“Oh…well…then, you’re not a REAL entrepreneur” (a.k.a. Franchising cont’d)

In this week’s edition of the Atlanta Business Chronicle, the focus is on franchises and using the right amount of due diligence before signing up with one. It makes a very good additional point on why a franchisee would go this route: they are in love with the concept. While in my previous blog I gave other reasons for going down this path – less start-up costs, pre-planned marketing materials, branding, etc. – I did not focus on the passion someone may already have for the concept. Because it is so very hard to come up with a unique idea, of course so many franchisees find businesses that already exist that they wish they themselves could be a part of.

But are they spending their own money just to grow someone else’s business? If that is truly the case, then maybe they aren’t REALLY entrepreneurs. Maybe they just want to be their own boss but can’t commit to what it takes to do it on their own. But what they may not understand is that being a part of franchise means they do not have 100% ownership. If true entrepreneurs are risk-takers, then I think this would further prove my new theory.

So…are you a real entrepreneur?