MPA asks brokers what they enjoy most about the job, and provide seven tips to keep them satisfied at work.
Thomas Jefferson once said: “Our greatest happiness does not depend on the condition of life in which chance has placed us, but is always the result of a good conscience, good health, occupation, and freedom in all just pursuits.”
In that spirit, MPA has asked several brokers what makes them happy at work and what the best part of their occupation is.
That phone call
What Loan Market’s Cara Quinn likes most is calling her customers and telling them the loan has been approved, particularly first home buyers.
“It always makes my day to hear their excitement,” says Quinn.
Brad Quilty of Tungsten Home Loans agrees, and adds that it’s great when the customers then want to come back for more.
“It is always when settlement comes and I ring the client to congratulate them, and how happy they are with what we have done for them. Going on from that, when we see repeat clients and it’s like catching up with an old friend, that’s always great too,” he says.
Customer feedback
For Loan Market’s Asha Long, she enjoys the feeling of hearing that the customer is happy with her service.
“Once a loan settles and the customer is happy with everything, the best part is hearing that they had a great experience,” she says.
In addition to that, it’s great when the bank guarantees the approval, says Andrew Psalti of Yellow Brick Road.
“When that approval from the bank is confirmed or when you receive glowing testimonials or referrals from happy clients, it makes it all worthwhile,” says Psalti.
Helping people
For Cliff Ferrer of 1st Street Home Loans, there’s no greater privilege than being able to assist clients.
“The part of the job that I like the most is meeting with clients and being able to take away some of the stresses and worries that may be associated with purchasing a property,” says Ferrer.
Isma Ahmed from Home Loan Experts says it’s all about helping “get customers into their own home, or growing their investment portfolio – nothing better than helping people”.
Meeting different people
It doesn't get much better than being able mix with different people, says Steven (Haiyang) Sun of One Stop Loan.
“The best part is being able to see a lot of people and make friends with them. Rather than just doing a lot of different things on the computer, I like to meet different people from different cultural backgrounds,” says Sun.
How to keep brokers happy
Putting aside the external factors that make brokers happy, there are several things employers can do to foster an environment where they look forward to working each day, says psychotherapist Diane Lang.
Lang offers the following tips to help make your brokerage a happy one:
1. Appreciate your brokers by recognising their small accomplishments. Always acknowledge their hard work.
2. Be involved – say hello, ask them about their weekends, family, etc. Use the names of your brokers as often as you can.
3. Don't micromanage your brokers. It lowers motivation, mental health and the overall morale.
4. Provide a healthy environment that includes good lighting, plenty of natural sunlight, a water cooler for plenty of fresh water, plants, etc.
5. Encourage holidays – brokers come back happier, refreshed and motivated. Everyone needs a break.
6. Remember to include good news in meetings. A lot of meetings go over what's missing or bad events that happen. Don’t forget the positive stuff.
7. “Remember moods and emotions are contagious so be the happy boss. You’re the role model and mentor. How you act is contagious. Encourage the simple things like hello, smiles, and lunch breaks,” says Lang.
What do you think is the best part of being a broker? What makes you happy at work? Share your thoughts below.
In that spirit, MPA has asked several brokers what makes them happy at work and what the best part of their occupation is.
That phone call
What Loan Market’s Cara Quinn likes most is calling her customers and telling them the loan has been approved, particularly first home buyers.
“It always makes my day to hear their excitement,” says Quinn.
Brad Quilty of Tungsten Home Loans agrees, and adds that it’s great when the customers then want to come back for more.
“It is always when settlement comes and I ring the client to congratulate them, and how happy they are with what we have done for them. Going on from that, when we see repeat clients and it’s like catching up with an old friend, that’s always great too,” he says.
Customer feedback
For Loan Market’s Asha Long, she enjoys the feeling of hearing that the customer is happy with her service.
“Once a loan settles and the customer is happy with everything, the best part is hearing that they had a great experience,” she says.
In addition to that, it’s great when the bank guarantees the approval, says Andrew Psalti of Yellow Brick Road.
“When that approval from the bank is confirmed or when you receive glowing testimonials or referrals from happy clients, it makes it all worthwhile,” says Psalti.
Helping people
For Cliff Ferrer of 1st Street Home Loans, there’s no greater privilege than being able to assist clients.
“The part of the job that I like the most is meeting with clients and being able to take away some of the stresses and worries that may be associated with purchasing a property,” says Ferrer.
Isma Ahmed from Home Loan Experts says it’s all about helping “get customers into their own home, or growing their investment portfolio – nothing better than helping people”.
Meeting different people
It doesn't get much better than being able mix with different people, says Steven (Haiyang) Sun of One Stop Loan.
“The best part is being able to see a lot of people and make friends with them. Rather than just doing a lot of different things on the computer, I like to meet different people from different cultural backgrounds,” says Sun.
How to keep brokers happy
Putting aside the external factors that make brokers happy, there are several things employers can do to foster an environment where they look forward to working each day, says psychotherapist Diane Lang.
Lang offers the following tips to help make your brokerage a happy one:
1. Appreciate your brokers by recognising their small accomplishments. Always acknowledge their hard work.
2. Be involved – say hello, ask them about their weekends, family, etc. Use the names of your brokers as often as you can.
3. Don't micromanage your brokers. It lowers motivation, mental health and the overall morale.
4. Provide a healthy environment that includes good lighting, plenty of natural sunlight, a water cooler for plenty of fresh water, plants, etc.
5. Encourage holidays – brokers come back happier, refreshed and motivated. Everyone needs a break.
6. Remember to include good news in meetings. A lot of meetings go over what's missing or bad events that happen. Don’t forget the positive stuff.
7. “Remember moods and emotions are contagious so be the happy boss. You’re the role model and mentor. How you act is contagious. Encourage the simple things like hello, smiles, and lunch breaks,” says Lang.
What do you think is the best part of being a broker? What makes you happy at work? Share your thoughts below.
