Here's how you can explore career paths as a franchise owner.

This is the most important step and the most frequently skipped step. Have you developed the proper mindset to start a business? Have you considered your time available, experience and financial ability and how to find a match with a franchise? Have you assessed your skills, values and goals and how they align with the top 25% of franchisees in a system you’re considering? Find a professional to mentor you and your odds of success go up substantially.

Here is the hard part: Most people start this search based on what they are a raving fan of as a consumer. While an interesting consideration, it is far from what you really need to be looking at to find your perfect franchise. You will get much closer to your perfect franchise if you start by comparing your skills, strengths, likes, goals, desired lifestyle and how you want to work to the role of the owner. Let's say I am a raving fan of Five Guys, they make a good burger. Even though I like the burger, the role of the owner is not a good match for me but may be a great match for someone that doesn't like the burger as much as I do. For our candidates, we start with what matches them then look at where they may be raving fans there.

This is more challenging than it may seem. Roughly 4,000 franchise opportunities exist across more than three dozen industries. Defining the right business model and industries that align with your financial and lifestyle parameters is key. Following a structured process will help you clarify these details. While basic criteria can filter out a large number of options, identifying the best options can be time-consuming and challenging. A franchise consultant's expertise can save you valuable time and effort. With access to franchise databases, territory check systems, and development reps, we can narrow the options quickly and efficiently for you. Then guide you through due diligence so that you can make a better, more informed decision.

Good franchisors will indeed offer training programs to onboard and prepare their franchisees for business. This is why I often remind clients that having experience in a specified industry isn't always necessary. Typically, franchisors prefer those with leadership and management experience to grow a business to scale - not to perform the specific service or product offered. Another important consideration is the ongoing training and support after launching the business. Many brands have 'franchise business consultants'. Ask questions about the support and training these individuals provide and what it looks like (onsite, remote, etc.). If they do not have these roles, ask them how that support will be provided.

Reach out to other franchisees in your network or area. Visit their stores and ask them questions. Or volunteer to help out in their store for a couple of days so that you can see the business in operation. Join online forums such as Facebook owner groups and ask questions. Most franchisees are more than willing to talk about their business and their experiences.

I'm a huge proponent of franchising for several reasons, not the least of which is that it offers people an opportunity to own their own business, build wealth, and take control of their future. That said, like any business, franchising is not a set-it-and-forget-it enterprise. Markets, customer preferences, industries, and economies change and shift. You have to invest in yourself as a business leader. Remember, you are responsible for your local business, employees, and customers. So, be committed to serving them well. And, become an expert in your industry. The most successful franchise systems derive innovation and ideas from their franchisees. Be ready to contribute. It truly is a partnership (or should be!).