Posted:13-January-2021
Exclusive Interview: Benefiting from my investment in a global player
Name: Julieta Sofranova
Location: Sofia, Bulgaria
Franchise: Antal International
Tell us a bit about yourself and what you were doing prior to buying a franchise business?
I have been owning and managing an executive recruitment franchise of Antal International in Bulgaria for 10 years now. Before that time, I used to have a successful career in the banking services - starting from private banking, corporate, trade financing to investment management for a fund manager and life insurance career with Metlife.
What attracted you to franchising versus started starting up on your own or finding employment?
In our days of quick growth and globalization of businesses I marked all my pluses for being a part of a global player versus working alone and building my business from scratch. The franchise option was the best for me – stable grounds, experience from all over the world, corporate atmosphere, team spirit. You are working as an independent business but you feel the strong support from the brand. You have great peers, just like you – who are working hard, sharing deals, celebrating successes and building teams.
Why did you choose the Antal International franchise business? What research did you undertake?
After more than 25 years in the corporate world, making teams, stimulating development, working with people and for the people lead me to this natural for me decision. Utilizing all the experience from my personal growth I chose to give it to young people and help them find their next career step.
Do you feel there is enough support or training in the industry, or externally, to help mums looking to get back into work and considering starting a business? What additional support do you think would help?
To my mind this type of co-operation will give mums confidence of being involved, important, helpful and at the same time freedom to fix their days in a manner that suits their baby-care. Franchise gives enough training and support, marketing materials and operational knowledge. The sector must be carefully looked for, evaluated and chosen by their heart in order to be motivated and devoted.
How did you raise the finance for funding your franchise? Did you use any financial support (grants etc.) specific to business start-up?
Franchise calls for an investment and it covers all the start-up costs – starting from incorporating the company through office needs and training to further team building. Loans are at a normal price levels now and within 3-5 years everything is fixed and forgotten.
What training and support did you receive initially from the Antal Franchisor?
The two weeks training at the head office premises was my first part of the training. Then the pile of materials has to be put into practice. Currently there are a lot of training options in the form of webinars and conference calls that help the starting consultants and the ones that need to further excel.
What is a typical day for you as a franchisee?
Busy, planned, full of meetings and decisions is every day of my life. I have to think about the business itself and its smooth rolling on, about the team I have with me and their needs, activities and human desires and finally about myself – where to go next, how to improve the image of the company and how to follow my personal hobbies and life. It is really an awarding and humane business that I am in and I feel happy and worthy.
Balancing work and family life is important for all franchisees but more so for working parents, do you think franchising gives a good work and family life balance? Has becoming a franchisee changed you and your family’s life?
This appears to be a better option for parents and gives an advantage for balancing someone’s life. With good organization and mobilization everything is in its place – working hours, home engagements, hobbies and family. I feel glad I choose franchise as my next life step – it brought me confidence and control of my life.
Did you take advantage of any support available to women looking to get into business? E.g. member of a women in business network, attend any specific women business events?
Unfortunately, not. But this might be a valuable support for any new starters. Nowadays social networks, women organizations are source of ideas, sharing values and real support.
What is the most invaluable piece of advice you could give other mums looking to get back into work and considering starting their own business through franchising?
Be brave, be yourself and put in force what you are best at, what you love to do and where you want to grow. Evaluate carefully the thousands of opportunities in the franchise market and pick up yours – the one that makes you proud of yourself, a better person and an important piece of our world.
What are your plans for the future?
To renew my franchise, to develop, to stay.
Would you do it again?
Yes, I have many times opened the franchise sites and who knows, maybe I could add another colour to the existing bright picture.
To find out more about Antal Internation and to receive their free and non-obligatory prospectus, click here and fill out the enquiry form.
Interested and want to know more about Antal International ?
The Antal International basic profile outlines aspects of their franchise opportunity
