If you’re an ambitious mortgage adviser looking to join a network with a view to expanding your business and driving future success, you will likely already have made it a point to evaluate a range of different factors, including market access and commission structures. While these are clearly important elements, it’s essential to consider the culture of the network you’re contemplating, as finding the right fit is crucial in securing the meaningful success you want to see.
But what exactly do we mean when we talk about culture within a mortgage network, and what should you be looking out for when determining whether a network’s culture is aligned with your goals?
Why Culture Matters in a Mortgage Network
Culture isn’t catchy slogans or promises made by corporate decision-makers that may or may not come to fruition. Instead, it encompasses the day-to-day realities of being a mortgage broker, and it’s why finding an environment that will support, not stagnate your potential, is so important.
Many businesses have a somewhat passive culture, which very quickly leads to feelings of frustration because this fuels an environment that doesn’t support growth, ambition or achievement. Finding a mortgage broker network that is centred around energising its members, celebrating achievements and encouraging the tackling of new challenges will give you the confidence and the drive to push your business to the next level.
Now let’s explore a few tell-tale signs that the network you’re considering has a culture that will enable you to reach your full potential.
No Network-Set Targets
While we’re certainly not saying that targets and metrics don’t have a role to play when it comes to driving meaningful and tangible growth, every mortgage broker business is different, and we recognise that arbitrary targets set by networks simply can’t be applied on a one-size-fits-all basis.
In the worst case scenarios, brokers who are given strict targets by their network feel pressured to adopt a quantity over quality strategy, which can have a variety of negative consequences for everything from well-being to customer service and compliance. Instead, choosing a network that provides guidance and meaningful support without rigid targets can provide the flexibility required to create a business that’s sustainable at every level.
Engaging Events and Networking Opportunities
The opportunity to meet with fellow advisers who are at different points in their own journey can provide an incredible degree of inspiration. After all, it’s not easy to create a vision for your future if you don’t have a clear understanding of what can be achieved with the right support and guidance.
Every high-quality mortgage adviser network not only recognises the value in hosting engaging events and networking opportunities, but they also make sure these events are in the calendar every single year because they’re such an integral part of network culture.
Open Channels of Communication
Communication really matters, and to ensure that you’re receiving the support your business needs to expand and thrive in what is a challenging sector, you need to know that your phone calls will be answered and your emails will be responded to.
All Stonebridge network members benefit from a dedicated business development team who can offer field-based and digital support with everything from referral opportunities to client bank management, lead generation, strategic planning and sales development. Having a team by your side who are solely focused on supporting your objectives, helping you to implement strategies and celebrate your successes can make a huge difference to every aspect of your business.
The Focus is on You, Not the Network Itself
Supportive and successful mortgage networks put their members at the heart of everything they do, as they recognise that this is what will enable them to implement the game changing tools and services that will make a meaningful difference to their advisers.
By choosing a network that prioritises members, you can feel confident that your thoughts, opinions and ideas will be listened to and play a key role in strategic decision-making processes moving forward. That’s something that networks that are too focused on what may or may not be happening internally at any given time are simply unable to provide.
A Supportive Environment That Feels Like Family
Ultimately, your network should make you feel as though you have a strong and supportive structure around your business, as this is what will provide you with the confidence needed to implement new strategies and strive for even greater successes.
Your network should also make you feel like a member of the family, as this will encourage you to share your ideas and thoughts freely without the fear of being judged or dismissed. One of the best ways to determine whether a network is the right fit for you in this regard is to ask to speak with a few existing members. Members of genuinely supportive networks can talk freely about their experiences and will have plenty of positive things to say.
