Distinguish Yourself from Others

http://www.irs.gov/newsroom/article/0,,id=204519,00.html
Sales Tax Deduction for Vehicle Purchases

http://twincities.bizjournals.com/twincities/stories/2009/10/05/daily48.html?ana=tt3245
Target slashes toy prices to challenge Wal-Mart this Holiday Season

http://triad.bizjournals.com/triad/stories/2009/10/05/daily34.html?ana=e_bjtt
Dell closing plant - 905 jobs lost

http://denver.bizjournals.com/denver/stories/2009/10/05/daily45.html?ana=e_bjtt
Economy Improving and 2nd recession unlikely

Just a few stories from yesterday's Business Journals. Not to continue a theme of difficulties but to emphasize the need for us all to:
1. interpret the news
2. expect for the worst and plan for the best
3. take advantage of opportunities. And

"How are we going to distinguish ourselves from our competition"?

We all have expertise; we all have creativity; we all have the desire to succeed in the worst of economic times. Now is the best time to re-brand yourself, ; build on your experiences and promote yourself from the competition. Do this if you are looking for a job; if you are seeking a new client; if you are preparing a proposal for a new project; if you are seeking a promotion............. it is time to do things differently and think out-side of the box! Shape the new norm.

As a Professional Engineer in 5-states, Professional Planner, industry stakeholder for many years, and an instructor at a University, I did not remain idle as our land development industry disappeared before our eyes. I got my real estate license. My emphasis will be on finding land to sell and maybe buy. Through this effort, will I be networking with those that are left standing in the industry? Projects are still being designed and constructed. Just not that many. I will create my engineering work through my real estate work. I plan on distinguishing myself from the competition and just maybe, create a niche that differentiates me from my competition. What is your plan?