It’s impossible to run a race without knowing where the finish line is. In relation to our business, we need to set up time frames to achieve our goals and pay attention to every step we take on the way to success. How can we plan our time more effectively? Why do we need to take stock of the victories and failures we live through each day? On this episode, we share a coaching call introducing the Next Level Playbook, and explain why it’s so important to plan and record every move we make. It’s ...
Oct 03, 2019•50 min
At some point in our lives, some of us have felt like we’re not the smartest people in the room. Does that mean we’re not destined to succeed? Are there ways we can develop our intelligence and get ahead in the game? On this episode, we explain why curiosity is as important for success as IQ. It’s vital to be curious in your business. -Kenneth Travis Three Things We Learned From This Episode IQ isn’t everything (02:52- 04:51) IQ is something we’re born with; some people are naturally better at s...
Sep 26, 2019•42 min
We’re often warned to prepare for an impending recession, but sometimes the information we learn through the media isn’t an accurate reflection of the state of the market. How can we observe clues of an impending recession ourselves? Is it possible for us to keep winning in business when the market inevitably drops - or should we be preparing for the worst? On this episode, CEO of MBS Highway, Barry Habib shares why we need to rethink what we know about recessions, and offers insight on how we c...
Sep 19, 2019•39 min
Our industry seems to be bombarded with changes from all sides; from new competitors to an inevitable shift in market conditions. Do we stand to benefit from any of these changes? How can we stay ahead of the curve and continue to see great results for years to come? On this episode, we share how to make the most of what’s to come. There’s never been a time like this where loan officers have so much opportunity. Don’t let this pass you by, because our current situation offers a chance to really ...
Sep 12, 2019•28 min
Our experiences in childhood have the ability to shape us as adults. How can we recognize how our experiences affect us today? Which parts of our personalities should we be building upon, and which should we be receding from? On this episode, Derek Fertig shares how he turned his life around and how it positively affected his personal life at home and his professional life in his business. When you focus on the money side of it, remember that it can be both good and bad. -Derek Fertig Three Thin...
Jul 25, 2019•32 min
A significant percentage of business comes from past clients, so it’s important to give them 5-star service the first time around. What little details can make all the difference in a client’s experience? How often should you check in with your clients? When a lead comes in, you have to solidify the relationship quickly. -Marc Demetriou Three Things We Learned From This Episode Respond immediately (05:38- 06:38) Make sure you or your team are always ready to answer a client as soon as they conta...
Jul 19, 2019•26 min
When something bad happens, it’s a normal reaction to worry about all the ways it may affect you. How can you overcome feelings of self pity? How can you continue to thrive in all aspects of your life? On this episode, Shane explains how a recent injury could have been his downfall, and shares the thought processes that kept him moving forward. If you want to be a powerful person over the long haul, this is not a sprint. It’s a marathon. - Shane Kidwell Three Things We Learned From This Episode ...
Jul 11, 2019•27 min
Being a loan officer and being in the mortgage business is a long-term venture, and we need to know how to run a successful and sustainable business. When is the best time to pursue new business opportunities? How can we get agents to want to work with us more? When should we scale our business? In this episode, Sean Zalmanoff, Kenneth Travis and Kellen Vaughan share some strategies we can implement in our business today that will help us get more business within a month. They also explain the v...
Jul 04, 2019•22 min
To get ahead in the mortgage industry, you need to be passionate about what you do. How can you fall in love with being a mortgage professional? What role should technology play in your journey to success? On this episode, Vice President at Cornerstone Home Lending, Kelly Zitlow, shares her success story and how you can cultivate a passion for your mortgage business. Business coaching is invaluable. It will help with accountability, discipline, and to be forward-thinking in the industry. - Kelly...
Jun 20, 2019•28 min
We hear so much about branding and building brands, but often only in vague terms. How are the two different? Which should you be focusing on to get your business to the next level? On this episode, Josh Pitts and Jason Frazier of Shred Media share how to build a brand effectively. Don’t create a front or a persona. Just be you, and you’ll attract who you want to attract. -Jason Frazier Three Things We Learned From This Episode Separate ‘branding’ from your brand (09:43- 11:50) A big mistake man...
