How to know if the franchise is right for you

Even when people have decided to go into entrepreneurship, there are different paths to becoming your own boss.

You can start a business from scratch, sketching out all the operational details needed to start and run your business, or you can cut some corners by looking for an established business to sell. But will a resale opportunity meet your expectations and your budget?

Finally, you can enjoy all the benefits of franchising on your way to business. With thousands of franchises to choose from, you're sure to find a concept that matches your experience and skillset, as well as your financial capabilities.

But even then, many openly question whether franchising is the right choice for them. How can you be sure? Of course, there are no guarantees in life, but if you have these five "must haves", it's a safe bet that franchising is for you.

Related: 6 Signs That Franchising Is Right For You

You have an entrepreneurial spirit

Being entrepreneurial means you prefer to be in control of your professional destiny. It's not that you hate working for others, but you recognize that all your efforts would be better spent benefiting you, not someone else.

Many entrepreneurs who have become franchise owners will tell you that they have always felt that way. That they were predestined to chart their course in life, controlling their ability to generate income. Many learned this at the feet of a parent or mentor who was also an entrepreneur and business owner. But many of today's franchisees have reached a certain inflection point in their lives where taking the entrepreneurial path was the only common sense path.

You are not risk averse

One trait that most franchise owners have in common is a willingness to take risks. They've simply determined that certain chances are well worth the reward that awaits them, whether it's more freedom and flexibility or earning a living to match their talents.

Risk aversion may not extend to dangerous activities such as skydiving or bungee jumping, but nearly all entrepreneurs understand that a proverbial leap of faith is required to achieve self-reliance. As the old saying goes, "Don't be afraid to grab the brass ring."

Related: How to Take Better Risks to Succeed as an Entrepreneur

You are curious to learn

All successful entrepreneurs and franchisees remain curious about the learning process. They show humility by realizing that they don't know everything there is to know, but they are ready to listen, understand and discover.

Franchise ownership is not for the mavericks, rebels, or those who march to the beat of their own drummer. Owning a successful franchise operation is entirely dependent on the ability and willingness to follow the brand's proven training and operations manual. There's a reason most franchise concepts don't require prior industry experience or knowledge, because that's an integral part of what you receive in exchange for buying your franchise. It doesn't make you a follower instead of a leader; being coachable is a sign of their level of maturity and understanding.

You are a boss

Following a system and being driven to success doesn't mean you can't be a born leader. As a franchisee, you are the de facto chief operating officer, the public face of the business in your community. The vast majority of franchisees have an excellent .

Concepts that require staff depend on the business owner to delegate authority, tasks, and duties that ensure smooth operation. Demonstrating superior leadership skills is not something you are born with, but it is a skill that can be learned and continually improved.

You are passionate and committed

While franchising is an advantageous route for