During the early stages of the franchise relationship, the franchisee depends on the franchisor’s assistance and usually does not mind paying ongoing fees. As time goes on, however, the franchisee is likely to become more self-sufficient. Eventually, he may resent paying these fees.  Research has shown that franchisees go through cycles ranging from total dependency to co-operation, with several stages in-between. This phenomenon has become known as the Franchisee lifecycle syndrome.  To provide professional assistance to smaller businesses in your community, you can consider joining the WSI as a “White Collar Franchise” and to support them with your successful blueprint model.