6 Ways to Reach Your Career Goals
Even during downtimes, principles such as integrity and persistence hold value
By Brad Cooper, managing owner, Cooper Financial Solutions
The mortgage industry has
taken a beating in the past several
months. The truth is, however,
that like any large industry, it has good
and bad components.
It is still possible to be successful in the
mortgage industry. There is money to lend,
and there are people who want to borrow
that money.
Past Articles
by Brad Cooper
“Be a Niche-Picker,” May 2008
“How to Reach the Top of Your Game,”
July 2008
“Get Your Name Out,” August 2008
“Polish Your Professional Appearance,”
September 2008
“Find Advertising that Works for You,”
October 2008
“How to Grab the Media’s Attention,”
November 2008
View these articles and more at
scotsmanguide.com
It may take a little longer to reach your
life and career goals, but focusing on six
key principles will help you overcome the
obstacles that the industry is facing. These
principles include:
1. Integrity: There is no excuse to give away
your integrity. It should be the one thing that
even money cannot buy. The more people
believe in who you are, the more they will
be willing to trust what you have. You will
become a better broker, and your business
will be more successful, if you keep your
integrity intact.
2. Truth: Telling customers the truth
may not always be popular. But if you can
be honest about the potential dangers of
getting a particular loan, customers may
actually thank you. You can even help
them develop a plan that will put them
in the financial direction that they want
to go. Later down the road, you can then
help them find the right product to fit
their needs.
The worst-case scenario is that a customer walks out the door and never looks
back. You may lose a commission check to
a competitor, but at least you won’t be on
the hook if trouble comes knocking.
3. Knowledge: Learn all that you can
about the industry. Take classes and expand
your book knowledge. Subscribe to — and
actually read — trade magazines to keep up
with the industry’s future trends. Set aside
time each week to visit industry-related
Web sites to learn about the current trends.
And read books by successful people inside
the mortgage industry and outside of it.
4. Wisdom: You also must apply the
knowledge you have learned. You can offer
your wisdom by creating classes that your
customers can attend. Consider also opening the classes for them to bring guests, as
well. This could be a new way to generate
some leads. Lead a seminar or give a speech
for a local civic group or other organization. Share the information that you have
gathered in ways that have practical applications in everyday life.
5. Focus: It is important that you know
where you are going and have a plan for
getting there. You wouldn’t leave on a road
trip without clear directions to your destination. The same should be true for your
life: Focus on your success by creating a
map that will lead you to that vision.
6. Persistence: Nothing in this world can
take the place of persistence. Be determined
that you will be able to fly into the success
that you desire.
Although the mortgage industry may
be in troubled waters, it does not necessarily have to limit your potential for success.
Your success is tied up in your attitude,
your desires and your persistence to reach
your goals. You can have a successful career if you will stick to the principles of
integrity, truth, knowledge, wisdom, focus
and persistence. These values can bring
you to prosperity in ways that you never
before dared to imagine.
Brad Cooper is a nationally recognized mortgage
expert, coach and trainer
with Loan Officer Success
and managing owner of
Cooper Financial Solutions
in Farmington, Mo. He has
more than 16 years’ mortgage experience. His
blend of customer care, financial expertise
and experience is the driving force behind his
success. For more information and to receive
a complimentary CD titled “How to Receive
$1,000,000 Worth of Free Publicity,” visit
www.loanofficerpublicity.com/freecd or e-mail
Cooper at brad@loanofficerpublicity.com.
