Networks have a vital role to play for their appointed representatives (ARs), and for any network operation, commitment is key. Simply being involved is not enough. Involvement is like a sandwich with no meat – it just doesn’t cut the mustard.
This commitment can take many forms. Some broker firms may purely want the support of their network for compliance purposes, while others may want help to develop their businesses. Whatever the requirements, the network must be able to satisfy the requirements and be committed to helping the mortgage intermediary further their own business.
Competition for your clients business is growing at a fast pace and it’s important that networks keep you up-to-date with industry developments in order to stay ahead of the chasing pack. It is just as important that they provide you with all the tools and training you need to take advantage of opportunities as and when they arise.
The support provided by networks is, of course, provided at a cost – and not just membership fees and a percentage of turnover but in most cases in the form of targets or fines if these targets are not met.
Our commitment is to provide support and services inline with our ARs’ objectives not our own, which is why we don’t set minimum business levels or targets.
Time to hit the road?
As the exhibition season slowly creeps up on us all, so does the barrage of network roadshows. Just flicking through the trade publications you will struggle not to see enticing offers from networks who are embarking on whistle-stop tours of the UK in the hope of drumming up interest from potential ARs.
These events provide a good insight into what’s on offer and with a significant investment of time and money needed to deliver these you can argue that these tours of the country certainly demonstrate commitment. But does this invitation extend to the network’s existing ARs? Or is this invitation only open to the new customers?
One of our commitments to our existing ARs is to invite them to over 40 regional meetings held across the country throughout the year. Our third series of regional meetings designed exclusively for our existing ARs has just started and includes 14 locations up and down the country.
With over 400 ARs registered to attend this series so far, it certainly proves the commitment of our brokers to hear what we have to say. I personally attend each event as I believe that it is important to deliver messages in person and hear first-hand what our brokers would like us to deliver and discuss how we can work together to achieve just that. We work with our brokers to ensure our services are developed in line with their needs and market demands. Honest, face-to-face discussions provide the perfect platform to help do this which is why we will continue to run these events.
If your network provides you with any of these then I’d advise you to take full advantage. If not, then maybe it’s time to ask yourself if your network is committed to you.
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