So, we are two weeks into 2010 and the final 2009 reports are coming in for my business clients.  First of all, a lot of them are in already which is unusual.  That tells me they are much on top of their financial picture and really trying to understand their current financial position.  Also, clients are becoming aware that the IRS and States are really coming down on any one that isn't staying current with their tax filings and payments.

The great surprise is that there are actually a few businesses that really had great years in 2009.  The common threads are interesting:

1. They all really track the source of the customers/clients and market to those groups.

2. They all keep their financial records up to date on a daily basis and know immediately what their cash, income, expense and debt positions are.

3. They have agressive and targeted marketing programs - this takes a lot of effort.  You cannot just throw all the balls in the air and hope they stick.

4. Some of them know how to determine their market group, others pay consultants to help them determine this.  Both of those methods work.

5. They all stay extremely current with the payment of all taxes and other expenses.

On the other hand, I don't have any clients not re-evaluating their asset and debt mix and considering all options.  Do we sell the home in a down market and downsize??  It's all relative the low selling price leads to a low buying price.  I think all this downsizing will create a whole other type of increase in the upper end housing listings.

Life is interesting -

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