Welcome to the beginning of the fourth quarter of 2009. When was the last time you sat back to contemplate the market we are in. Some people can bring sunshine to ANY cloudy day, but, when it comes down to it, we are in a crazy cycle in the history of economics. What does that mean for you? Ask yourself these questions:

• Do you have strong value based relationships with the right referral partners?

• Do you set accurate expectations with your client base that you can manage and meet?

• Do you have superb follow up and follow through skills?

• Why do you feel you can make it through this cycle while your competition has a less than certain fate?

A popular term today is ‘sustainability’. In the financial industry that boils down to being consistent. Think of this market in stages, much like a triathlon. Not any ordinary triathlon, but an Iron Man. That means a 2.4 mile swim, a 112 mile bike and a 26 mile 385 yard, run…..raced in that order without a break. Cross the finish line and think about how that feels.

We’re probably into the bike portion of this race. Ready for the rest? Your competition is starting to cramp up….be confident and never doubt that you have what it takes to finish. Just remember to move one foot forward, then another, then another…focus on what you can control, not what you can’t. Ask yourself if you trained enough or just put in the bare minimum. You will get out, what you put in!

The 4th Quarter of 2009 is here! The end of this year will determine who can survive, many people who have been great in the past will not. It will also produce some of the most successful businesses and professionals we have ever seen. You can choose for yourself what direction to take. Pick it, believe in it and commit to what you are doing and DO what it takes to get where you are going.

We are firm believers in one’s environment, leadership, and people collectively succeeding or failing together.  Some will succeed on their own but the reality is we can be more successful collectively.

Hammerhouse, LLC                                                                                                        
Strategic Growth Partners
Office: 949.655.0385
www.teamhammerhouse.net