Today's news for the franchise & small biz owner

Too many prospective franchise buyers I know assume that a franchise is successful because it is “big enough” to sell franchises or because it already has hundreds of franchises in operation.

Let's play a little game. Review Blue MauMau's alphabetized directory of franchises. HERE is the link. Take a few minutes to browse and then ask yourself how many companies you recognize. When you're done, come back to this article.

The American Association of Franchisees and Dealers (AAFD) has signed on as a co-sponsor of California Senate Bill SB610, fair franchising legislation pending in the California legislature.

Many prospective franchise owners are attracted to the concept of buying a franchise because they believe it combines the freedom of owning a business with the safety of a benevolent guiding hand. Franchisors cultivate this concept. The catch phrase of the International Franchise Association is “In business for yourself, but not by yourself!”

Owning or purchasing a franchise is a life-changing decision that has huge implications for an individual’s finances, career satisfaction and overall happiness. The promise of franchising is business ownership supported by a proven brand, an established market, beneficial operating system and increased buying and marketing power. In the current franchising marketplace, the promise is often not met by reality.