Every quarter there seems to be a new reason the market forces individuals, teams and leaders to evaluate their options in order to effectively manage change and attempt to control their destiny.

Two members of our team went to the MBA event in Chicago last week and learned that forecasts for overall volume in 2012 are down. Also, there were announcements by different companies about exiting channels of business, divisions for sale and concern from leaders and producers who are in the trenches EVERY day working with their teams, referral partners and clients to do business.

One thing was clear: Change in our business is everywhere and will likely continue until our market stabilizes.

When your phone rings as a leader, producing manager or person of interest, and the person on the other end attempts to engage with you, you MUST be OBJECTIVE and not EMOTIONAL as you learn about organizations and opportunities. Our position at Hammerhouse is to CONSULT and ADVISE where the very best Model-Match exists for the business you do. In March of 2011, we had an article published in Scotsman Guide, Before Jumping Ship, Evaluate Your Options. It provides a five-step outline for what to look at and why it makes a difference in finding the right company, future model, and partner to support your business. As a result of recent events, we wanted to share some best practices you can leverage for yourself IF or WHEN you go through the process to evaluate change.

Here are some simple concepts to consider:

• Be objective, not emotional.
• Stay committed to your long-term goals.
• Take the time to evaluate all options, on multiple levels.
• Do your homework.
• Look out for the best interest of your business partners, customers and family.

This industry will continue to be one of the greatest in the world. Financial services is a core foundational block of society’s framework. You can choose to be a follower or prudent in evaluating what is best for you, your business, your clients, your referral partners and your long-term goals and aspirations. Control your future; don’t allow the present conditions or environment control you.

Let me know how this topic IMPACTs your business. Hammerhouse — a leading strategic and development growth partner — will continue to strive to create value by reporting on the trends and best business practices in our industry. If you want to find out more, give us a call.  If someone has forwarded this IMPACT to you and you would like to start receiving these personally, please visit our website www.teamhammerhouse.com and sign up under our Contact Us page.