to investigate a new mortgage company before you
take a leap of faith and jump onboard to expand its
brand. Many people make moves and promote a new
operation without much experience with the entity,
and their recruiting e;orts often fall ;at.
If you are not convinced that a company is o;ering
real solutions to the struggles in your marketplace,
then maybe it’s best to think twice about promoting
its business. If you earn a reputation as someone who
will speak passionately about a given brand, until the
next company o;ers you more money to join it, your
potential recruiting pool will start to see you as an
opportunist whose self-interest trumps their needs.
Do the right research and make sure that you are
representing the correct brand with excellence, and
recruiting success will follow naturally. Growing your
team from zero to 15 is the hardest part. Taking the
team from 15 to 30 is far easier. As you grow a successful team, they become your foot soldiers and say more
about your brand success than anyone else can. ;
Celebrate your success, have parties, lunches and
events, be loud and proud — with your team, your
business associates and supporters. You have worked
hard and have built a great brand that is poised to take
o; like a rocket. Let everyone know it. Be proud of what
you have accomplished and what is yet to come.
In the ;rst year of building a brand in a new market,
you probably will wear all sorts of di;erent hats —
accounting, logistics, marketing, etc. You will be
responsible for many aspects of running the business
in addition to writing loans. Once you have your feet
on the ground and have a team in place writing loans
left and right, you need to get some help spreading the
word. A public relations company can grow your brand
recognition geometrically, increasing awareness for
future loan originators and borrowers alike. Be a shameless self-promoter for your organization and your team.
Play for the right team
This type of recruiting and branding strategy only
works, however, if you are con;dent and passionate
about the company you are representing. How you
begin is just as important as how you grow. Take time
Regional vice president
Wintrust Mortgag
By Amy Tierce
Building a mortgage company in a new market
requires dedication, passion and a good plan
HELP
YOUR
TEAM
BLOOM
rowing a mortgage team from scratch is undeniably
difficult work. If you find yourself in the position of
being an ambassador for a mortgage company,
charged with the tasks of growing the business and
building a team in a new market, it is critical to develop a plan and
to then execute it on point.
As important, however, is assuring you believe wholeheartedly in
the company’s mission and are dedicated to promoting its brand
at every turn. Only by combining that strategic planning and
dedication will you will see your team, and your career, bloom. >>
In the age of the Internet and social media, every
business is an open book. While you are observing
your new-hire candidates, rest assured they are keeping tabs on you. When you are a new brand, they will
be looking at your growth and your rate of attrition.
After you’ve hit your milestone of one year in business,
the rest of industry will believe that you are in it for the
long term.
Broadcast your brand
Social media is a great tool to make friends and in;u-ence people. If a loan originator connects with you on
LinkedIn, for instance, reply back right away and suggest co;ee. Stay in touch.
Promote your people and share their successes
in your marketing and on social media. Show future
loan originators that you care and are engaged with
your team. It’s so important to show that you support,
encourage and believe in your people.
<< Bloom continued from Page 72
Scotsman Guide Residential Edition |
ScotsmanGuide.com | January 2016 74
“Promote your people and share
their successes in your marketing
and social media.”
