Masterclass franchise consultation: the different forms

During our Franchise Masterclass Meeting, we reflect on the various forms of franchise meetings:

Starting franchise organisations: Central consultation

In a young, small franchise organisation, communication can still be informal. The distances between people within the franchise organisation are quite small. In other words, communication lines are short. As a result, meetings with franchisees often occur one-on-one during visits by franchise management. This can then be combined with a central meeting where all franchisees and the franchisor are present. We recommend organising this normally four times a year, but at least once a year.

Organisations in development: Franchise council

As the franchise organisation grows, the communication lines become longer. This is the moment to establish a franchise council. A franchise council is a deliberative body with representatives from the franchisees and the central organisation. This way, decisions can be made efficiently. The franchise council usually meets four times a year to discuss various issues. In most franchise organisations, the franchise council primarily has an advisory role. However, this does not mean that the franchise council is non-binding. Various aspects of this are included in the franchise council's rules.

Large franchise organisations: Committees & association of franchisees

Committees

The franchise council can delegate activities to committees. Committees consist of a member of the franchisor's management, a franchisee from the franchise council, and one or more other franchisee(s). The committees are assigned tasks by the franchise council. Committees report to the franchise council. Some examples of possible committees include: Advertising and Promotion Committee, Assortment Committee, and Organisation & Administration Committee.

Association of franchisees

In larger franchise organisations, there is sometimes a Association of Franchisees. The franchisees' association has two objectives:

• representing the interests of franchisees in relation to the franchisor
• encouraging the involvement of all parties in the franchise formula

A franchisee association is often only accepted by the franchisor as a discussion partner if (almost) all franchisees are members of the association. It is often agreed that a delegation from the association, usually the board, conducts discussions with the franchisor in the franchise council.

Chaired or facilitated franchise meetings by Koelewijn & Partners

Franchisees are entrepreneurs who want to contribute ideas and participate through the franchise meeting. Our experienced consultants are happy to assist you in setting up and maintaining franchise meetings. Often, our role is that of an independent chairperson, inspirer, and advisor. In our work, we focus on optimising franchise meetings both in and outside the meetings themselves. We offer various options, from coaching and guidance of the meeting itself to complete outsourcing of chairmanship and minute-taking.

Below is a selection of our tasks when chairing:

1. preparing the agenda and, if necessary, discussing it by phone with the franchisor and franchisees
2. sending the agenda and accompanying documents in advance
3. actually leading the meetings
4. writing the report
5. providing franchise-specific knowledge
6. holding telephone consultations about the report
7. sending the report or posting it on the intranet
8. monitoring decisions

Masterclass franchise meetings, become a master in franchising!

As you have read, there are different forms of franchise meetings. Through our masterclass franchise meetings, we guide you in selecting the right form and integrating it within your franchise organisation. Would you like to learn more? Please feel free to contact us using the form below.