Think all franchise businesses require industry experience? Think again! For a number of models, professional background is secondary to ideal and value set.
The key virtues of hard work and commitment are ultimately the staples of any successful entrepreneur, and this is especially true in franchising.
In many cases you’ll find a meaningful franchise opportunity often comes with the no-experience necessary tagline. But buyer beware, it’s pivotal that in your due diligence process you perform a comprehensive review of the franchise training.
You will want to be confident that the training provided is relevant and detailed, filling any gaps in knowledge you may have.
Remember, investing in an industry that is new to you requires you to gain insights into specific markets. Your franchisor, existing franchisees and demographers can help you to determine the best location, operations and critical structures.
We take a look at three of the best no-experience necessary franchise models, diving deep into their training, support and systems.
Bakers Delight
With almost 40 years of experience in the franchise sector, Bakers Delight has become one of the nation’s most recognisable brands. But did you know most of the network’s over 600 outlets are operated by franchisees who entered the business with no prior knowledge?
A 16-week competency-based training program, both in-store and online forms the foundation of the onboarding process. Additionally, franchisees receive strategic marketing support, with workshops offered an on ongoing basis.
“One of the most popular aspects of our onboarding process is the hands-on bakery orientation,” Carly Mackay, Bakers Delight’s group franchise development manager said.
“This is two days of hands-on training in a live bakery and is designed to give incoming franchisees a real taste of what their working life will be like once they are running a franchise of their own. It’s definitely hard work but it’s great fun and a real insight into how a bakery business operates, they really seem to value the opportunity to dip their toe in the water before committing.”
“I think they also love the fact that we approach the recruitment process with full transparency,” she said.
Mackay believes having a transparent approach to training allows new franchisees to enter business with confidence.
“Purchasing a franchise business involves a lot of trust so we approach the entire process like a partnership and make information on just about every aspect of the business freely available to them. It is a mandatory part of the process for new starters to randomly contact and interview at least three existing franchisees in the network to get their perspective on life as a Bakers Delight bakery owner.
“This sort of full disclosure is really valued by all of our newcomers to the business.”
Just Cuts
While the salon stylist at Just Cuts are fully qualified, more often than not, the owners are first-time entrants to the industry.
Having a knowledgeable team there to provide support at an in-store level allows franchisees to operate confidently, with no hairdressing experience required.
With the facilities in place to guide your business without being in the salon every day, you can own a franchise and avoid the 9-5 grind.
“Once it’s set up the business is easy to manage, giving us time and freedom to pursue other goals” says franchise owner Anna Duric. “As a Just Cuts franchisee, we have the ability to work on our business anywhere in the world and the flexibility to incorporate work and leisure.”
Just Cuts owners choose how much they put into their businesses and what success looks like to them.
“I enjoy working for myself. There are always challenges with running your own business, but my time is more flexible around family responsibilities and learning is constant which keeps me on my toes” says multi salon owner Sonia Holgate.
“I have more independence and I work as many hours as I need too. I know every day what is happening in my salons and how they are performing. I really believe you need work life balance and having a good team with mutual trust and respect, allows that balance. My businesses have become my passion.”
InXpress
InXpress is a parcel, freight and shipping specialist. The strongest and most attractive aspect for a new InXpress franchise partner is that you’ll benefit from the intensive two weeks of franchise business training.
The company will educate you in all aspects of business, giving you the confidence to hit the ground running from day one.
You’ll receive access to the unique InXpress four-step consultancy process, systems and software training and carrier and logistics knowledge, putting you in a powerful position to be successful as an InXpress franchisee.
With over 20 years of experience in the franchising sector, InXpress has carved out a reputation for entrepreneurship and progression.
Franchisees also receive twice-weekly business coach calls, as well as ongoing group training both online and instructor-led, to help new franchise get off on the right foot.
No-experience necessary opportunities
While franchising offer the opportunity to enter business with additional support, a no-experience necessary opportunity takes that notion up a notch.
It’s important to evaluate not just the opportunity, but the industry as a whole. There is no point starting a business in an ailing industry.
Do your research, ask questions, and you might just find an industry overhaul is in your future.