Sometimes when I present a franchise opportunity I hear, “But I don’t have any experience in that industry.”
The truth is, most franchise owners don’t. Around 90% of people who enter franchising come from entirely different professional backgrounds. They’re not industry experts. They’re people who know how to lead teams, solve problems, and make thoughtful business decisions.
Franchising isn’t about being a technical expert in a particular field—it’s about running a business. It’s about building a presence in your local market, leading a team, creating a culture, and driving growth. And the good news? You’re not figuring it out on your own.
Your Transferable Skills Are More Valuable Than You Think
If you’ve spent your career managing teams, handling sales or marketing, or leading operations, you already have many of the skills needed to run a successful franchise. In fact, chances are, you’ve been running a business, just on someone else’s terms.
Skills like:
- Leadership and team management
- Customer relationship building
- Strategic problem solving
- Sales and marketing execution
- Operational oversight and efficiency
These skills are the backbone of business ownership. Franchise systems are designed to plug your experience into a proven model, so you don’t have to start from square one.
Common Misconceptions About Franchising
A lot of people assume they need to be an expert in a specific industry to succeed in franchising. That’s simply not the case.
Franchisors don’t expect you to walk in the door as an expert. In fact, many prefer to work with franchisees who bring strong leadership and business acumen rather than technical expertise. Why? Because they can teach you the industry-specific details—what they can’t teach is work ethic, leadership, and decision-making skills.
It’s completely normal to feel intimidated when you’re stepping into something new. Fear of failure, fear of starting over, or fear of the unknown are common. But franchising is built to help you succeed, even if you’re entering a brand-new industry.
Doug in Tampa, Florida is a great example. He spent his career as a VP of Sales, traveling constantly, building teams, and driving revenue. When he decided he wanted more control over his future and more time with his family, we worked together to explore options. Doug ultimately chose a restoration franchise—an industry he had no prior experience in. What he did have was the right mindset, strong leadership skills, and a desire to build something meaningful. Today, he’s running a thriving business that supports both his financial goals and his family life.
Franchise Support: Your Built-In Safety Net
And the reason Doug—and so many others—can succeed without prior experience is because of the strong support that franchises offer.
One of the biggest advantages of franchising is the support you receive. You’re stepping into a business model with a built-in playbook that typically includes:
- Initial Training: Learn the industry, the systems, and best practices before you even open your doors.
- Marketing Assistance: Access to marketing materials, strategies, and often national brand campaigns to help build local awareness.
- Ongoing Operational Support: Continued coaching, field support, and resources to help you grow and refine your business over time.
Instead of starting from scratch, you’re handed a roadmap—one that’s been refined and proven across multiple markets.
Ready to See What’s Possible?
If you’ve ever wondered whether franchising could be a fit for you, let’s have a conversation. You might be more prepared than you realize.
Book a strategy session here: https://calendly.com/tryfranchising/blog
You don’t need to be an industry expert. You just need the right guidance, the right opportunity, and the willingness to build something of your own.
