The Pony in the Poop

There is no doubt that today's economic conditions has caused many of us to think differently about how we go about business.  Doing the same old things of the past just will not get it done.  It is like looking at a new pay plan each year:  you know the company budgets "X%" for sales so the challenge is to see how it is distributed and then develop a game plan to work within it to get the most of it. 

Yes, economic conditions today present even more of a challenge because it has not only caused us to think differently but in many cases what we have done in the past has to be completely thrown out the door.  We truthfully have to sort of reinvent ourselves and/or our business.

But interestingly, that isn't all bad.  It keeps us on our toes, keeps things fresh and forces us to pay a bit more attention to the business itself rather than just going through the motions each day.  And, it should wise us up a bit to make sure that we are not only constantly planning but that we are also putting a few dollars away for next time.

Is the market going to turn around?  Absolutely!  This is America and we always do.  Now it doesn't just happen.  We have do our part but that is what we do.  We make the adjustments, we find new solutions, we get a bit creative...we find "the pony in the poop. "

My only concern today is not what is happening in our industry, it is what is happening outside of it.  If congress continues to spend like it has been then we have bigger issues to be concerned about.  People still need homes.  People still have hopes and dreams.  And, the people of this country are not going to let things get too out of control.  Fortunately for all of us there are new elections to change things every 2 years and that is the safeguard we have to keep the people in control.  I know we all wonder at times if that truly is the case but it is.  Most Americans don't want to give up the freedoms and opportunities that we all share.  We are still the beacon of hope to much of the world.

Let's talk about the opportunities.  Today's market reminds me of a time just about 1969 when the price of gasoline was somewhere around $.30 a gallon and you could get 3 pounds of ground beef for a dollar.  I had just graduated from college and took off for Europe for 6 months to see the world.  My wife and I lived on less than $2.50 a day for both of us for transportation, food and lodging.  Now it was a different world where you could stay in Youth Hostels for a buck and get a continental breakfast and a hot meal at night and then pick up the pack-sack and catch the next ride.  But I still imagine things are somewhat similar although the price of gasoline and ground beef have gone up.  But if at that time, we had thought to invest, to take that gamble, to buy that home...we would have most likely made a fortune in the coming 10 to 20 years.  Many people did and I see today as another one of those "times of opportunity". 

Great home deals are available; interest rates are at 50 year lows; builders are giving excellent incentives...the time is ripe to take advantage of what is available. 

Now builders know this.  But what is missing is "buyers knowing this".  And not just a few buyers but more buyers since it takes larger numbers to finally get to those that will do something.   So how do you do that?  Hang on to your seat...that is what we are about to explore.

For information on the Builder's Blocks, check it out here.