Don't be a stranger. To your professional network, that is. I know a lot of loan officers (and other sales professionals too) tend to skip the networking meetings over the summer. The thought here is that "practically everyone is on vacation and there won't be any productive networking going on." Well, guess what-the summer is just about over and that excuse (and it is just an excuse) is no longer relevant.
With all the changes and proposed changes going on in our world right now, keeping your professional network informed should be a great opportunity for you. You have a lot to talk about.
Get in touch with those elder attorneys, financial planners, insurance reps, in home health care agencies, etc., and offer to do an office presentation early in the fall. Get on their calendar now.
If you have "missed" some networking events, put those back on your schedule as a favor to yourself. You have a great story to tell and keeping your professional network informed is one of the best ways to get quality referrals (notice I said referrals, not leads, there is a big difference).
If you have not been a dedicated networker in the past, get started now. Look for senior oriented organizations in your area. For a quick start, check out www.meetup.com. You'll be able to search various categories and locations. You'll find many groups are gearing back up after the summer, so don't delay.
The business is out there waiting for you-go get it.
Sue Haviland is a reverse mortgage consultant in Baltimore and the founder of Reverse Mortgage Success, a leader in the training and education for originators around the country in the rapidly growing reverse mortgage arena. Sue has worked in the lending industry since 1981. She has been originating reverse mortgages for the last six years and still originates loans every day. She has helped hundreds of families all over the country in the last several years. Sue also shares her knowledge of this market in presentations before the Women's Council of Realtors, Mortgage Bankers Association, National Association of Professional Mortgage Women, and SRES - Senior Real Estate Specialists, Brian Sacks' Insider Seminars, as well as the public. Sue is a Certified Senior Advisor and is active in many professional organizations. Sign up for her free seven-part mini-course at
