4. Select three franchises that interest you. Research them at sites such as the Franchise Handbook Online

(http://www.franchisehandbook.com), Entrepreneur magazine’s Franchise 500

(http://www.entrepreneur.com), and Be the Boss (www.betheboss.com). Prepare a chart comparing your selections, including history, number and location of units, financial requirements (initial franchise fee, other start-up costs, royalty and advertising fees), and any other information that would help you evaluate the franchises.