Okay, it is a holiday week; so, let’s get at this.  The 10-year yield has been holding steady between 2.3% and 2.425% since the beginning of November. The FED just raised rates as expected which will lead to increased payments on variable loans (think HELOCS, student debt, credit card debt, adjustable mortgages, etc.).  However, long-term fixed rate mortgages still look very good.

It appears the tax bill will be passed before the end of the year.  Californians will be greatly affected.  I suggest calling your tax advisor to see if you should look at paying your property taxes early and/or making any other adjustments.  I am already hearing from several of my contacts who are looking to move to states with much lower state taxes (or none at all).  We will see how all this plays out in our housing market for years to come.

Commentary:  Your USP (unique selling proposition) and your Virtual Partners

Courting your business partners fits into what I often refer to as “Business Dating.” Just like actual dating, finding the right fit can be challenging.  My hope is that what I write weekly somehow spurs ideas of how to utilize your own skills more effectively.

Over the past weeks, I had several meetings with business partners.  Because of my own unique skillset, I often am utilized to tie things together and/or problem solve a situation.  Of note, my skills match better with some Business Partners than others (hence why I referred to business dating above).  When it works, it is great because I get to create win-win situations for all involved.  However, it really does not work with all.  Like it or not, that is just the way it is.

Assuming we all have skills that seem to fit best with a select group of folks, then the challenge is to identify when our skills best match another’s skills or situation.  Take a look at where your business comes from.  Is there a pattern?  Meet with your key influencers and ask them to tell you why they choose you.  I have done this through the years; and I often find that I take my skills for granted.  Just because something comes easily for you does not mean it is not of great value to someone else.

As you get better at understanding when you bring supreme value, then you can reach out to your contacts and let them know what you are seeking and why.  You will find that some of them will understand exactly what you are attempting to accomplish.  These will be the folks you should approach for further discussion.  They can be integral to your success (and you should definitely find a way to reciprocate).  They typically like brainstorming; and they want to help you succeed.

Surrounding yourself with these key people will bring many rewards.  It will allow you to develop better relationships with partners who “get” you.  This leads to increased referrals for all involved.

Okay, that is my gift for you this holiday season.  For those that GET it, I welcome your call to bounce off ideas.  That’s it for this week.  Be safe and enjoy yourselves as we approach the New Year!