You want to stay in the leased locations that perform well - and cut loose the ones that don't. But what about those in the middle? For those, you want options.

Here’s one such option: Propose a lease amendment to your landlord that stipulates you’ll pay a little more NOW in exchange for the option to terminate the agreement LATER if business falters. They get cash, you get flexibility.

If business goes well, the investment was worth it. If business slides, you’ve got an exit strategy. Trading a little cost for a lot of flexibility creates value.