Less a parent, more a partner - business relationships between franchisors and franchisees - Franchising Special Guide - includes related article on how to start a franchisee advisory council

Nation's Business, March, 1994 by Meg Whittemore

For more information, write or call Blenheim National Franchise Expos, Inc., 1133 Louisiana Ave., Suite 211, Winter Park, Fla. 32789-2350; (407) 740-0018.

If you are a franchisee or if you are considering becoming one, there are two national organizations ready to assist you:

The American Association of Franchisees and Dealers offers a range of information and services to its members, including a franchise search service and a list of contractual protections every franchisee should have.

The association also offers referral networks for assistance in the areas of legal advice, financial management, and general counseling on franchising.

For a copy of the organization's membership guide, and for membership cost information, call 1-800-733-9858, or write to the American Association of Franchisees and Dealers, P.O. Box 81887, San Diego, Calif. 92138-1887.

The American Franchisee Association offers publications and consultations aimed at providing the latest information on the franchising business community.

The association--for various fees--will provide assessments of your ability to succeed as a franchisee, evaluate your financial preparedness, review franchise offering circulars, and provide one-on-one counseling.

The organization's quarterly newsletter costs $35 per year. For more information, write or call the American Franchisee Association, 53 W.. Jackson, Suite 205, Chicago, Ill. 60604; (312) 431-0545.

Another helpful source of information is The Franchise Handbook (AMACOM), edited by Andrew Sherman. Of particular interest are Chapter 12, "Key Aspects of Managing the Franchisor/Franchisee Relationship Over the Long Term," by Robert Turner, and Chapter 13, "Franchisee Advisory Councils," by Robert Perry.