The best time to start a business is at the bottom of the business cycle, just as things start to take off. Well, it would be hard for anyone to deny that we are indeed at the bottom of a business cycle right now. So, this would be a perfect time to get ready, sign the deal, build out the location and start the business right? Well, if the actual business model is viable and has potential in the years ahead then the answer is yes.

However, not all businesses will recover as the up-cycle begins; each industry performs slightly different during growth spurts in the economy. Franchises that sell non-essential elective type high-ticket items are not the first to recover as the economy grows, thus, if one is looking to buy a franchise of this kind, it is a good time to do basic research, make contacts and look around, but not necessarily purchase.

A strong and decent choice for a franchise in a down-turn economy is something that people must buy and have no option to forgo, or a franchise that is the low-cost high volume leader in their industry. Now you ask what do I mean by a franchise where the consumers have no choice in the matter? Well, how about;

• Flood restoration
• Towing services
• Leak detectors
• Major auto repair
• Urgent medical care

For low-cost leader franchises, just look around and see which franchise offerings have products or services that their franchisees are offering where their prices are the lowest in that industry. Those are also very good franchises as the economy starts to turn around and it's best to get into them at the bottom of the business cycle and then ride it all the way back up.

You see, in franchising timing is important and if you buy a franchise at the bottom of the business cycle you can get a good deal on a location, lease, new equipment and you will find people eager to work hard and help work a long side of you to build your company. I hope you will consider using the business cycle to your advantage this time around. Please be thinking here.