Franchising is for Everyone: Finding the Perfect Match for Your Strengths, Not Just Your Passion

Franchising is for Everyone: Finding the Perfect Match for Your Strengths, Not Just Your Passion

By Liberty Bernal  

As someone who works closely with aspiring business owners, I’ve seen a common misconception that can hold people back: the idea that success only comes from following your passion. We hear it everywhere—“Do what you love, and the rest will follow.” But in the world of franchising, I’ve learned that success isn’t just about passion. It’s about alignment—finding the right opportunity that fits your strengths, goals, and vision for your life.  

Over the years, I’ve had the privilege of working with so many clients, all with unique backgrounds, dreams, and challenges. What I’ve discovered is that the journey to finding the right franchise isn’t about chasing a specific product or service you’re passionate about. It’s about understanding yourself as a businessperson and finding a franchise that aligns with your strengths and what makes you happy on a deeper level.  

Let me share a few stories about friends and clients who discovered this truth—and found success and fulfillment along the way.  

From Passion to Alignment: Laura’s Journey  

Laura came to me full of excitement. She was passionate about health and fitness and dreamed of opening her own gym. On paper, it sounded perfect. But as we dug deeper, Laura admitted that she wasn’t thrilled about the day-to-day operations of managing a fitness facility. She didn’t love sales or dealing with fluctuating membership numbers. What she really loved was connecting with people and making a difference in her community.  

Together, we explored options that aligned with her strengths rather than her initial passion. Laura eventually chose a tutoring franchise. It might seem like a surprising choice, but the franchise offered exactly what she needed: a way to work closely with families, impact children’s lives, and build strong community relationships. Today, Laura is thriving—and while she didn’t follow her original passion, she found a deeper sense of fulfillment by aligning her business with her strengths.  

Creating a New Life: Tom and Rachel’s Family-First Focus  

Tom and Rachel had a clear goal: they wanted to leave their corporate jobs to spend more time with their kids. They were passionate about creating a better work-life balance, but they weren’t sure how to turn that desire into a business. They initially considered a restaurant franchise, thinking it was a natural fit since they both loved cooking.  

But after discussing the realities of the restaurant industry—long hours, high stress, and the demands of running a food business—they realized it didn’t align with their goals. Instead, they chose a home services franchise that allowed them to set their own schedules and focus on managing a team rather than being in the field themselves. This decision gave them the freedom they were looking for while building a stable, profitable business.  

Rediscovering Strengths: Mike’s Second Act  

Mike was a retired executive who wanted to start a new chapter in his life. He had spent decades in the corporate world and was passionate about cars, so he initially explored automotive franchises. But it soon became clear that what Mike really missed was mentoring others and leading teams.  

We shifted gears and looked at franchise opportunities that allowed him to use those skills. Mike chose a senior care franchise, where he could hire and mentor caregivers while helping families navigate challenging situations. It wasn’t the flashy, car-focused business he had envisioned, but it was a perfect fit for his strengths. Today, Mike tells me that this chapter of his life has been the most rewarding yet.  

The Common Thread: It’s About You  

These stories might seem different, but they all share a common theme: success came not from following a specific passion, but from finding alignment. These entrepreneurs didn’t settle; they pivoted. They took the time to understand their strengths, their goals, and the kind of life they wanted to create. Then, they found franchise opportunities that matched those needs.  

This is what I love about franchising. It’s for everyone because it’s not about squeezing yourself into someone else’s box. It’s about finding a system that works for you—whether you’re a natural leader, an organizer, or a community builder. Franchising offers endless possibilities, and the key is to approach it with clarity and honesty about what you want and need.  

Why Franchising Works  

Franchising is unique because it combines the freedom of business ownership with the support of a proven system. For people like Laura, Tom and Rachel, and Mike, that structure was a game-changer. They didn’t have to reinvent the wheel; they stepped into a business model designed to help them succeed.  

And here’s the truth: you don’t have to be passionate about the industry to love what you do. If you choose a franchise that aligns with your strengths, you’ll find happiness in the process—in managing your team, connecting with your community, or building a better future for your family.  

Your Path to Success  

If you’re thinking about becoming a franchisee, I’m your perfect guide! My job is to match you to the perfect franchise for your strengths and happiness:  

1. Start with self-reflection. What are your strengths? What kind of work energizes you? What are your long-term goals for your life and your business?  

2. Keep an open mind…A clean slate if you will. The right franchise might not look like what you initially imagined. Be open to exploring industries and opportunities you hadn’t considered.  

3. Talk to others. Connect with current franchisees to learn about their experiences and see if the business model resonates with you.  

4. Focus on alignment, not passion. Choose a franchise that fits your strengths and lifestyle—not just something you think you “should” love.  

At the end of the day, franchising is about creating a life you love—not just a business you’re passionate about. It’s about finding the right fit and building something meaningful on your terms.  

To my friends and anyone considering this path: you don’t have to go it alone. There’s a franchise out there that’s your perfect match, and I’d love to help you find it.  

Here’s to building a business—and a life—that works for you.  

With gratitude,  

Liberty