In the 21st century, the U.S. Labor Dept. predicts that today's learner will have over 10 jobs by the time they are 38. Being able to adapt to changing conditions in your job status and the status of your buyers is an important strength in 2009.

I used to have to go to Europe quite a bit and I remember seeing this sculpture in the Louvre. This piece of art is quite beautiful and it really does make you think about how these captives must have felt. It's universal because we have all been there. The four reactions of their captivity depicted in the sculpture are revolt, hope, resignation and grief.

We all have the power of choice over our own emotions. It's not the event that defines us, but our response to that event. A few hundred years ago when we lived in a feudalistic society or a monarchy, hope was hard to come by. But this 2009 with so many technology tools and economic tools to help each individual blaze their own way. Please choose hope and execute your plan.

You'll need to stick with it. People tend to overestimate what we can do in a day but underestimate what we can do over a year or two. Buyers are just people. They are going through these same reactions everyday to activities in their world and the more hope you offer the better. Of course, hope isn't enough for your buyers. But it's a good starting point toward your solutions, credibility and authenticity.