Thinking about buying a franchise, like any major life decision, can be daunting. It’s normal to have worries and doubts about many of the steps along the way. Below is my take on a few concerns that tend to pop up.

There’s no “perfect” time to buy a franchise.

Some of the franchise candidates I work with get stuck waiting for the perfect time to buy a franchise. While they’re eager for the professional and financial freedom of franchise ownership, they’re forever waiting for that perfect opportunity to make the leap. In reality, there’s no such thing as the “perfect” time. People who wait for all circumstances to align in a perfect way are chasing an illusion. Instead of looking for reasons about why now is not a good time, keep reading to learn how you can move forward toward your goal.

Nervous is normal.

Many candidates I work with are seasoned corporate executives. In some cases, they’ve worked at the same company for a long time. Stepping out from under the corporate umbrella into entrepreneurship can be scary–it’s normal and expected to feel anxious.

Keep in mind that stress is a part of any major change, even a positive change. And franchising is a wise choice for people leaving the corporate world. As a franchise owner you’ll receive operational guidance and support from the franchisor. You’ll have the benefit of a built-in peer network of fellow franchise owners where you can find mentorship and advice. So, although it can be challenging to move from the corporate world into franchising, it’s a move that’s buffered by solid support.

Risk is a part of life.

Fear about risk can throw a big roadblock into your path. The corporate world can be seen as offering a sense of security, although at times it’s a false sense of security. Some people hope to avoid risk altogether, and seek a guaranteed return for their franchise investment. If the last two years have taught us anything, it’s that life is full of risk and uncertainty. What seems guaranteed today may be gone tomorrow–at home, at work, or anywhere. There’s simply no way to avoid all risks. By doing nothing, you’re still at risk—of a lost opportunity.

I recommend a balanced approach. Act within reason and mitigate risk where you can, but don’t let fear hold you back from opportunities that could change your life for the better. The franchise system provide built-in risk protection, and you can take additional steps to manage risk in the franchise purchase process and the way you set up your business.

You’ll always have questions.

Some candidates continually postpone the process of buying a franchise, deciding to wait until they’ve had every one of their questions answered. However, it’s likely you’ll always have questions, even after you’re well-seasoned and capable of mentoring new franchisees yourself. Running your own business is an exciting, ever-changing, complex process.

And isn’t that a good thing? You’re probably looking for an experience that keeps you mentally engaged and growing. After all, a static life where nothing changes can be pretty boring. So, get your big and important questions answered, but be willing to move forward without knowing every single detail.

All in all, when you think about it, now may be as perfect a time as you can find to take the plunge. The sooner you begin, the sooner you can hit your stride–and start enjoying the professional and financial freedom of being your own boss.

Why not take that first, risk-free step to exploring your franchise options? Schedule a quick call with me and we’ll talk it over.