As 2018 comes to a close, the most popular strategy used by mortgage companies to address weak production numbers is to hire more originators. This strategy of hoping that more salespeople will increase total production is mostly a disaster. For whatever reason, the gamble of going on a hiring spree is a risk senior executives […]
After working with sales organizations for the past 20+ years, I am always amazed how accurate the Pareto principle (80/20) is when analyzing loan officer production. In every sales group, there is always a smaller number of originators (the vital few) who are successful regardless of market conditions, volatile pricing and the highly regulated lending […]
The recent announcement that General Motors will be closing plants has sent shock waves throughout the economy. The news seemed to be a surprise for many and was originally attributed to the tariff wars. However, a closer look reveals that GM had the wrong products and structure to face changing consumer preferences. In a New […]
During a recent sales audit for a mortgage lender, I asked originators if they marketed to previous customers. They responded that their company sent out birthday and anniversary cards automatically through a CRM system. Everyone felt this effort was enough to generate referrals. Many of the producers also said they didn’t have time to do […]
Last Monday, Macy’s CEO Jeff Gennette announced a new strategy to save the retail giant in this difficult business environment. In an interview with The Wall Street Journal, Gennette said that the department-store chain will shrink its less productive stores and cut back on staff at these locations. He said the smaller locations will have […]
Known by many as the founder of modern management, Peter Drucker was one of the most influential thinkers in the business world. Much of what he wrote over the course of 39 books remains relevant in today’s marketplace. Drucker was a genius and reading his work inspired me to open my own consulting business. Drucker […]
Today, many sales training firms advise originators to adopt a “teaching” sales model as a way to win with a more knowledgeable customer. While this seems like a logical, reasonable approach, the sales process can be anything but. Therein likes the rub. Let me explain. Originators who operate as teachers believe that if they simply […]
Recently, I discussed how today’s selling environment requires originators to form a tribe of followers because they are providing important information to improve their customer’s lives. Selling has moved from pushing products to being a valued educator and leader. Smart originators recognize that hawking mortgage products doesn’t create trust; what does is sharing personal passions, […]
Last week at the MBA Annual Convention, the mood was somber. The discussions centered on the industry’s current problems: high costs, tight margins, underperforming originators and negative profitability. Certainly, a dismal litany. It also seems that the grim reality of rising interest rates has thrown everyone for a loop. The number one strategy by most […]
A recent National Mortgage News article, “Ripple Effects,” observed that a new era in mortgage banking has emerged and that conventional wisdom no longer applies. While everyone can cite today’s challenges such as rising interest rates and low housing inventory, it seems management teams are still relying on old strategies that are no longer effective […]