The Biggest Mistake I Made in My Mortgage Career (And How I Fixed It)
My Biggest Mistake: Avoiding Relationships Outside My Company
For a long time, I believed that if we didn’t work at the same company, we couldn’t have a relationship. I thought my professional circle should be limited to those under the same corporate umbrella. I saw other professionals in my industry as competitors rather than as potential allies.
Boy, was I wrong.
I spent the greater part of my career shying away from relationships with people who could have helped me grow, sharpen my skills, and push me to be better. I missed out on opportunities to collaborate, learn new strategies, and gain different perspectives.
And let’s be real—our business is built on relationships. Not just with clients, but with other professionals in our space. The stronger our network, the stronger our business.
What Changed?
Over the last two years, I’ve completely flipped my mindset. I realized that some of the best insights, support, and business growth don’t always come from within your company—they come from the broader industry. Here’s what I learned:
Networking is not about competition; it’s about collaboration. Sometimes, you just need to talk to someone outside your company about a challenge or strategy. They may have already overcome something you’re facing.
You never know when you’ll need a connection. That coffee meeting, phone call, or Zoom session you have today could be the relationship that helps you down the road.
Adding value to others is a core principle. If I shy away from relationships, I’m also not living out one of my core values—helping others. Whether it’s sharing my experience or learning from someone else, every relationship is an opportunity to grow.
My Advice to You
If you’re holding back from building relationships because you think of others in your industry as “competition,” let me encourage you to rethink that mindset. Here’s how you can start expanding your network:
Take the call. If someone reaches out for a conversation, don’t ignore it.
Have the coffee. A quick meeting can lead to game-changing ideas.
Join industry events and masterminds. Surround yourself with professionals who challenge and inspire you.
Be open to mentorship and collaboration. There’s always someone who can learn from you, and always someone you can learn from.
Let’s Connect
I believe in relationships, and I’m here to help. If you ever need advice, have a question, or want to chat about growing in this business, I’m always here to serve. Let’s build something great—together.
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