Once more, the 10-year yield remained flat.  Brexit and trade war concerns continue; while the FED is sending mixed signals.  All of these things lead to some uncertainly; which then leads to pressure keeping interest rates low.

Incremental Improvements can Lead to Significant Results:

Like many, I traveled away for the Thanksgiving holiday. It was a pleasure for me as I got to spend time with both of my sons and their significant others. One of the things I found interesting was we spent some time with folks from other families. There was a young gentleman there that was an avid golfer, and played up on the Canadian Pro Tour. He is really good; however, he isn’t quite good enough to make it to the professional tour here in America. He has some weaknesses that my younger son (who is a Physical Performance Coach) was willing to help him with. However, this young golfer, felt he was doing everything right and he really didn’t want to listen.

Now maybe this young athlete will eventually get so frustrated that he will be willing to look at ways to improve.  Only time will tell as we all know that life has a way of encouraging change.  Of course, this was not his time to make changes as he is not frustrated enough quite yet.

However, it did get me thinking about how all of us have areas requiring improvement.  For those of us in business, if we can make some small incremental improvements, then we can make some substantial gains in our overall respective businesses.

So, let me be the one to start this. I am really good at several things in my business.

• Nationwide Commercial Loan Sourcing for Purchases and Refinances
• Portfolio Loan Analysis to Improve Cost-efficiencies that support Client financial goals
• Protecting Clients from what they do not know
• Solving complex problems
• Connecting Clients and Business Partners to great resources
• Etc.

However, I have my weaknesses. I am not a great social marketer. Marketing has always been something I struggle with. If I can find ways to improve my marketing so that I get solid leads coming in, then it would make a huge difference in my business.

Thus, I am trying an experiment this week. I’ve looked at this weekly email as a way for all of us to help each other. I am currently looking for the best in class when it comes to marketing. If you or someone you know is really good at that, then I want to know them. For me, improving my number of quality leads and referrals would create massive Improvement.

Some of the potential solutions might come from Residential Loan Originators, Realtors or Commercial Real Estate Brokers.  Each of them may be doing something that could be adapted by my world.

• I suspect that many Realtors use Zillow leads.  One question that comes up is who follows up on those leads if the Realtor is already too busy?
• Some CRE Brokers use data sources like Reonomy.  What is an effective way to use the data to get high probability leads?  Are virtual assistants being utilized intelligently and effectively?
• Which virtual sales teams are the best for setting appointments and/or making cold calls?

Anyway, you get the idea of what I am seeking.  What about you? What would help you?

Now we all have something we’re not great at. My challenge to you is to extend yourself, be vulnerable, and then look to others for help in these areas. It is fairly simple.  If you have some phenomenal resources that you feel would benefit the group reading this, then please let me know.  I know there are some professionals that truly enjoy helping others; and I am happy to use this email to get the word out.

By the way one of my strengths is I am very good at solving business problems for others quickly. As I’ve said in the past, it is far easier to help others than myself.  Note that I am happy to help.  All I ask is that you reciprocate; and then find ways to help me back.  This market may be tough for many associated with the real estate industry.  I would hate to think that we all are a bit too proud to not use each other as resources to improve incrementally!