Use ambition to your advantage

When you speak to successful business people, you will often find that their journey began with a spark of inspiration. That spark may have sprung from the desire to reap the rewards of their own hard work, rather than working for someone else’s profit. Alternatively, some new business owners see a gap in the market for products or services and use their own initiative to cater to that need.

An appetite for success is just as crucial in franchising as it is in business generally.” Ambition and drive are very desirable traits when a franchisor is considering a prospective franchisee. An individual with their own passion for building a successful business, will be motivated to work hard and maximise their chances for success.

You may have built a considerable reputation or proven to be very successful in one area of business through employment. Unless your previous sector is something you are passionate about, you don’t have to stick to this industry moving forward. Franchisors offer initial training and ongoing support to assist franchisees in running their business according to the franchisor’s model. This means that many franchisors will look favourably on business experience and skill and therefore do not require you to have previous sector experience.

For example, you may have worked in a very corporate environment in the past but are interested in running a van-based business within your local area with the intention of growing into a management franchise. This could be entirely possible, as long as you can prove your experience and proudly display your strength to the franchisor during the enquiry and application process. The franchisor will quiz you on your past experience; they may also wish to meet your partner or spouse to ensure that you have a solid support structure at home in the early days of growing your business.

So embrace your ambition but make sure you dedicate proper thought before making any big decisions. It’s important to take the time to complete in-depth due diligence into franchising and the brand. Get advice from specialist professional advisors before you invest any funds or sign any legally binding documents. Don’t forget: you are interviewing the franchisor as much as they are interviewing you.

So if you are an ambitious individual, don’t let being humble stand in the way of showing your true potential when you are taking your first steps into business.