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Free advice: When you're new at something, latch onto someone that knows what they're doing and hang on for the ride.

I purchased a new road racing/triathlon bike about 3 months ago. I am not an experienced road racer, but I know how to ride and use the bike. There is an entire subculture of "roadie" riders, many following time-honored customs. There is a certain way to ride in a group or pace line. There's a certain way to relinquish the lead of the pace line. If you don't do it correctly, those "in the know" will be critical of you, or worse, give you that "evil eye" when you cross paths.

This is very similar to what we see in franchising. Most of the people that purchase a new business to operate as a franchise are new to that specific industry.  They need help.  They come with expertise in some areas, but usually not enough to go it alone.  So the options remain:

• Engage the pride and ego of someone who has succeeded elsewhere and show the world you can do it yourself.
• Dabble with the help offered, almost choosing "cafeteria style" which elements you'd like assistance with. Usually you don't pick things that are a real challenge, you center your help on things you like, not necessarily what you need the most.
• Go for it! Surround your efforts with the help and guidance of others. Shortcut the learning, take from those willing to give, grow and learn.

I didn't think of this when I was riding the bike, I just knew I didn't have the time to try and pick it all up myself. Everyone else riding on the weekend is more experienced than me. I will ask for the help, instead of attract attention as "the new guy" and trip over my own assumptions as to how things should be.  It works. I found others were happy to help - they got to show me how much they know. Wonderful, enough of these and I'll have a great diverse pool of info to work with.  I will keep improving, keep asking and obviously keep pedaling! The lessons will keep coming, I do not expect to be an ace that quickly. I'll give myself credit for leaning into the tough part of asking others, because most don't operate in this manner.

If you had the chance (and you do) wouldn't this make sense? Come prepared, with an open mind, a willingness to work hard, and let it work for you. There's nothing wrong with putting yourself in a new realm and expressing a desire to learn.  You can elect to be bigger than the situation and run solo, but it's not as effective or honestly, as much fun.  There is so much help available, if you can humble yourself to accept it.  When it seems like the options are limited and the going is tough, tuck behind the group and let them pull you until you're ready to lead again.  You'll never lead the whole way, if you add it up, most of the time you'll be in the group. It's where the conversation is, the learning happens and the success is forged. Follow!