Why You Should Join Franchise Organizations as a Franchisee
Want to strengthen your franchise, remain educated, and elevate your network (and net worth)?
Try a franchisee organization!
Joining a franchise organization is an effective means to improving your relationship with your franchisor. The best part about owning a franchise is the fact that you are never truly alone. Franchise organizations band together to assist in franchise agreement negotiations, much-needed guidance in mentorship and training, advocacy and legal support, or even just an answer to any questions you run into throughout the process. While they are not the solution to all of your problems, they are a pretty good place to start.
Another great place to start when purchasing a franchise or forming a new one is this invaluable My Franchise CPAs resource, contact us and receive personalized services from the best in the industry.
Organizations to Join as a Franchisee
The International Franchise Association (IFA) offers franchise professionals a membership that provides advantageous resources, including mentorship, networking events, certifications, and educational programs.
Luckily for all interested parties, there are ample opportunities for involvement at the IFA. Browse through the five pages of active committees recognized by the International Franchise Association. Options include, but are not limited to Ambassador Task Force, Awards Committee, Black Franchise Leadership Council, Board of Directors, Board Structure Task Force, Commitment Task Force, Convention Committee, Finance Committee, Franchise Relations Committee, Franchisee Forum, Franchisor Forum, IFA Brand Standards Task Force, IFA Foundation Board of Trustees, International Committee, Legal/Legislative Committee, Marketing & Innovation Committee, Membership Committee, and Women’s Franchise Committee.
The IFA prides itself on offering premier franchising resources, such as its annual convention of education and networking. With ever-evolving government mandates and industry-wide regulations, the IFA established itself as an authority for all franchising professionals to learn and grow. In 2020, the IFA opted for a virtual convention with distinguished keynote speakers and informative sessions to discuss the undeniable changes and challenges associated with the COVID-19 Pandemic. An IFA Summit is the perfect place to stay updated on necessary information, grow your network of like-minded professionals, and learn tools to innovate your franchise.
The American Association of Franchisees and Dealers (AAFD) identifies as a non-profit trade association that strives towards what they call Total Quality Franchising.
According to their official website, “[The AAFD does] this by promoting fair and equitable franchising and dealer practices and empowering effective independent franchisee associations.” To bring this mission to life, the association offers programs, services, products, and other resources to support franchising professionals in any stage of development. The AAFD boasts five individual memberships depending on the needs of the individual and business in question: Franchisee Chapter Membership for existing franchisees seeking honest relationships with their franchisors, Associate Membership for prospective or existing franchisees who do not already belong to an AAFD Chapter, Association Membership for independent franchisee and dealer
associations, Affiliate Membership for the members of an independent franchisee association, and Supplier Membership for any enterprise seeking AAFD members as clients for their goods and services.
The Coalition of Franchisee Associations (CFA) has similar goals as the organizations mentioned above but primarily focuses on state and federal government affairs, education, professional development, and collaborative buying opportunities. Membership to this club is only available to franchisee associations and has attracted some of the largest independent franchise organizations to join their team.
Other leading franchise organizations in the United States and beyond include the American Franchisee Association (AFA) and the International Franchise Professional Group (IFPG). Read more about these organizations here.
Franchise Specific Associations to Join as a Franchisee
Select franchises actually work in conjunction with franchise specific associations established for the benefit of their franchisees. Big-name players like 7-Eleven, Dairy Queen, Burger King, Dunkin’ Donuts, Edible Arrangements, Massage Envy, State Farm Insurance, and so many more have this option available to those who decide to buy into their brand.
Local Business Organizations to Join as a Franchisee
Although industry-based organizations are a helpful resource for business owners of all types, online exposure will lead you straight to other sources of meaningful capital—local business associations, networking groups, and directories. Consider your local Chamber of Commerce, for example. Regional blogs, magazines, guides, and other forms of digital media will put you directly in contact with those you need to know in your area. Speaking of the hyper-local, HomeOwners’ Associations and the like are a practical choice for home-based businesses such as landscapers, residential painters, or cleaning services. While some of these options come without a price, be mindful of potential fees, advertising costs, and required guidelines.
A pro-tip for aspirational franchising professionals: look to groups in Meetup, Nextdoor, or Eventbrite to find partnership opportunities or drive consistent traffic that builds your online presence.
Stay Active!
What should your next steps be after registering for a franchisee association? Just paying your fees is not nearly enough.
Remaining active and engaged in these communities is paramount to getting your money’s worth and bringing your franchise to the next level. Attend forums, take advantage of membership benefits, ask pressing questions, and introduce yourself to this new pool of untapped potential.
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