(This is a guest post from my good friend, Jim Kukral. He's an author now, too)
I just got finished writing my first book. In a way, my publisher was my franchise and I was the franchisee. As you well know, that's a special relationship. It required give and take from both of us. Each team providing something of value to the relationship.
So what do you expect from your franchise? I know that Joel Libava will tell you what to expect, and I'm sure each one is different, but my point is… what do YOU expect?
It's important for you to answer this question because you're about to go into a life changing experience. Just like I did, writing a book. If you go into it without answering that question, you could be sorely disappointed.
So I've never owned a franchise. However, I'd like to share my expectations I had with my publisher. Perhaps you can see my point better when I do so.
The first thing I expected was to have a helpful, knowledgeable team that would guide me through my first time. I assume that starting a franchise you would require the same thing. After all, the reason I didn't self publish and went with a publisher was for that exact guidance and hand-holding.
The second thing I expected was support. I expected them to be able to help me promote the book in as many ways as possible. I would think that franchise's would do the same. Again, after all, isn't that what you're essentially paying them their cut for?
Lastly, I expected them to do was make sure I do it right. My biggest fear was to publish my first book and have it have typos, and other types of errors. Your franchise should help you do the same thing, right?
So, the question is back to you. I'd love to hear your thoughts here in the comments.
What do YOU expect from your franchise?
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For over 15-years, Jim Kukral has helped small businesses and large companies like Fedex, Sherwin Williams, Ernst & Young and Progressive Auto Insurance understand how find success on the Web. Jim is the author of the book, "Attention! This Book Will Make You Money", as well as a professional speaker, blogger and Web business consultant. Find out more by visiting www.JimKukral.com. You can also follow Jim on Twitter @JimKukral
Interesting question. IMO the franchisor/franchisee relationship is similar to that of you and your publisher. If your book does well, the publisher and you stand to benefit. Two parties interested in creating a profitable partnership. Would be interested to learn about the experience you had. TW
I currently am involved with the franchise world and in my eyes a franchisor/franchisee relationship should be a business partnership between two people to create a platform for a successful business venture for the franchisee and the franchisor’s brand. Also I think after the business is up and running the franchisor should provide support and consulting for the franchisee to ensure their future success and growth. I also believe the franchisor should work for the franchisee…. I don’t believe it’s the other way around because the franchisee has invested into the franchise ‘model’ and they continue to pay monthly royalties.
That is a good question.
Thanks, Jim!
D. Darmody