I have been absent from the site for a while (did you miss me?) during which time I have been Staging, and also traveling to different cities in the US to train others about Home Staging.  It has been interesting to hear what various markets are experiencing with the tough resale market, and to learn which areas are still doing well.  I have been to Evansville, Raleigh, Atlanta, Tampa, Scottsdale, Portland, San Jose, and Pleasanton.  It has been an interesting way to hear about how the market is impacting our business with first hand glimses into the economy and attitude of entrepreneurs.

From the north, south, east, and west - I hear stories of success and struggles.  And I hear the question - will Staging survive the market downturn?  Estimates of another possible year of adjustment can be scary for those that have tied their coat tails to the real estate industry.

It has been interesting to speak with Stagers that work the various markets where I have been, and hear how their businesses are doing - and what, if anything, they are doing to help adjust to the changing market.  And it has been exciting to see the anticipation light up in the eyes of those just discovering this field as a viable business, (both realtors and Stagers) and the fervor with which they approach building their businesses.  These new people don't know any better and so to them, succeeding in a tough market won't be seen as a challenge - because they don't have anything to compare it to.

On one hand I see there are those that are shutting down business.  I got yet another email from a Stager in my area that is going out of business and pursuing design work instead and wanted to unload her staging inventory.  My immediate thought is "Good - that means more for the rest of us," and she is happy as she is pursuing what she really enjoys which is the design side of business.  I don't pursue that - and can actually refer her business. So it is not a bad thing.  And I don't see it as "she was not able to get business as a Stager, so that means there is no business."  Just because one person chooses to pursue something different does not mean there is a lack of opportunity for me - or you!

I know there are Stagers that are continuing to grow their businesses and remain productive in their regions.  I hear from them as well.

But the question remains:  Do sell offs and closed doors signal a shake down of the Staging industry?  Should we be concerned about business drying up or not having enough to sustain our income needs?

I have two answers for that question.  Yes and No.

The difference is that those in the NO category are out there marketing to their business targets and have not ever stopped that mode of business growth.  Those in the YES side - well, I would bet money that their business has slowed and they stopped actively marketing a while ago, relying instead on their base of business developed over the past year(s).

The moral of the story is: We can never stop marketing because when we do that - we will have a lapse in business as a direct result of our lack of marketing.  If the market is slow where you are - then spread your net wider to capture more business.  Find ways to capture new markets - such as the REO market.  Find ways to engage in Staging that has nothing to do with Selling a house.  We need to carve out new niches in order to sustain income - especially if we are in a market where the resale side of things has gone almost all foreclosure.

There is no shortage of income for us - just a shortage of belief in how to obtain jobs and market share.  Here are some tips for success in a market that is still trying to stabilize:

• Network to find business opportunities - you never know who might lead you to a client or possibly BE a client for you
• Make sure that you are out there at least 3 times a week making contacts
• Re-invent your Staging to fit into a niche market
• Face time is important - do not hide out at home in fear
• Be excited for the new ways you will be able to serve your clients!
• Work your network and ASK for business and referrals