So why are you worried about the market worsening in the coming year?  Really why?

According to the book SHIFT by Gary Keller, there is a direct correlation between the number of commissions available on the market to the number of agents in the market. Note the graph on the cover of the book.

This is the 4th down cycle I have been through, and each time, there is the opportunity to gain more market share during a down market than there is during an up market.  Of course, I did not learn this during the first down market and ran away from the problem. 

This will sound very cold and mean spirited, but the reality is that we will lose a massive percentage of agents that will be leaving the business in the coming year.  At your next meeting....look to the left....look to the right.....look ahead, as there will be only one of you left in the coming years.

Either take that as a means to scare you out of the business, or let it be a means for you to understand the reality that MOST OF YOUR COMPETITION WILL BE OUT OF BUSINESS IN 2010.  Now you can see the opportunity of how you can plan 2009 to be the year to gain market share.  You may or may not make as much money next year, but the key is to gain market share and you will end up on top in 2010.

We have watched our little group that was barely on the radar screen for Keller Williams International to pop up in the top 20 this year.  I do have to give alot of credit to my agents, but just as much credit has to be given to those who either threw in the towel or, mostly, over extended themselves and our now financially out of the picture.  i.e. Having a flat year can actually be outstanding, as it was for us.

Keep costs in check and start dominating your market.....