>>Frank,
>>
>>What I typically do when I run across a query that I believe is running slow, is to see if there are any table scans that are occuring. To see this, click on Query->Display Estimated Execution Plan with the query you are running. Look to see if there are any table scans or look to see the 'Cost' value for certain joins. IF there are table scans or a certain join has a high cost %, then you should be able to know where the problem lies in the poor performance Then you can add an index to the culprit or change a join condition and should see performance gains.
>>
>>HTH
>>
>>Bob
>
>Thanks Bob,
>
>I've always heard of the Execution Plan but never knew where to look for it!

Start SSMS and run New Query.
Then write your query and From the toolbar above look for the button "Actual Execution Plan".
Press it and run the query.
Then when the query is complete you will see a new tab with the execution plan.