BE the best you can BE

In their 12th and final chapter for MPA, Aussie Warwick close their diary on an award-winning high note.

Phil Barton and Natalie Duong began Aussie Warwick last year. Over 12 exclusive diary entries they have talked about the personal and professional challenges of running a new brokerage.
 
With this final instalment we have just returned from Aussie’s Sales Conference in Melbourne with new found inspiration, knowledge, fortitude and would you believe it, an award!!

Last week Natalie and I participated in an event with 700 fellow Aussie brokers, lenders and Aussie staff designed to inspire, excite, educate and instil confidence and passion in our business and our brand.

And did it deliver!!
The theme of the conference was BE, a simple two-letter word. However it means many different things. BE Inspired. BE Unique. BE Courageous. BE Professional. BE Passionate. BE Awesome.
 
The message was loud and clear; BE the one to drive your own success by taking this opportunity to learn. To utilise the experiences of many different professionals at various stages of their careers who share their story and provide advice and knowledge to those willing to listen.

Three days of presentations, talks and seminars hosted by our best from within our peers, from leaders within the Aussie Group and from experts across a range of industries.

Best practice was shared in sales, marketing, technology and business planning, and also from innovators and masters outside of our industry who have
proven consistency in excellence time and time again.

We sat on the edge of our seats as we experienced the story of Qantas Captain Richard de Crespigny of flight QF32, who averted what could have been one of aviation’s worst disasters. It was without doubt one of the greatest recitals of a moment in someone’s career which defined them completely.

It was a demonstration of courage, calm, absolute intelligence and the ability to connect with his passengers and fellow crew even whilst chaos ruled and until the very moment that he safely landed and disembarked all 469 on board. It was a lesson in responsibility for others and above all else the importance and reputation of your own personal brand.

The event wasn’t all about work though, and there was opportunity to unwind and celebrate the year that was.
The Aussie Oscars Gala awards evening gives great perspective on what we do as a business. The volume of loans written through Aussie is astounding and the top performers, deservedly, stand tall.

It also had some surprises! Aussie Warwick won an award for being the best new store to have opened over the last 18 months in WA. Honestly the shock lingered for some time after being on stage with Natalie receiving the accolade from John Symond himself.

What did I take away from the conference?
A greater sense of personal brand. A determination to provide an exceptional experience to clients from the moment they enter the store and become Aussie Warwick customers for many years.

The conference hammered home the idea that people buy people, it isn’t necessarily what you are saying or how you are saying it, but WHY you are saying it. For us it’s about building a reputation for the right reasons, to establish a brand that truly cares for our customers and doesn’t stop at the goal of home ownership.

The mortgage transaction is exactly that – a transaction. It is only the beginning.

We stopped thinking of ourselves as mortgage brokers and came to understand that we hold a unique place on a person’s path to financial maturity, the ability to truly connect and establish clients / partnerships for life.

After one year as a franchise owner for Aussie, I am happy. Not just with the birth of the store from concept to a profitable first year, but happy that our personal brand has now evolved to what we hope will differentiate ourselves from our competitors. We aim to BE unique.

What will you BE?

Phil and Natalie have detailed their experiences in 12 chapters every other Friday on MPA Online and in Australian Broker magazine two weeks following. You can find Aussie Warwick's website here.

Previous diary entries: 
A sundowner with a twist
Become a community champion
Welcoming diversity in your client base