Welcome to 2019

Quickly looking back 2018 was definitely a mixed bag as far as our industry was concerned.

For many it was a big paradigm shift. Especially so if you were not thorough in your applications and adjusting to the tightening in responsible lending requirements.

Then for some fear set in, the sky was falling, our trail commission was going to cease (Still could) and mortgage brokering was going to be a thing of the past. I dare say this group did not see the joy in mortgage brokering, they did not see a future and the blanket of negativity become such burden that even some packed up shop and left the industry.

For others it was business as usual. They focussed on their craft, they attended PD days and were kept up to speed with lender changes. They sought out like-minded brokers and focussed on the opportunities, seized them. ‘Carpe Diem’ as they say.

The thing here is you attract what you think.

So if you think the industry is doom and gloom, chances are are the crap will find you, and if you think the industry is fantastic opportunities will come to you.

To succeed in this business an essential skill is to know what to focus on and what is just noise. By this I mean you need to be perceptive.

What will you think about for and focus on in 2019?

It starts with happiness. We all heard the saying money can’t buy happiness, but it sure helps. The golden key is finding happiness within, and then the money will find you, if this is what defines happiness for you. We are all different.

To find happiness within, it’s all in your mind, your thoughts.

Train your mind.

An easy way to start is gratitude and saying thank you. This is why ‘Thank you cards’ sent to clients are a primary focus in what we do.

This one action can change the culture of an organisation, and If you have never done this I DARE YOU to give it a go for 21 days. Then another, then another and I guarantee if you have been genuine and authentic, abundance will find you.

Happiness won’t need to find you, it will now be within in you.

Many will have goals set, a planned vision and strategy for 2019 by now even so, here are my top 3 things to do in 2019 in the eyes of Mr B. (Me). I call it setting the foundations.

1. Know your ideal client, focus on that, live and breath it let everyone know and make it YOUR BRAND, ie if you think a franchise or your logo is a brand think again … YOU ARE YOUR BRAND… and it is 100% in your control how you build your brand. Make sure your message is on point, and stay on message. Deliver your message with a smile.
2. Be thankful, show gratitude. Never speak ill of your clients, your colleagues and other industry professionals. Look for the good in them, thank them, appreciate them. Set a goal to send every client a thank you card. Smile while you are writing them.
   
   
3. Attend your association PD Events. The FBAA have a national conference and the MFAA have state-based conferences.

Both associations have invested time, money and lobbied their god damn asses of for our industry. So when they put on an event, TURN UP, show YOUR SUPPORT. I am going to be as so bold to suggest that if you only plan on attending one event in 2019, make it your associations ones. When you get there, smile.

So in reflection and looking forward I am forever grateful for the MFAA & FBAA for what they have done for our industry and how Mike Felton and Peter White have worked together for the betterment and sustainability of our livelihood and bringing together the combined industry forum (CIF) and all those in the industry who are contributing via the subforums.

On behalf of Finance and Coffee, we THANK YOU.

Here is to 2019, make it great now go out and kick some ass.