Let me guess. You've been thinking about franchise ownership for a while now. Maybe years. And every January, you tell yourself, "This is the year."
But then life happens. Work gets busy. The kids have activities. The economy feels uncertain. And before you know it, you're telling yourself the same thing you said last December: "Next year will be better. I'll start then."
Here's the thing: today is Friday, January 23nd, 2026. There are exactly 342 days left in this year. That's 342 days you could spend building something for yourself. Or 342 days you could spend waiting for a "perfect time" that simply doesn't exist.
Let's talk about why that wait is costing you more than you think.
THE "PERFECT TIME" IS A MYTH (AND IT'S KEEPING YOU STUCK)
I've worked with lots of aspiring franchise owners, and do you know what I hear more than anything else?
"I'm just waiting for the right time."
The right time to have more savings. The right time when work slows down. The right time when the market settles. The right time when the stars align and a golden franchise opportunity falls directly into their lap.
Here's what I've learned: that perfect moment? It never comes.
There's fascinating research in the investment world that proves this point beautifully. Studies show that people who try to "time the market": waiting for the perfect moment to invest: almost always underperform those who simply stay invested through the ups and downs. One study found that missing just 10 of the best trading days over a 15-year period reduced portfolio performance by over 50%.
The same principle applies to buying a franchise. While you're waiting for conditions to be "just right," you're missing out on:
- Revenue you could be generating right now
- Territory that's getting claimed by someone else
- Experience and equity you'd be building in your own business
- The compound effect of time working in your favor
The cost of waiting isn't zero. It's enormous: you just can't see it on a bank statement.
WHAT WAITING UNTIL 2027 ACTUALLY COSTS YOU
Let's get specific here, because I think this is where the "I'll wait" crowd needs a reality check.
Lost Revenue
If you started the franchise discovery process today and opened your doors by late summer or early fall, you could have four to six months of revenue under your belt before 2027 even begins. That's not pocket change: depending on the franchise, that could be tens of thousands of dollars.
When you wait until "next year," you're not just delaying your start. You're giving away an entire year of potential income.
Inflation Isn't Waiting for You
Here's an uncomfortable truth: franchise costs don't stay the same. Franchise fees increase. Real estate costs rise. Equipment gets more expensive. The franchise you're eyeing today for $150,000 in total investment? It might be $165,000 or $175,000 by the time 2027 rolls around.
Waiting doesn't save you money. It costs you money.
Territory Disappears
This one stings the most for people who finally decide to move forward: only to find out the territory they wanted is gone.
Franchise territories are finite. The best markets get claimed first. Every month you wait, someone else might be signing an agreement for the exact area you had your eye on. I've seen it happen dozens of times, and it's heartbreaking to watch someone realize they waited too long.
THE FRANCHISE DISCOVERY PROCESS TAKES TIME (AND THAT'S A GOOD THING)
Here's something most people don't realize: you don't buy a franchise overnight.
The franchise discovery process: where we explore your goals, match you with the right opportunities, review Franchise Disclosure Documents, speak with existing owners, and make an informed decision: typically takes three to six months.
That's not a bug. That's a feature.
This process exists to protect you. It gives you time to:
- Understand exactly what you're getting into
- Talk to real franchise owners about their experience
- Review the financials without pressure
- Make sure this is the right fit for your lifestyle and goals
- Secure funding through SBA loans, 401(k) rollovers (ROBS), or other options
If you start now: in January 2026: you could realistically be open and operating by the end of this year. But if you wait until 2027 to "start thinking about it," you're looking at a 2028 opening at the earliest.
That's two full years of potential ownership… gone.
WHY THE FIRST STEP IS THE HARDEST (AND WHY IT GETS EASIER)
I get it. Taking that first step feels massive.
You've probably got a thousand questions running through your head:
- Can I actually afford this?
- What if I pick the wrong franchise?
- What if I fail?
- Am I even cut out for business ownership?
Those fears are normal. Everyone who's ever owned a business has felt them. But here's what I tell every person I work with: the first call is the hardest part.
After that? It gets easier. Because suddenly you're not alone anymore.
When you work with a franchise consultant, you get someone in your corner who:
- Knows the industry inside and out
- Has relationships with hundreds of franchise brands
- Can help you understand your financing options
- Will guide you through every step of the process
- Won't charge you a dime (franchise consulting is completely free to you)
You don't have to figure this out alone. And you definitely don't have to keep waiting for a "perfect time" that will never arrive.
342 DAYS IS MORE THAN ENOUGH TIME
Let's do some quick math together.
If you book a consultation this week, we could:
- January–February: Identify your goals, budget, and ideal franchise profile
- March–April: Present matched opportunities, review FDDs, conduct due diligence
- April–May: Discovery Days, speak with existing franchisees, make your decision
- May–June: Sign your agreement, begin training, secure your location (if applicable)
- Summer–Fall: Complete training, build out, prepare for opening
- Late 2026: Open your doors as a business owner
- Sooner if you launch a home-based business
That timeline is real. I've helped people accomplish it many times. But it only works if you start now.
ARE YOU READY TO STOP WAITING?
Look, I'm not here to pressure you. Franchise ownership isn't right for everyone, and part of my job is helping you figure out if it's right for you.
But if you've been dreaming about business ownership: if you've been telling yourself "someday" for years: I want you to ask yourself one question:
What's actually going to be different in 2027?
If you can't answer that, then waiting is just fear dressed up as logic.
The best time to plant a tree was 20 years ago. The second best time is today. The same is true for taking control of your career and your future.
You've got 342 days left in 2026. That's 342 days to stop being someone who dreams about owning a business and start being someone who actually owns one.
LET'S TALK (NO PRESSURE, NO COST)
Here's my promise: our first conversation is completely free, completely confidential, and completely pressure-free. We'll talk about your goals, your concerns, and whether franchise ownership even makes sense for your situation.
If it doesn't? I'll tell you. If it does? I'll show you exactly how to move forward: including how to fund it.
The first step is the hardest. After that, you're not a quitter. You're a business owner.
👉 Schedule your free consultation at www.bookwithkirk.com
Let's make 2026 the year you finally stop waiting.