Jun 13, 2019•47 min
Technology has made it easier than ever before for consumers to find loan officers. With all the options available to prospective clients, how can you set yourself apart? When should you begin the process of approaching consumers, and how can you maintain great relationships with them throughout the process? On this episode, Andy Zemon of Waterstone Mortgage Corporation explains how you should be using technology to your benefit. If we use technology to help us nurture clients, then they don’t s...
May 09, 2019•33 min
The mortgage industry is constantly evolving, and even the top loan officers are at risk of losing the positions they worked hard to get. How can you safeguard yourself from being passed by? Does the answer lie in looking for new agents and buyers? On this episode, we talk with the founder of Downs Capital Mortgage Team, John Downs, to hear how he went from hero to zero, and got right back up again. You’ve got to specialize in what you’re doing. -Sean Zalmanoff Resources Take your mortgage busin...
Apr 25, 2019•27 min
Everyone wants to be the best at what they do, but that’s not possible when you’re trying your hand at everything. How can you carve a niche out for yourself? Are there any disadvantages of becoming too “niched”? On this episode, we talk with Jeff Onofrio, the managing director of renovation, construction, and national production at Mortgage Possible. Everyone wants to be a jack of all trades. You need to pick a niche and become known for what you do. -Kenneth Travis Resources Take your mortgage...
Apr 18, 2019•26 min
The mortgage industry is rewarding for lenders not only because of the financial incentive, but because it allows them to provide a meaningful service to their clients. How can you ensure your clients know you appreciate their business and strengthen the relationship you have with them? What can you do to make sure you stay successful in this business over time? On this episode, industry veteran John Abraham shares on what he has learned on his business journey and explains why relationships are...
Apr 11, 2019•35 min
Starting a new career path is daunting for everyone. How can you get past your initial nervousness and just get moving? What are the tools you need to make progress? Join us as we talk with one of the students in our program, Alexa Ward. Alexa is new to the industry, but after an initial disappointment in July last year, just 3 months later she closed 8 deals in October. Don’t miss this episode as we hear how she did it and how you can, too! When you’re new to the industry, you don’t know what y...
Apr 04, 2019•23 min
We often hear about the necessity of scaling our businesses so we can step away. Do what degree should we aim to transition out of our business? Could we be harming our business by delegating too many tasks? When it comes to building our brand, what options should we look to? On this episode, team leader Alan Christian shares on his experiences and lessons learned around delegation and making a shift out of his business. To brand yourself locally is very inexpensive and effective. -Kenneth Travi...
Mar 28, 2019•31 min
A lot of entrepreneurs in the mortgage industry dream of no longer needing to work. Is that goal ever attainable? Is it even a justifiable dream to have? On this episode, we’re joined by military veteran and branch manager at Benchmark Mortgage, Rick Ward. Rick shares why he feels his star continues to rise, and why he believes his own work is never done. You have to aim high and stay hungry. -Kenneth Travis Resources Take your mortgage business to the next level. Visit nextlevello.com for more ...
Mar 21, 2019•27 min
The key to success lies in developing relationships with clients that enjoy their experience with you so much that they refer you to family and friends, and work with you repeatedly. How can you build one of those revered relationships with a client? What can you do to ensure you retain as many past clients as possible? On this episode, we tak with Kelly Marsh, Vice President of The Kelly Marsh Team at Cornerstone Home Lending, Inc. to hear how she’s set herself apart from competitors and gone o...
Mar 14, 2019•27 min
Some the appeal of running your own business lies in the ability to set your own hours. How can this be done in a strategic way that doesn’t jeopardize your company? What do you need to have in place to make sure the business is still working effectively? On this episode, we talk with Michael Regan of The Regan Team Home Loan Group to hear how he achieved work-life balance so that both his working and personal lives are performing at the highest level. Do the work first. You have to put in the t...
Feb 28, 2019•19 min
One of the biggest challenges loan officers are faced with is time. Do we have enough of it? How do we ensure the longevity of our success in all areas of our lives? On this episode, president and CEO of Partners Mortgage and 30-year industry veteran, Dan Trinidad shares insights on maximizing productivity in the time you have and why he believes that it’s never too late to attain your dreams. If you have the mindset of capturing market share and building relationships, you’ll have a lot less co...
