Archive for November, 2009

      “Is this a good time to buy a franchise… and start a business??” is a question we have been hearing from perspective franchisees at illuminate gym for the past 6 months.  People are concerned about the economy and the buying power of America as the long recession continues to carry on.  In Colorado, we have plans to open at least one more franchise unit by early 2010 and we continue to speaking with people across the United States.  However, it’s the question that lingers on which is making people hesitant to become entrepreneurs…. ‘the economy??’ …. ‘it’s the economy stupid!’ , we heard from Bill Clinton in the early ’90’s  and we have come full circle again.  I can appreciate people’s fears as they look into opening a franchise and the fear that goes into investing money at a time when Americans are not spending as much money.  However, at the end of the day starting a franchise during any economic climate is always going to be a risk you have to be willing to take to be a business owner.  Today there are some definate pro’s to starting a business during these times….

     1.  I have never seen landlords so willing to negotiate with franchises on price per square foot because many centers are only partially filled and some money is always better than no money.  When the economy turns  for the better these same landlords will be less likely to negotiate with such aggressive demands by franchisors and their franchisees.

      2.    If your business is successful during these tough economic times then you should find your business or franchise flourishing when this economy turns around.

     3.     At illuminate gym we have also found that some of our preferred vendors are much more likely to offer deals to our franchisees on such things as, exercise equipment.

I personally think right now is wonderful time to start a business and really to start laying the ground work to be very successful in the next few years.  You have to remember as an entrepreneur that their is always risk involved with starting your own franchise or business.  That risk is what separates entrepreneurs from employees or leaders from soldiers.  You have to be willing to take that risk on yourself.  As a business owner myself I know that owning your own business can be very challenging but it can also be the most rewarding adventure of your life.

Also as a side note we would like to let you know that we also understand that every franchise opportunity is different but illuminate gym continues to prosper during these tough economic times because we offer incredible service from our personal trainers and the results we obtain with ‘High Oxygen Training’ is really second to none.  We have also found in a tough economy that people are still focused on their over all health and fitness.  People understand the importance of feeling and being healthy as it pertains to their quality of life.  Working out at a place like illuminate gym with a personal trainer is good for people’s physical and psychological well being.  At illuminate gym we have found that over the past 6 months we have had an influx of clients who are even out of work right now, yet they still find a way to take care of themselves physically and mentally with future success on their mind.  Maybe it’s time you think of your future success!  If you are interested in illuminate gym’s franchise opportunities then please give us a call or check us out at www.illuminategym.com/franchises.php.  Thanks so much for reading and have a healthy day!