The last few weeks have been interesting, and sometimes alarming, according to franchise consultant, Rick Bisio. “So far, we’ve seen Countrywide, Lehman Brothers, Bear Stearns and AIG struggle, just to mention a few,” said Bisio at a recent workshop for franchisees and small business owners.

“What have we learned?” asked Bisio. “First, we have learned about the risk of being overly bullish in an up economy. Many people thought they could not lose. Everything was going up at a feverish pace and every bet seemed to work out well. Life was easy; too easy; and we should have known better,” said Rick. “These are the obvious lessons we read about in the newspaper every day.”

Rick explained that with the collapse of the housing market, rents are low. The unemployment rate means employees are plentiful and wages are competitive. The cost of money is low; one can borrow a lot of money at great terms. “Cheap money, lots of low cost, high quality labor and low rent all can be good news for a sharp, attentive business person,” said Rick.

Rick was very optimistic, in spite of the down economy. Before introducing the next speaker, Rick concluded with a quote from his father, “Things are never as good as they look; nor are they as bad. Half full or half empty? It’s your choice of perspectives. Just keep in mind that amid all the chaos, there is likely to be opportunity.”

Rick Bisio, author of the book, The Educated Franchisee, is a franchise consultant who is dedicated to franchising through the sharing of knowledge. His objective is to create educated franchise buyers who have clearly defined objectives and are able to recognize the right, or wrong, franchise when they see it. To learn more about franchise ownership and to purchase his book, The Educated Franchisee, at a discount, visit http://www.educatedfranchisee.com