Archive for Loan Officer training
Dangerous Emails
Posted by: | CommentsYou know what really ticks me off? Spoof emails… Spoof emails are messages you receive that appear to be from someone, or someplace familiar/important. For example, fake Facebook message notices, emails from friends, or even your own email address, your bank, etc. While these messages are typically from SPAMMERS (Which is bad enough right?) sometimes the messages contain clickable links or files for you to download that are filled with malicious code, or even viruses.
These tactics really burn me up. Even with your SPAM filters turned up, some of these messages are bound to get through. It only takes falling for one of them to really foul your day! I’ve fallen victim to a well hidden spoof email before, and I sure as heck don’t want to see it happen to you – So I’m going to show you a super quick litmus test make sure the email you’re about to act on is legit or not.
Step 1: Notice the multiple emails I’ve received from YouTube. (I get at least 3 or 4 of these per week)
Step 2: At quick glance it looks legit as even if I click to reply it will still show that the reply is going to “service@youtube.com.”
Step 3: Instead of trusting the email, we’re going to locate the “Header” link to reveal the path this email followed to be delivered to me
Step 4: Hello what’s this? It appears a bit of deception was in the air. This is where the email really came from. Last I checked, YouTube wasn’t sending messages from this address!
Step 5: If you don’t see the Header link at the top of your email, it may be found underneath your message just as it is here in Yahoo:
My hope is that this will help you avoid falling victim to malicious emails. Most of these emails are quite obvious, but from time to time you will run across a well cloaked message. If there is even a speck of doubt as to the origin of a message, check the header as described here and you just might save yourself from some big headaches!
Webinar: How To Use Google+ To Generate Leads
Posted by: | CommentsAfter all of this chatter, isn’t it about time you learn how to make use of Google+? I think so too, so I’ve managed to line up an extra special guest who is going to show you exactly what you need to know to turn Google’s huge push into the social media world into a lead generator.
I know, I know… You’re busy, and you’ve attended plenty of webinars lately right? None like this one – That’s a promise! This information is not being taught to loan officers anywhere else. This means that you have an incredible opportunity to get a head start! Join us on Thursday to see first hand how this strategy can be put into action! Here’s the link:
Google Asks Businesses to Hold Off…
Posted by: | CommentsThe project manager on Google Plus asked business owners to hold off on using your profile and account for business purposes… A negative? Hardly! Take a look at what he has to say in the video below:
In other words, Google is going to deliver a business enhanced version for those of us who see the power of Google + as a marketing tool! This is very good news, and is yet more evidence that you need to get in early to start learning the ropes! This is a whole new tool for your tool-box.
Sooooo…. Do you want to be a part of the Google+ test application to get your hands on it months before anyone else does? Here’s where you can register and request to be a part of the Google+ Beta (Business edition) Google + Business Application
Warnings From Google… What Does it Mean?
Posted by: | CommentsHave you received a “warning” email from Google lately? Certainly an email directly from Google is rarer than asparagus finding its way onto my dinner plate. So what exactly does it mean when the Big G sends you an email specifically to ask you to take a certain action? It means that you better take some action right? It’s in our own best interest to keep Google happy, and the advice is likely to be sound anyhow.
This time around Google has sent out a warning to WordPress site owners. Here’s a look at the email that was sent:
As you can see Google is concerned about Read More→
Complete Mortgage Marketing Video
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Whew! After nearly many long hours putting everything together, I’ve finally had enough breathing room to launch our Pre-Training video for “Complete Mortgage Marketing.” If you’re wondering what it’s all about, let me give you a few hints…
In my spare time I’ve been assembling a collection of mortgage marketing tutorials that will help loan officers come as close to possible to a “sure thing” with their marketing efforts. In video #1, you’ll be introduced to an intriguing experiment performed by the Washington Post in 2007 that you don’t want to miss.
I’ve also thrown in a copy and “mini-guide” of one of the single most effective email campaigns I used to get more than 20 high performance real estate agents to contact me within 30 minutes… It was nuts! (In a good sort of way!) If you want a closer look at the email I used, then you’re going to need to check out the video for yourself here:
Click To Access Complete Mortgage Marketing
Loan Officer Project is GONE- Good News!
Posted by: | CommentsThis is going to be one of those bad news, but good news posts, I can already tell. See, after 16 months of hosting live, 5 day training sessions to help loan officers learn about online mortgage marketing and lead generation for free, we hosted the very last session in November.
In other words, there will be no more Loan Officer Project training sessions from this point forward. I know this sounds like bad news, as these sessions were popular enough to land 200 – 500 participants in each session, despite the fact that it was a 5 day commitment; But there’s some good news hidden in there as well.
See, between the Loan Officer Project 5 day training, the Loan Officer Unleashed 4 day training, and now, the Send Cool Stuff project that launches in January, the time commitment was unsustainable. A single 5 day training session required a minimum of 20 hours of my own time between the webinar, answering questions, and following up with emails afterward.
