However, when contemplating the potential of owning a franchise business, how much should you limit your considerations to industries in which you already have experience? What level of risk is involved in venturing into a sector that you are not particularly knowledgeable about? At Code Ninjas, many franchisees have achieved remarkable success despite lacking extensive tech backgrounds, thanks to the transferable skills enabling them to build prosperous businesses. Here, acting CEO David Kim sheds light on how entrepreneurs from diverse backgrounds can attain long-term success by investing in a tech franchise and speaks to franchisees who have done just that.
For budding entrepreneurs stepping into the business world, the assumption might be that only tech experts should lead tech franchises. However, real-life examples like Steve Jobs show this is not necessarily the case. Steve Wozniak, the technical partner and co-founder of Apple with Jobs, revealed that Jobs did not possess coding or engineering skills and was not involved in original design work. Despite lacking engineering and coding knowledge, Jobs’ business acumen played a pivotal role in transforming Apple into the iconic brand it is today, proving formal tech education is not always a prerequisite for success in a tech-led business.
Suppose you dream of breaking into the tech industry but lack the in-depth expertise to navigate its complexities. In that case, there is a unique solution to consider – finding a franchise that can fill your knowledge gap. But before you jump in, conducting thorough research and discovering a franchise that suits your specific needs and aspirations is crucial. Delve into the options available, closely examining factors such as the franchise’s track record, reputation and success rate and ensuring the franchise aligns with your skills, interests and strengths. Doing so allows you to capitalise on your existing abilities while gaining access to the specialised knowledge and resources offered by the franchise system. As a result, you increase your chances of success and will find greater job satisfaction and fulfilment.
Beyond researching the intricacies of the franchise opportunity, embarking on extensive industry research is paramount, especially if you lack prior experience in the field. To solidify your business concept, seek tangible evidence of product demand, such as user numbers and testimonials from existing franchisees operating in territories akin to your proposed location. By combining thorough research with a keen understanding of your potential customer base, you pave the way for a unique and successful venture.
While enthusiasm for your service is essential, being an expert is not a requirement. What matters is having a solid grasp of its benefits and a genuine passion for the value it brings to your customers. For Code Ninjas’ franchisees, their passion lies in providing children with opportunities to acquire vital life skills through quality coding education. Though they may not be coding experts themselves, they possess a profound understanding of the significant advantages coding education can provide young learners and the positive impact it can have on shaping their future.
Taz and Haroon Latif, franchisees of Code Ninjas Uxbridge, were struggling to find suitable activity centres to feed their children’s interests in gaming. Their solution? Opening a coding studio with a focus on improving kids’ self-efficacy in a fun and engaging way. “I prefer to take a back seat in the technology world and instead want to focus on encouraging kids who may be excelling academically but not socially,” explained Taz. “I want to provide them with an exciting environment where they feel they can enjoy themselves freely and explore their love of gaming. The trustworthy name and evident success of Code Ninjas give me the tools and confidence to do this.”
In tech franchising, having a passion for the industry without a formal tech background is more common than you might think. Many successful franchises actively seek individuals with outstanding business acumen, marketing expertise and strong interpersonal skills, recognising diverse strengths can drive success. Instead of fixating on your lack of experience, focus on the distinctive value you can bring to the franchise. As you explore various options, you will find the perfect match for your passion and skills, empowering you to unleash your fullest potential in the tech business landscape.
