Do I need specific industry experience to successfully own a franchise?
One of the most frequently asked questions about buying a franchise is: “Do I need specific industry experience to successfully own a franchise?”
- No. In fact, most franchisees have had no experience in the industry that they go into.
- The majority of franchises do not require you to have experience in the industry you are considering.
- Franchisors want their business operators to focus on running the business and not performing the labor their concepts require.
- There are specific skill sets that work when running a business consistent with all categories of business.
- The methods franchises have in place are designed to help you be successful without direct experience in the industry.
- Typically franchisees are managers, rather than workers. Franchisors need people who can be effective in areas such as motivating employees, generating sales, and running the day-to-day operations as effectively as possible.
- Franchisors desire someone who can manage others and support their proven systems.
- Take a look at your transferable skills and hire people to fill in the skills you lack.
Often, people appeal to the myth that they do not have the experience necessary as a reason to stay in their comfort zone. Moving out of your comfort zone is a chance to learn and grow and through buying a franchise your discomfort can be lessened.*
What are you waiting for?
*Excerpt from Franchising Without Fear, Six Steps to Successfully Buying a Business by Trish Benedik
Trish Benedik is an author, franchise/business consultant, and small business advocate. She enjoys walking her dogs, swimming, vintage markets, and camping. In the past, Trish owned and competed on several horses, lived on a 40 acre farm, and taught business courses. She finds inspiration from her family, quotes from famous business people, and small business owners everywhere.