So here’s where we get to the good news, and here’s where I need your help. I have setup a whole new website dedicated to the material we were teaching during the Loan Officer Project. This site is segmented into 5 segments delivered over 5 days once you login. (Yes, it will remain 100% free)
Each day will contain 3 videos, downloadable content, and detailed instructions on what you need to do for the day to keep your marketing moving forward. Where I need your help, is in deciding on what topics to include, as I’m scheduled to begin recording fresh videos this week. (The reason I am recording fresh videos instead of using recordings from previous Loan Officer Project sessions, is a lot has changed with Google and the search engines in the past 45 – 60 days)
I’d like to know from you, what topics do you need the most help with? WHat would you like to see covered in the Loan Officer Project? I’ve already set aside time to record:
- How to build and launch a website in 24 hours
- An introduction to SEO
- How to expand the functionality of your new website
- Website lead capture
- Blogging
- Driving traffic to your site
If there’s anything I’ve missed here, please let me know now. I’ve always been a huge fan of listening to what the audience says, and designing my courses based on your feedback. If there’s topics you need help with, let us know in the comment box below! Keep your eyes open for emails from me this month, as I’ll be providing you with updates on when the new Loan Officer Project is ready, as well as updates on our latest and greatest “Send Cool Stuff” project… (Just a fun name I’ve given to a very unique, and powerful marketing tool for loan officers)
Chat with you soon!
CHECK THIS OUT: (Teaser video for the Send Cool Stuff program) www.loanofficermarketinglab.com/comingsoon
The Worst Presentation I Ever Gave!
Posted by: | CommentsNote: This post is for entertainment – Nothing to learn here today other than some cheap laughs at my expense! Enjoy!
Have you ever had something happen to you that was so embarrassing you later found it impossible to think about without your face turning red? Do any of those events take place while at work, or in the field presenting to a potential client? My friends at SBTV are hosting a contest to see who submits the most “horrifying presentation story.” I entered my story yesterday. Read it and weep for me ok? Yes, it really did happen, and yes I still embarrass myself talking about it to this day. Here it is:
My presentation horror story is one of those “cringe worthy” events that hurts to even think about. This happened when I was a brand spanking new sales rep for a rather well known telecommunications giant. (So please cut me some slack for my reactions ok? I was still a youngling!) I had scheduled a presentation with a potential client that was far bigger than any I had worked with up to this point, so I was stoked as you might imagine!
Practically walking on air at this point as I had worked nearly 6 months to land this appointment with regional manager and VP of this massive firm. The only issue I had to overcome was the client could only meet with me at 7:00 in the morning, so I had to ask my boss permission to go straight to the appointment from my house the following morning. He agreed and gave me a little pep talk that amounted to a “go get ‘em” and “don’t screw this up” all rolled into one 45 second speech.
I set my alarm, put on my best attire, and left the house early to beat rush hour traffic… Traffic was great, I was set to arrive professionally 5 minutes early- everything was going my way! It would take a Yak and 10 oxen to pull the massive smile from my face! Or so I thought. See, even though it seemed as if the stars were aligned in my favor at this point, apparently fate has a wicked sense of humor and decided my smile was a tad bit too large and perhaps even mildly offensive as I was about to discover.
I pull into the lot exactly 7 minutes early and park the car, careful to avoid any of the “reserved” spots. Before exiting the vehicle I did one of those last minute review mirror checks to make sure I was “studly” enough to make a great first impression. Come on, you all know what I mean. Where you look in the mirror and check your “angles” from the left to the right to make sure there’s nothing funny hanging from your teeth, or a suspicious smear on your face…
Go through the process with me now: Tie looks good? Check… Right side of face free from errant food or hair? Check… Left side of face? Chec…. Er, HAIRY? Wha??? What is this? Some kind of bad dream?My pulse accelerated from zero to 500 in a fraction of a second as it suddenly dawned on me that I had stupidly managed to completely shave one side of my Read More→
The Final Loan Officer Project…
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So we just finished one more round of the 5 Days of Loan Officer Project. Kudos to all of you who put in the time and effort to build out your websites, and begin your online mortgage marketing!
Since we have 1 final round of the Loan Officer Project for 2009 (That’s it for 2009 – No more chances to get in!) I wanted to share some of the comments we received from attendee’s this past week:
Here’s What Attendee’s Are Saying:
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Since this is the final call of the year, we’re going to widen the doors a bit more than usual – 125 loan officers instead of just 100 this time around… During these 5 days, you’re going to:
- Build a lead generating website
- Learn how to market online
- Use Google to generate leads (No cost to implement)
- Discover the top performing Realtors in your market
- Use a unique method to get Realtors to give you loans
Since this is the final 5 day training event for the year, we’re going to bump up the attendance a bit. Instead of just 100 loan officers participating, we’ve turned up the knob a bit to 125… We expect these spots to go fast, and there’s only 1 way to get in:
https://www2.gotomeeting.com/register/674482123
Click the link above to register for our Pre-Training 30 minute call (The 5 day series doesn’t begin until November) – and reserve your spot now. See you there!
