Think you don't have the experience or match the required criteria to own an education business? Think again
The education sector is one that regularly sees itself under a great deal of scrutiny. It is because of this that it has become all too common for entrepreneurs and prospective franchisees to close the door to joining education franchises as they believe their experience does not suffice or match the required criteria. However, I believe that to maintain a successful and contemporary community of valuable contributors, the opportunity to join an education franchise network should be open to all.
Here, I attempt to quash some of the common myths and misconceptions about becoming a franchisee in the education sector.
Myth #1: I have to have experience working as an educator or tutor
At the top of this list is the myth that you must have experience as an educator or tutor in order to successfully deliver an education franchise’s services. This couldn’t be further from the truth. So long as you share the mission of the brand and you possess the key characteristics that will spell success in your enterprise, you can come from any background.
For instance, the Tutor Doctor network is proudly made up of a diversity of career experiences. From multi-national financial investors to close-to-home parents who identified the need for high-quality private tutoring in their respective communities, having an eclectic mix of franchisees in today’s modern business scape is in fact an important element of success for any brand.
Myth #2: I’ll always be answering to someone
This is often a commonly voiced misconception in the franchise industry as a whole. The nature of franchising means that you will be operating within the framework of a wider brand and contributing to the success of an international network. But your own ideas and vision are equally important, especially in an industry where developments, good and bad, are so heavily influenced by geographical location.
One of our primary criteria in the recruitment process is that prospective franchisees are independent, entrepreneurial and have an autonomous spirit which will lead to their individual success. It’s important to remember that despite being a part of a franchise, you know your community better than anyone and are therefore the expert voice that will help move those in and around your network forward.
Myth #3: I need to have experience starting my own business
This is true for all successful franchises; every franchisee starts their journey on the same page, through a thorough and rigorous training programme. Whether you have owned a multi-million-pound company or have just moved on from a part-time job, everyone can bring something new to the table as an education brand’s franchisee. Our proven structure, from initial training to the ongoing support provided, equips all new franchisees with the necessary resources to successfully deliver high quality and personalised tuition for those in need of such services.
Myth #4: I’m too old to invest in a franchise
No matter your age or background, education franchising opens doors to exciting opportunities to contribute to something truly bigger than yourself. So long as you possess the key characteristics and understand the intricacies of the responsibility that you will be undertaking, you are never too old to take back control of your life by joining an education franchise.
Myth #5: I’m too busy. I want a better work-life balance
If work-life balance is something you desire, then joining an education franchise helps you achieve this. The desire to set your own personal targets and learn new skills is something that is imperative in this industry. Should one of those targets be a better balance, the only thing stopping you is yourself! For example, being driven and self-motivated are some of the most important characteristics we look for in new franchisees.
If that self-motivation comes from wanting a better work-life balance, then we do everything we can for you to achieve this while continuing to deliver the brand’s services at the highest standards.
The author
Having worked as a stockbroker, built a successful insurance business, acted as a sales coach and then taken on a vice president role at WSI, the digital marketing franchise, Frank Milner has an impressive and varied background. In his current role as president of Tutor Doctor, he has seen the company grow globally to include over 700 franchise territories spread across the globe.