Feb 21, 2019•28 min
Most of the time, the only thing holding us back from achieving our goals is ourselves. How can you beat your self-doubt and start making our dreams come true? What can you do to take your career to new heights? On this episode, we speak with someone who managed to break through her self-imposed limitations and find amazing success. Our guest, Janell Schmittling provides an overview of her journey and has pointers for those looking to find their own greatness. I made up my mind that I wanted to ...
Feb 14, 2019•27 min
Building trust is a key part of acquiring clients, but it’s not always easy. How can you beat the perception that lenders are ‘snake oil’ salespeople? How can you silence your limiting beliefs? What can you do to become seen as an expert? On this episode, media personality and mortgage expert, Brian Sacks, shares insights on these topics. When you try everything, you end up befuddled and do nothing . –Brian Sacks Resources Take your mortgage business to the next level. Visit nextlevello.com for ...
Feb 07, 2019•45 min
Many people in sales are only doing as well as they believe they can. How can you stop the cycle of self-imposed limitations and start doing better? Are there any good methods to keeping yourself accountable? On this episode former professional football player, expert coach & speaker, Setema Gali shares In the mortgage business, what holds us back the most is the space between our ears. –Shane Kidwell Resources Take your mortgage business to the next level. Visit nextlevello.com for more inf...
Jan 31, 2019•30 min
Establishing partnerships can be challenging for loan officers when many Realtors are already loyal to their mortgage professionals. If you don’t have any relationships to leverage, how can you get a foot in the door? Is there a definitive list of things you should be doing? What about the things you shouldn’t do? On this episode, Rian Group founder, best-selling author, and multi-million dollar sales producer, Aaron Rian, shares how loan officers can stand out from the crowd and build partnersh...
Jan 24, 2019•25 min
New technologies are constantly being developed to make people’s lives easier, but there are certain apps that stick out from the rest. What makes a specific app or technology a household name? Can the apps like Uber be used to benefit the mortgage industry? On this episode, innovator and entrepreneur, Alex Kutsishin, shares how we can leverage evolving tech in the mortgage industry and look for new opportunities. Don’t think about the products you’re selling. Think about the experience your cus...
Jan 17, 2019•38 min
Many of us have experienced a poor work atmosphere and seen how management can have a direct effect on it. How can we, as managers and employers, prevent this from happening at our companies? Is there a foolproof solution to the issue? On this episode, Kyle Gorman shares some tactics for combating hostile and unproductive work environments. When you become a manager, you’ve got someone’s livelihood in your influence and you have to be selfless.- Kyle Gorman Resources Take your mortgage business ...
Jan 10, 2019•28 min
The client service we create and deliver determines how well we attract people who want to work with us. What are some of the things that encompass that service and the characteristics that make us stand out to the market? How can we implement a business infrastructure that focuses on clients? On this episode, team leader Scott Westlake shares on raising the standard in business and why success breeds success. Set your goals on satisfied clients, not volume . -Sean Zalmanoff Resources Take your ...
Dec 20, 2018•35 min
Veterans have a hard time securing home loans, even when they are very attractive borrowers. How can we equip loan officers to help veterans achieve the dream of owning a house? What are some of the myths and misconceptions that get in the way of veterans securing loans? Why is there a lot more to success than making money? On this episode, we talk to Ross branch manager, and president of Military Mortgage Boot Camp, Michael Fischer, about how we can constantly raise the standard of the service ...
Dec 13, 2018•33 min
Every mortgage professional is feeling the squeeze from market disruption and our commodification. What are some of the ways we can show our value and importance in the transaction? How do we bring the human element to all the tech that’s coming into the industry? Why is our partnership with real estate professionals so critical right now? On this episode, 20-year industry veteran Lisa Wells talks about staying relevant in a changing industry and shares on her business evolution. The way real es...
Dec 06, 2018•25 min
Our lifestyle and business are highly connected. If we’re unmotivated, tired, and lack the confidence we need to face challenges, it directly affects our work. What’s the first step that we should take towards improving our lifestyle? Can exercise alone help us lose weight? Why is it so important to avoid quick fixes and fad diets? In this episode, Robert Cryer shares how fitness changed his life and helped him through difficult times. If you can take care of your health and your nutrition, then...
Nov 29, 2018•24 min