It’s Critical You Ask Yourself…
Posted by: | CommentsMy post is two – fold today. Something useful, and something entertaining! It’s Friday, it’s ok for me to share…
Today I want you to ask yourself questions about your current mortgage marketing efforts. Your marketing should accomplish 3 things.
1. It should reach large groups of people
2. It should be focused to grab attention
3. It should be targeted at likely targets
Why do I bring this up? Because even those who nod their heads yes, and claim to understand these facts don’t do anything about it! When I began building websites and online marketing strategies for loan officers, I had a unique opportunity to look closely at what most lenders use as a website, as a mortgage marketing plan, as a lead generator.
Let me tell you, there’s a reason most loan officers are not earning money from their websites! Why not?
1. The same loan officers who claim they already know they should target large groups of people, and also claim that hey “do” – most definitely do not. Less than 5% of the websites and online marketing plans I’ve reviewed for both individual loan officers, and larger offices get more than 2 or 3 visitors to their site per day.
In fact, most of these websites are all but invisible to the search engines and impossible to find by anyone interested in a mortgage. Please don’t make this mistake. It’s costly, it’s frustrating, and it’s unnecessary. A little bit of online mortgage marketing attention can go a long way!
2. Repeat after me: “Get a free quote now” is not a call to action! Well, maybe it is, but it’s not a good one. Yet I see this one phrase on the front page of nearly every mortgage website I stumble across. The call to action begins with, and ends with this one line.
This accomplishes little more than screaming to your prospects: “Hey! I’m just like every other website you’ve browsed and other than shopping for a rate and closing costs, you won’t get anything new here!” Think about it. Your website is you. As far as the prospect is concerned, this is likely the first exposure they’ve had to your business, and the only basis for judging your worth to them.
By placing a tired, overused statement on your front page as the one and only call to action, you’re telling them that you’ve got nothing else of value to offer. Not the message you would hope to communicate right? It’s an honest mistake for most, but one that should be rectified as soon as possible.
Put yourself into the shoes of a prospect visiting your website. What concerns would you have? What would grab your attention? Usable information right? Preferably offered up for free. Articles, how to, blog posts, and lead capture forms offering a report or “mini-course” that will help them avoid mistakes are all great ways to stimulate interest and capture leads.
3. Once again, most mortgage marketing I stumble across would not pass inspection when it comes to targeting prospects. Yes, it can be difficult to focus your energies and efforts on a niche market when you see so many possibilities – not wanting to let opportunities slip through the cracks.
But if you’re serious about closing more loans, and you want to give your marketing efforts a boost, then it’s time to figure out just who you are selling to and why. Most websites are a large mass of links, with no true direction. They try to be all things to all people in the hopes that whether you’re a FSBO, a first time home buyer, a move up buyer, an FHA candidate, a refi prospect, a mortgage mod prospect, a…. Well you get the point.
When you try to get 1 website to sell well to so many different prospects, all that is really accomplished is the message is severely diluted. It’s a lot like the guy trying to be the jack of all trades – ends up doing lots of things, but none of them all that well.
With all that said, I hope this is taken to heart. I may be quite gruff, or blunt at times, but I prefer to tell it how it is as opposed to beating around the bush. This is your career after all, and it’s an important topic worthy of a critical eye.
If you’d like to learn more about using your website as a mortgage marketing tool, here’s a link for you to check out: marketing online
Now… Onto the fun part. I received an email last night with pictures of cakes. That’s right, the pics below are all just flour, sugar, eggs, and frosting. (Ok, a few more ingredients – But impressive no?) – I want to eat the soda can cake…
Hope you found this interesting! Hey look, whoever made this cake even fashioned a cord and plug on the money machine! Attention to detail. Now to salvage my image as posting on topic and relevant blog posts? Well, what can we learn from this? That anything, even making a cake can be elevated to a fascinating level.
I’m stunned by the talent and creativity on display here, how about you? These images have been forwarded from email to email millions of times. They’re cakes! Did you wake up this morning thinking you’d be stunned by pictures of a cake? Point being that we as a people appreciate excellence. Put the same level of excellence into your marketing efforts.
Don’t make this an ordinary day, make it extraordinary. Ok, I’m off to go grab myself a boring and likely very square cake from the bakery… At least it will taste good…
Loan Officer Training – Time Travel and Lead Generation
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It’s fun to imagine what you would do differently if you could just hit the restart button. I’ve often asked myself what I would do differently if I had to start my career over in today’s market.
While some things never change within a sales and marketing industry, some things have evolved quite a bit. If I were a loan officer training to get started ASAP, here’s what I would do: Read More→
