As a leader in the industry, I am often asked questions such as, “How do I get more referral partners?” and “How can I become more successful?”
These are fantastic questions, and with today’s competitive race to reach the consumer, technology and social media have become an absolute game-changer for those looking to get ahead.
We are well into Q4, and with the end of the year quickly approaching, now is an excellent time to assess your goals and strategy for 2022. However, before you hit the financial goals, it may help to ground yourself in reality.
Expand Your Horizons
It can be humbling – and encouraging – to remember that you aren’t an island in your work.
Let’s take a look at some raw numbers in the real estate industry. Across the industry, there are approximately:
- 49 million homeowners
- 150,000 loan officers
- 300,000 financial planners
- 654,000 CPA’s
- 1 million insurance agents
Now, with those numbers in mind, ask yourself the following:
- Are you a transactional loan officer or an advisor?
- Are you asking the correct questions?
- Are you making excuses and blaming processors, underwriters, and management for your production?
- What is your value proposition?
- What’s your niche? Is it first-time homebuyers or perhaps Non-QM or jumbo lending?
Never Underestimate the Power of Your Network
One of the best ways to grow as a professional and a leader is to remind yourself of the power of your network. Not every other agent or industry expert is a threat. Instead, start looking at these individuals as potential partners in your future success!
Now is the time to align yourself with like-minded realtors, CPA’s, Financial Planners, and Insurance agents. One must deep dive into your client’s needs and desires to help them achieve their goals. This takes time to ask the correct questions and find the right resources to help them arrive at their final destination.
Always remember this very real truth: “Rocket Mortgage can’t compete against advice.” If you’re a loan officer, what you do matters! What you say matters!
In your work, don’t make assumptions and ensure that you always tell your story. It can be a game-changer when it comes to your reputation and success.
Make Your Team Your First Priority
I’m not alone in this need to evaluate and re-evaluate. You see, I’m a non-producing manager – which means my team is my top priority.
My success only comes from their success.
As a leader in this season of life, my role is to ensure I bring my team more income. I add value to their work and their lives by supporting them, thus saving them time and pushing them to be their best.
My only role and vision are to help my team reach their full potential through mentoring, social media branding, and coaching. By doing so, I have confidence that I am still “relevant!”
So again, as we turn the page on 2021 and look toward 2022, I leave you with this question: “Have you – or are you currently – becoming irrelevant?”
Your answer may hold the key to your success!
