In their latest chapter, Aussie Warwick describe how they are building business through partnerships and sponsorships
Phil Barton and Natalie Duong began Aussie Warwick last year. Over 12 exclusive diary entries they talk about the personal and professional challenges of running a new brokerage.
The Aussie brand is iconic, and no question it is easy to identify. However consumers’ opinions of Aussie are not just forged by the brand, they are also born from the experience that clients have with their broker at the most personal level. The brand will capture the attention; however it is up to the broker to initiate and deliver on the first date, and first impressions last.
A good sign that we have had successful first dates is that we have been busier than ever at the start of the new financial year, and are looking for a personal best in settlements for the month of July. We have had large volumes of walk in enquiries and client referrals have been steadily on the increase.
Greater news is that Saturday openings are providing solid opportunities each week and focus can now turn to finalising a partnership with a local business group to be their preferred local mortgage broker.
I have been exploring opportunities for sponsoring various community groups and have profiled many, from sports clubs to social groups, gyms and other associations. We logically settled on a business group as we have a broker with commercial and SMSF accreditation in store and so felt that this was a good match.
An appointment was arranged with the chairman of the group, held at the store so that he could get a good feel to who and what we are about, and to see that “we” are Aussie.
The meeting progressed and was fruitful, the representative had previous experience in the brokerage world and understood our brand and direction perfectly.
In our eyes, people or businesses will become promoters only if you can demonstrate your work ethic, professionalism, integrity and respect for others. I am proud to own an investment in the Aussie brand, but what we are promoting is much more tangible than a name.
To that end my discussion was about what we hope to provide to the group, how we can promote the group and our ability to become actively involved in the mechanics of the group. We are passionate about what we do and want to be more than a passenger, this is an important element for our partner to understand.
When the meeting turned to the main course, financial commitment, being part of such a large brand does have its drawback. The expectation of monetary outlay may not meet the reality of what a new franchise can offer; my intention is to commit on a scale now that we can manage, but with a long term view that the commitment can grow as the relationship also grows.
Negotiations are still proceeding and a final figure is yet to be confirmed, it will not be insubstantial, but I am confident we have found a good partner and will work hard to make it a mutually rewarding marriage.
What these meetings show me is that we are really understanding our direction, and that growth is not about grabbing opportunities as they walk through the door. It is about thinking strategically and self-promoting, it is about investing in ourselves and activating spheres of influence that will cultivate professional relationships. We can only do this by being in the moment and ensuring that intent is demonstrated by action.
“People don't buy what you do; they buy why you do it. And what you do simply proves what you believe”
― Simon Sinek, Start with Why: How Great Leaders Inspire Everyone to Take Action
On a side note the recruitment of an additional mortgage broker is still in full swing, the advert is on Seek and has provided a number of applicants. The quality of some is astounding. We have shortlisted candidates and I hope to provide an introduction to our new broker in a future diary entry.
The Aussie brand is iconic, and no question it is easy to identify. However consumers’ opinions of Aussie are not just forged by the brand, they are also born from the experience that clients have with their broker at the most personal level. The brand will capture the attention; however it is up to the broker to initiate and deliver on the first date, and first impressions last.
A good sign that we have had successful first dates is that we have been busier than ever at the start of the new financial year, and are looking for a personal best in settlements for the month of July. We have had large volumes of walk in enquiries and client referrals have been steadily on the increase.
Greater news is that Saturday openings are providing solid opportunities each week and focus can now turn to finalising a partnership with a local business group to be their preferred local mortgage broker.
I have been exploring opportunities for sponsoring various community groups and have profiled many, from sports clubs to social groups, gyms and other associations. We logically settled on a business group as we have a broker with commercial and SMSF accreditation in store and so felt that this was a good match.
An appointment was arranged with the chairman of the group, held at the store so that he could get a good feel to who and what we are about, and to see that “we” are Aussie.
The meeting progressed and was fruitful, the representative had previous experience in the brokerage world and understood our brand and direction perfectly.
In our eyes, people or businesses will become promoters only if you can demonstrate your work ethic, professionalism, integrity and respect for others. I am proud to own an investment in the Aussie brand, but what we are promoting is much more tangible than a name.
To that end my discussion was about what we hope to provide to the group, how we can promote the group and our ability to become actively involved in the mechanics of the group. We are passionate about what we do and want to be more than a passenger, this is an important element for our partner to understand.
When the meeting turned to the main course, financial commitment, being part of such a large brand does have its drawback. The expectation of monetary outlay may not meet the reality of what a new franchise can offer; my intention is to commit on a scale now that we can manage, but with a long term view that the commitment can grow as the relationship also grows.
Negotiations are still proceeding and a final figure is yet to be confirmed, it will not be insubstantial, but I am confident we have found a good partner and will work hard to make it a mutually rewarding marriage.
What these meetings show me is that we are really understanding our direction, and that growth is not about grabbing opportunities as they walk through the door. It is about thinking strategically and self-promoting, it is about investing in ourselves and activating spheres of influence that will cultivate professional relationships. We can only do this by being in the moment and ensuring that intent is demonstrated by action.
“People don't buy what you do; they buy why you do it. And what you do simply proves what you believe”
― Simon Sinek, Start with Why: How Great Leaders Inspire Everyone to Take Action
On a side note the recruitment of an additional mortgage broker is still in full swing, the advert is on Seek and has provided a number of applicants. The quality of some is astounding. We have shortlisted candidates and I hope to provide an introduction to our new broker in a future diary entry.
Phil and Natalie will be detailing their experiences 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:
Diary of a new brokerage #9: Deciding to sacrifice Saturdays
Previous diary entries:
Diary of a new brokerage #9: Deciding to sacrifice Saturdays
