion conscious and have taken up a shop in a busy commercial area. Given the fact that the business world is essentially male-dominated, will I have difficulty running my business? — Mandira Vij

A I don't see why you should find the going tough just because you are a woman. However, to play it safe, you can take up a franchise of an already existing brand. As marketers queue up to woo women consumers for products across categories, including vehicles, home furnishing, phone cards and more, women are now garnering a fair share of franchisee outlets. As several leading corporates expand their footprint, enterprising women franchisees across the country are weaving success stories.

Of the 75,000-odd franchisee outlets in India, a good 20 per cent are owned and managed by women. In fact, nearly 30 of S. Kumar's franchisee outlets featuring their home linen brand, Carmaichel House, are run by women.

Many others like the UK-based, textile retailer, GHCL, soon entering India, are even offering loans to women for setting up their franchisee outlets.

On an average, you can make around Rs. 20,000-40,000 p.m. through these franchisee outlets. Besides home textiles and garments, women franchisees are also being wooed by the beautycare, education and kidswear and even automobile segment. All Hero Honda's ‘Just 4 Her' franchisee outlets (21 of them) are run by women. So do consider this relatively safer route before jumping whole hog into untested waters.

However, running a franchise calls for long hours, organizational ability, and an eye for detail. Above all, you must be capable of handling large and diverse activities with a strong customer orientation — always staying a step ahead of your customers and anticipating their needs.

For example, in a garment store, you need to keep a sharp eye on current fashion trends and fabric. You also need a head for figures and planning besides excellent people skills.