First know, I'm that annoying mortgage guy. Secondly know, that at this point I don't ask for business...I earn it. Number three you should know, I try to see it from both ends. Lastly, I'm nobody's lap dog but if you'd like to pet me and throw me a bone, I'll play that game. 
I'm not a big fan of it though.
Let me explain. Today, I went on Realtor Calls for the first time in close to 4 years. I've done all my business, which happens to be a pretty fair share to this point, without it. As much as I admire and respect the time honored tradition of asking for business, knocking on doors, creative ways to set yourself apart, for whatever reason...it made me upset in the stomach and grey in the hairs even thinking about it. Thinking about trying to establish a relationship with a realtor by kissing receptionists, passing out fliers, and making sure I tell them how wonderful I am when I walk in the door and intervene in their day of chasing potential clients by asking them to give me those very clients. I'm asking for business, asking for that lead, hoping they will help me get my next paycheck. I don't know....it is still unsettling.
From the realtor's end, it must be annoying. I don't care if you are a Lender/Mortgage Company/Whatever sending in a young, brash, relatively intelligent guy or gal or even a seasoned veteran with a reputation to die for...it just seems like it may get annoying watching these individuals walking into your door. Here I am, give me a pay check...at least that is how it seemed for me.
And from the Mortgage Guy's end...to be escorted so quickly out because they have an "In-house Lender", "Preferred Lender", or are an "One Stop Shop".....Hello Conflict of Interest. What about your client's best interest? What about the availability of options? Who do they think they are?
There must be a better way. Perhaps I'm looking at all this the wrong way and in a rather negative light. Or perhaps, just perhaps, a little can be learned from this time honored game of establishing a network of professionals to enhance your business.
My take is this (as the annoying Mortgage Guy):
-You Don't Go In Offering Product (Any Competent Mortgage Entity or Lender has similar if not totally the same in regards to strictly product)....Offer Instead Education and Insight To Help Do Some Legwork In Helping Them Market, Help Them Understand What is Going On In The Market Of Lending, Provide them with leads you source of actively seeking homebuyers, and RETURN EVERY CALL....GOOD/BAD/OR INDIFFERENT.
-Have The Thought In The Front Of Your Mind, Not Only To Get You More Biz...But Make Damn Sure Their W-2's Read Heavier After Meeting You.-
-Share The Bond. Some Individuals You Will Naturally Be Able To Work With And Get Along With In This Great Big World....Some You Won't.
-Relationship Building....Because You Can Surely Bet That Most Of The Time The Initial 'Leads' You May Get Will Be Ones That Have Already Been Turned Down By A Payday Advance Company. None the less, you show them that same person 6, 8, 12, 24, months down the road qualifying to buy a home and going back to that very realtor to find it....they just might be impressed.
-Do For Realtors More Than You Do For Yourself. Do For Their/Your Clients More Than You Do For The Already Mentioned Parties.
-If you are new, let them know you are new. If you are passionate about life and what you are currently doing...the rest will take care of itself.
As it turns out, this new venture has me thinking. And of course, in many offices I will become 'That Annoying Mortgage Guy' just because I like to seek new routes of success in whatever endeavor I may come across. And maybe I'll be 'That Annoying Mortgage Guy' just because I walked in the door. I would kick me out....at least at first. If I'm honest with myself and them, some will quite frankly hate me. But, if I'm honest and true, and play that nasty game of numbers, that other network I haven't delved into may find me finding them.
I hope to gather insight from this forum along the way in this new endeavor. As far as the upset stomach, puking is a nice work-out for the abs.
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