Welcome to FinanceVine. We want to share some crucial insights to help you thrive from the beginning. Your first 90 days are critical – they’re your opportunity to lay a solid foundation for long-term success.
Let’s be blunt: This isn’t the time to dip your toes in the water. It’s time to dive in. We often see new agents approach their first month with a “let’s see what happens” attitude, a hesitant approach tainted by past experiences. Thoughts like “all lead gen is crap, but I guess I’ll give it one last shot” are self-defeating. You wouldn’t wake up planning to fail, so don’t let negativity sabotage your potential before you even get started.
Think of building your business like tending a garden. You wouldn’t plant a few seeds, barely water them, and expect a bountiful harvest in a week. Success requires consistent effort, nurturing, and patience. Your first 90 days are your planting season. The effort you put in now – the connections you make, the leads you follow up on, the knowledge you absorb – will directly impact the fruits of your labor down the line.
Now, let’s dig into some key principles to cultivate a thriving business:
1. Business Is Where You Find It: This Isn’t a Unicorn Hunt
It’s easy to fall into the trap of having a hyper-specific idea of your ideal lead. We’ve heard it before: “I only want bad credit debt refi leads in the GTA.” While specialization can be beneficial down the road, in your initial phase, you need to be open to opportunities. Expecting only “perfect” leads is like a fisherman throwing back perfectly good fish because they aren’t the exact size or species they were hoping for.
Think of it this way: a fisherman doesn’t only aim for the biggest salmon; they cast their net and take all the valuable fish that come their way. Similarly, you need to approach lead generation with an open mind. Don’t dismiss leads simply because they don’t fit a narrow, pre-conceived notion. There’s valuable business to be found in various scenarios and demographics.
2. It’s a Numbers Game, Not a Lottery Ticket
Success in this industry isn’t about landing that one magical lead that closes instantly. It’s about consistent effort and working the numbers. Don’t expect to send three emails and close a deal. Our data shows that it typically takes around 35 touchpoints on average to fund a deal.
This might sound daunting, but it underscores the importance of consistent follow-up, building relationships, and nurturing leads. Every interaction, even if it doesn’t immediately result in a sale, is a step closer to success. Don’t get discouraged by initial rejections or a lack of immediate results. Stay persistent and focus on the process.
3. Don’t Leave Gold in the Streets Because You’re Too Lazy to Pick It Up
This might sound harsh, but it’s a reality we see too often. Leads are valuable. They represent potential income and the opportunity to help someone achieve their financial goals. Treating leads with a dismissive attitude or failing to follow up diligently is like walking past a pile of gold because you don’t feel like bending down to pick it up.
Every lead, regardless of its initial perceived “quality,” deserves your attention. You never know where a conversation might lead. That “not ideal” lead could have a referral network you haven’t tapped into, or their situation might evolve in the future. Be proactive, be responsive, and treat every lead as a potential opportunity.
Your First 90 Days: A Call to Action
Your first 90 days are a crucial investment in your future. Embrace the learning process, be open to different types of business, and commit to consistent effort. Don’t let past experiences or negative assumptions hold you back. Approach each day with a positive attitude and a willingness to work hard.
Remember the garden analogy. Plant those seeds diligently, water them consistently (through persistent follow-up), and nurture them with your knowledge and expertise. You’ll be amazed at the growth you’ll see in the months and years to come.
We’re here to support you every step of the way. Welcome to FinanceVine – let’s build something great together!