Self-drive is a critical part of being a mortgage broker.
It’s rare to have business simply fall into your lap, particularly given the challenges of recent months. Instead, brokers need to be hungry, with the determination to find and support their client bank in the best possible way.
There can, however, be a downside to this self-drive: you can easily try to do everything yourself. It’s understandable — I know, because it’s something I have done myself, particularly in the early days of Provide Finance.
Put your trust in those around you. Give them the freedom to tackle the tasks at hand without being micromanaged
Your business becomes your baby, and that can make it difficult to allow others in, to accept help. Only you yourself really understand what’s needed, so you try to take on every task, wearing every hat within the business.
Unsustainable
Over the years, I have learnt that this approach is not only unsustainable but undesirable too!
I’ve been very fortunate to call on the advice and guidance of some terrific people in building this firm
Our industry, perhaps more than most, is built on partnerships and collaboration. It’s because of those relationships that we find ways to get even the trickiest cases across the line, and by working together we actually put our businesses in a more resilient position.
There are only so many hours in the day. By focusing our efforts on where they are most useful, then collaborating with colleagues and partners for the other important tasks, we can provide a better service to our clients while enjoying a more realistic work/life balance.
Provide Finance has been through some significant changes over the years; indeed, last year we rebranded from Pitch 4 Finance, recognising that the new brand was a more accurate reflection of the business we had become.
Our industry, perhaps more than most, is built on partnerships and collaboration
But that evolution has been built on collaboration — on not only working with but learning from other businesses in our industry.
I’ve been very fortunate to call on the advice and guidance of some terrific people in building this firm, and the truth is that, without that wisdom, Provide Finance would not be the resilient business it is today.
Learning from colleagues
It’s not just about looking externally, though. I am a passionate believer in surrounding yourself with good people and learning from them.
Your business becomes your baby, and that can make it difficult to allow others in
Running a business doesn’t mean doing everything yourself; you need to put your trust in those around you. Give them the freedom to tackle the tasks at hand without being micromanaged every step of the way.
By making team members feel valued and listened to, you can build a foundation for a business that will be successful not just today but for years to come.
This article featured in the March 2023 edition of MS.
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