We only have 2 days left of 2008. When I look back on the year I evaluate the growth and success of business by certain standards - profitability, volume of projects, and monetary revenue. But this past year, I think a new standard needs to be applied for businesses that were/are tied to the real estate market: Still Standing.
Those business owners that have managed to weather the storm and are still standing after the turmoil and terrible financial mess - should be very proud. The market took a toll - we lost a lot of very creative and talented Home Stagers who were not able to sustain enough income to remain viable. Other industries suffered the loss of talented people as well - many are still reeling from the impact of losing so much in such a short period of time.
Home Stagers sold off their inventory, shut their doors, and went back to what? A JOB - a way to earn money that they may sort of enjoy but does not really fuel their passion. My hope is that when the market rebounds - and it will - those people will find their passion again, and get back to the roots of what makes them truly happy - creating something out of nothing, and helping all parties realize their goals of selling a house in a shorter time and at the best price.
It has been a learning experience as well - for those that have never run a business - weathering storms economically is a normal process - maybe not to the degree we all experienced collectively, but no business is on a growth upswing its entire time. Learning to plan carefully and tuck funds away for the hard times - is a good idea - and one that with 20-20 vision looking back- we would have done more.
For me - I hope that 2009 brings prosperity back to the homeowner, the seller, the realtor - the investor, and the builder - as those are our clients. Without them out there moving, selling, buying and building, we have no business.
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