Identify the perfect franchise for you! Take our short quiz Take our free franchise quiz!
Identify the perfect franchise for you! Take our short quiz Take our free franchise quiz!
Identify the perfect franchise for you! Take our short quiz Take our free franchise quiz!

Top 10 Industries For a Recession: Is Your Industry On The List?

Between major bank failures and mind-boggling bailouts, "recession" has become the most dreaded buzzword in the nation. But as always, whether times are bad or good depends on your point of view. Recession is not necessarily bad for business—in fact, some industries have no problem weathering recession because their services are necessity, not luxury. In fact, some business leaders are downright chipper about the situation. Check out our list of top industries for a recession to see why.

1. Healthcare

No matter what's going on, people still get sick and injured. Some studies have also shown that healthcare needs increase during recession due to the associated stress.

2. Repair services

Computers, cars, jewelry, houses. If it can be fixed, people will choose repairs over buying new replacements to save money.

3. Staffing services

During times of economic uncertainty, companies hedge their bets with temps rather than commit to hiring more long-term employees.

4. Education

Even in economic decline, people want the best education for their children. Supplemental learning centers, tutoring services, and test preparation franchises are all good bets.

5. Senior care

Home care services are growing fast. These typically non-medical services offer an excellent alternative to expensive retirement centers for seniors who are still in good health.

6. Business services

From payroll to PR, companies save money by outsourcing services rather than paying full-time staff.

7. Coupons

This is one business that improves when the economy slips. During these times, coupons are equally attractive to both upper- and lower-income shoppers.

8. Debt settlement

With personal debt at an all-time high, demand in the debt settlement industry is as great as it's ever been.

9. Resale shops

From sporting goods to designer duds, consignment shops offer a win-win scenario for shoppers and sellers alike. Already a $12 billion industry, the resale industry is expected to grow 5% this year while many major retailers take a tumble.

10. Property management

A good property management company can protect the owners' investments during dicey times. It doesn't matter if real estate is selling or not—the only time property management could suffer is if the population lowers.

Banish The Fear of Selling... Forever

Most prospects come with a firm belief in the product or service…but a limited strength in sales and marketing. Yet sales and marketing skills are the very skills they need to sell themselves and their services…the skills they need to keep the business alive! If your potential franchisees and existing franchisees are like most…they are lacking the "selling gene".

Five Ways Starting a Business Can Affect Your Marriage

Starting your own business can change your life in many ways for the better, but potentially also in some ways for the worse. The lack of stability compared to a 9-to-5 job can lead to new stresses, including those on your existing relationships. These are five ways starting a new business can affect your marriage, or really, your entire family.

Understanding and Making Proper Use of Trademark Symbols

There seems to be a lot of confusion amongst early-stage business owners concerning use of the various trademark symbols (TM, SM, and (R)). This article addresses when to use which symbols, and when not to use any of the symbols at all.