Driven loan officers are focused on success, and they’re committed to putting in the work it takes to get there. Today, I want to explore the idea that sparked this blog — why taking an entrepreneurial approach to their business helps loan officers find success. Whether you work for yourself, for a small business, or for a large company, you choose how you approach your work. If you take a back seat and let external forces create your path, you may find that the success you desire is out of reach. On the other hand, if you take ownership of your work and think of yourself as an entrepreneur, you’ll likely find you rise to the top. Here’s why entrepreneurial loan officers succeed:
They Differentiate Themselves
Entrepreneurial loan officers know who they are. They’re passionate about their work and they understand their skill sets. They’ve put in the time to gain experience and identify what’s important to them. With that strong foundation of knowledge, these entrepreneurs can confidently stand out from the competition. Today’s consumers have plenty of choices. And with countless online resources, they can browse their options from the comfort of their homes. To catch their attention and earn their trust, loan officers need to stand out. This doesn’t mean using gimmicky ads and annoying marketing techniques. It means working from that authentic foundation I mentioned above. Mortgage entrepreneurs make the investment in themselves, and prospects can feel the difference.
They Build Their Brand
Entrepreneurs know that visibility is key to growing their business. Those authentic qualities that help them stand out from the competition? Those are what drive their branding efforts. Entrepreneurs know that a strong brand is genuine, cohesive, clear, and intriguing. From their website and social-media profiles to their email and in-person interactions, they see opportunities to strengthen their brand, and they seize them. Whether you intend it or not, your brand speaks for you. Mortgage entrepreneurs harness this fact and use it to their advantage.
They Value Their Connections
A good entrepreneur knows the value of his or her network. Entrepreneurs go the extra mile to maintain and strengthen the relationships they have while also making the effort to connect with new people. Whether you’re sending a past client a quick note or heading to a networking event after work, understanding the power of your network and giving it the attention it needs is an important tool for entrepreneurial loan officers.
They’re in Charge
Mortgage entrepreneurs are successful because they know their success is in their hands. They take responsibility for all aspects of their work. This motivates them to learn and grow as a professional, and it also gives them a sense of ownership that pervades everything they do. It doesn’t matter if you work for someone else or for yourself — this entrepreneurial spirit is accessible to all loan officers who have the ambition to succeed.
They Evolve
Finally, mortgage entrepreneurs evolve. They understand how rapidly the market can change, and they know that new tools and techniques are available all the time. This doesn’t mean they jump on every new trend. Successful entrepreneurs are curious and eager learners. They stay current with industry news and changes, and they’re open to embracing new ideas after careful consideration.
For many mortgage professionals, success begins with how they think about themselves. If you’re determined to succeed, an entrepreneurial mindset can be one of the best foundations to help you get there. Why else do you think mortgage entrepreneurs are so successful? I’d love to hear your thoughts.
Kirk Brewer
Branch Manager | The Loan Geek | NMLS #150287