“You’re not good enough to be a franchisee.” Most of us have heard some version of that phrase at some point in our lives. Sometimes it’s said out loud. More often, it’s communicated through a raised eyebrow, a sharp intake of breath, or an awkward silence when you share an idea that dares to stretch beyond the ordinary.
Whether it’s applying for a job, starting a business, running a marathon, going back into education or making a major life change, knock-backs and scepticism are almost guaranteed. People question your experience, your ability, your timing, or your sanity. And occasionally, if we’re honest, we do it to ourselves.
When someone says, “Are you sure that will work?” what they often mean is, “I’m not sure I could do that.” Sometimes it’s jealousy. Sometimes it’s fear. Often, it’s simply that stepping outside a comfort zone is uncomfortable, and watching someone else do it can feel surprisingly threatening.
I see this regularly when people start to explore franchising.
There’s a persistent myth that franchise ownership is only for a particular “type” of person; a corporate high-flyer, a seasoned entrepreneur, or someone with deep industry expertise. If you don’t tick those boxes, the unspoken message can feel like, “You’re not good enough to buy a franchise.”
The reality is very different.
One of the greatest strengths of franchising is precisely that it is designed for people who don’t want to reinvent the wheel. A well-established franchise provides a proven business model, structured training, ongoing support, marketing systems, operational processes and, crucially, a network of people who want you to succeed. You are in business for yourself, but not by yourself.
At Pitman Training Group, we work with franchisees from a wide range of backgrounds. Some have run businesses before; many haven’t. What they tend to share isn’t a flawless CV, but a willingness to learn, to follow a proven system, and to put in consistent effort. Competence grows with support. Confidence grows with experience.
Making any meaningful change in life carries an element of risk. Buying a house, changing careers, getting married, having children; none of these come with cast-iron guarantees. Yet we accept the uncertainty because the potential reward is worth it. Franchising is no different. There is risk, of course, but it is mitigated through structure, data, experience and support. Compared to starting from scratch, it is a far less lonely and far less speculative leap.
The alternative to change is often presented as “safe”. In reality, standing still can be the riskiest option of all. Costs rise, industries evolve, technology advances, and personal circumstances change. Doing nothing doesn’t freeze time; it simply allows the world to move on without you. Occasionally backwards, usually without apology.
A franchise business can offer far more than financial return. Many of our franchisees are motivated by the desire for greater control over their time, improved work/life balance, personal satisfaction and the pride that comes from building something meaningful. In adult education especially, there is a genuine sense of purpose in helping individuals and organisations develop skills, confidence and opportunity. That’s not a line in a brochure, it’s something you feel day to day.
And yes, there will always be someone who raises an eyebrow. Someone who says, “Isn’t that risky?” or “I couldn’t do that.” Smile politely. They may be right – they couldn’t. But that doesn’t mean you can’t.
If you’re waiting until everyone agrees you’re “good enough”, you may be waiting a very long time. Progress rarely asks for permission. Sometimes it simply asks for courage, a bit of faith in yourself, and the willingness to take a supported step forward.
From where I sit, franchising isn’t about proving anyone wrong. It’s about giving yourself the chance to be right.
