Important Franchising Trends to Watch in 2012

2012 is going to prove to be an interesting year for the franchise industry.

Global and national financial pressures, a Presidential election that’s going to be impacted by Washington lobbyists like never before, and $2,000 suits are the things to watch this year.

1. Pressure

In a global economy, what happens overseas doesn’t stay overseas. If our friends across the pond can’t get things together, (The EU) the US economy will take a hit. This hit could take our country back into a recession. (Which we’re barely digging out of at the time of this writing) Read this NYT article about Greece

2. An election year

Nothing’s off the table when it’s a Presidential election year. The amount of money being thrown around by lobbying organizations, and corporations….is huge. SuperPacs, and billionaires are putting their money behind the candidates that they want to see in office. Like never before. No matter who wins this year, the franchise industry…all industries, will be impacted. How? I have no clue. Do you?

3. Suits

Banker’s suits.

US lenders had better start lending. And fast. For the most part, they have money sitting in their vaults. Lots of it! All you have to do is you look at savings account rates. For example, the .50 % interest rate that I’m currently earning on my savings account tells me one very important thing; my bank doesn’t need my money.

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Actually, that half a percentage point interest payment that I’m receiving every month tells me something else;

I need to find more clients for my franchise ownership advisory services.

Here’s a tip; don’t let events in which you really have no control over scare you away from doing what you feel you must. If you feel that 2012 is the year for you to change some things about your life, just do it. Change the things that you can control.

And read my 5th annual look at the Top Franchise Trends in detail over at Small Business Trends.