We have developed the following ten commandments for the successful franchisee/franchisor relationship. These commandments are based on the development of a friendly and strong interpersonal relationship between the franchisee and franchisor. These ten commandments include the following: 

(1)Share a vision

(2) Be professional

(3) Be supportive

(4) Be communicative

(5) Develop an advertising umbrella

(6) Develop "total" training programs

(7) Listen

(8) Plan for growth

(9) Help franchisees to be profitable

(10) Help franchisees to be a VIP

Share a Vision

One of the greatest opportunities a franchisor has is to share the personal vision of opportunity and success which the franchise system offers the potential franchisee. The sharing of this vision becomes a life-long project for the franchisor. In response, the franchisee also needs to share his/her vision. This vision is also one of opportunity and success. The franchisee's vision also is a part of oneself and generally includes a high desire to receive the rewards of one's work. This shared vision will become the focal point of the franchisee/franchisor relationship as they build to mutually develop these visions in a harmonious and successful franchise experience.

The Professional

Both the franchisor and franchisee need to be professional in their personal and professional interactions. The professional is the individual who seek to help others but also seeks to be the best that they can possibly be in what they are doing. The professional is an individual who wants others to succeed and to share the joys of success and prosperity. The franchisees have high demands of the franchisor including an excellent product or service and an outstanding operations program. They demand professionalism. The franchisor also expects a high degree of work and profits on the part of the franchisee. Neither one is desirous of settling for mediocrity or incompetence.

Be Supportive 

Both the franchisor and the franchisee need to be supportive one to another. The franchisee needs to be able to help the franchisor understand their strengths as well as their weaknesses. The franchisee should support not only the franchisor but other franchisees who may be struggling or also seek advice and support from franchisees. The franchisor should provide support services in the fields of marketing, management, and financial services.

Be Communicative

One of the greatest strengths of a franchisor is to be able to communicate with franchisees. At the same time, the franchisee is desirous of being part of future plans. The franchisee often seeks to develop new products or services which might enhance the growth and prosperity of the business. The individuals need to communicate with each other through phone, mail, and newsletters.

Develop an Advertising Umbrella

The franchisee desires effective and efficient advertising both on a local and national basis. The franchisee is seeking for advertising that they alone could not provide. The franchisee is seeking the marketing coverage which will enhance image and awareness of the product or service being offered. The franchisor needs to be able to provide this service and help the franchisee build the name and image of the company.

Develop "Total" Training Programs

Training is an important and essential ingredient of a strong franchisee/franchisor relationship. Almost all franchisees need the initial training to know how to correctly develop and operate the business. In addition, refresher courses, as well as new training programs should be provided to help improve the abilities of the franchisees and the franchisees' staff. Franchisees often are desirous of obtaining self-improvement programs for themselves as well as for their staff. The franchisor needs to be able to provide training and improvement programs which will enhance the abilities and capacities of the franchisee.

Listen

 Some say there are three primary reasons for the success of a franchisee/franchisor relationship -- these include: 

(1) the ability to listen, 

(2) the ability to listen, and 

(3) the ability to listen. 

Franchisees want to be heard. They want the franchisor and their staff to take the time so that they may be heard and understood. They desire to be part of the team and of the franchisor family organization. The ability to listen may be one of the strongest characteristics which a franchisor can develop. This enhances the bonding between the franchisor and the franchisee and allows greater communication and strength to develop in the franchising program.

Plan for Growth

Not surprisingly, both the franchisees and franchisor want the company to grow. Some franchisees are desirous of becoming multi-unit franchisees after opening their first store. They would like to open a second or third store nearby in the same city or county. Franchisees enjoy their business and want to be able to expand and grow in that business. The franchisor also needs to plan for growth so that they, as well as the franchisees, can get caught up in the excitement and development of a vibrant and growing organization. Growth is an elixir to the desires and appetites of people wishing to become better.

Help Franchisee to be Profitable 

The franchisee will look at the bottom line in determining their success or failure relative to their franchising organization. This bottom line is the profit which the franchise business generates. The franchisor needs to be aware that the franchisee is profitable and is in the process of increasing those profits. If this is not the case, then additional support, service, and training needs to be provided to those franchisees.

Help Franchisee to be a VIP

 Almost all of us want to be important and successful. We want to be able to be part of our community and part of the society in which we live. In some cases, the franchisees are desirous of being able to join the local clubs and business groups. At times the franchisors need to be able to provide newspaper columns and public relations announcements for the local newspapers which will enhance the image and name of the business.