What's Your Next?

Unlocking Franchise Success: Why Experience Isn’t Required to Own a Thriving Franchise

Stacey Riska Episode 121

One of the most frequently asked questions by aspiring franchise owners is: “Do I need experience in the industry to own a franchise?” The short answer, as explained by our hosts, is no. In fact, prior experience can sometimes work against you. 

The Myth of Industry Experience

Many people assume that success in franchising depends on technical expertise or years of experience in a specific field. However, franchising is designed to offer a proven system that anyone can follow. 🧩 Franchisors provide training, support, and established procedures that make it possible for individuals with little to no background in the industry to succeed.

Our hosts, successful franchise owners themselves with 19 years of experience, shared that before owning their coffee and smoothie franchise, they had no prior food service experience. Yet, they became the top franchisees in their network. Their story debunks the myth that experience equals success.

Why Franchisors Prefer System Followers

Franchisors typically look for people who can follow instructions and maintain consistency rather than experts with pre-set habits. People with deep industry experience often bring their own ways of doing things, which may conflict with the franchise’s tested systems. 

In other words, the best franchisees are not necessarily experts but are coachable leaders who can apply systems effectively.

Working On the Business vs. In the Business

A key principle emphasized by our hosts is the difference between working on the business versus working in the business. Many franchisees make the mistake of becoming overly involved in daily operations instead of focusing on strategy, growth, and leadership. 📊

The True Qualities of a Successful Franchisee

–💬 Coachability: Openness to learning and following systems.

–💪 Leadership: Ability to motivate and manage a team.

–🌱 Resilience: Willingness to adapt to challenges and learn from setbacks.

–🎯 Strategic thinking: Focusing on growth and customer satisfaction rather than routine work.

Keep an Open Mind

The franchise world offers thousands of opportunities across industries — from food service to home improvement and wellness. Many successful franchise owners end up thriving in industries they had never considered before. 🌟 The key is to approach the journey with curiosity, openness, and a willingness to trust the system.

Franchising isn’t about what you already know; it’s about what you’re willing to learn and how you apply it.

📚 [Resources]

📝 QUIZ: WHAT FRANCHISE CONCEPT IS RIGHT FOR YOU?

https://www.nextlevelfranchisegroup.com/whats-your-perfect-franchise-quiz

💰 FREE FRANCHISE INVESTMENT CALCULATOR

https://www.nextlevelfranchisegroup.com/franchise-investment-calculator

📖 FREE E-BOOK: THE ROADMAP TO BUYING A FRANCHISE - IN 9 EASY STEPS

https://www.nextlevelfranchisegroup.com/files/the-roadmap-to-buying-a-franchise-in-9-easy-steps.pdf

📰 TONS OF ADDITIONAL RESOURCES AND CONTENT

https://www.nextlevelfranchisegroup.com

CONTACT US

👍https://www.NextLevelFranchiseGroup.com/contact

📰https://www.linkedin.com/company/next-level-franchise-group/