Next Level Loan Officers Next Level Loan Officers

In this episode of the Next Level Podcast, Shane, Sean and Kyle dive into the exhilarating world of sales and marketing with special guest Darin Rhodes. Discover how the right strategies, paired with effective technology use, can transform your approach to CRM and lead generation!


04:23- The Need for Execution and Strategy in Marketing
10:42 - Applying the Marketing Formula to Loan Officers
21:45 - The Power of Making Offers to Solve Problems
27:29 - Using Technology to Scale Offers to the Right Audience

 Takeaways:
 
Ideas are plentiful, but execution is key. Shift your energy from collecting new strategies to implementing what you already know. It’s all about the practical steps—block and tackle.
If you’re using a CRM system or any significant piece of technology, take the time to really understand it. Purchasing a tool isn’t enough; you need to know how to leverage it effectively to benefit your business.
Always circle back to assess the effectiveness of strategies and tools. If something isn’t working, adjust the strategy rather than abandoning the tool.
 
 While technology is essential, the human element—how you interact with and utilize the technology—is what makes the difference in providing value.
 
Quotes:
"It's really not about the technology as much as it is that that's just the tool that the best chefs use to make Michelin star menus, right? But it's not, it's not the tool, it's the chef."
 
 "Your content always springs from your strategy, not the other way around."
 
 "I don't want any more ideas. There are enough ideas already out there for me to have for the rest of my entrepreneurial life. I want to know how to execute."
 
 "I think there's a fifth part, which is the reevaluation at the end, which you talked about. But like, if people have never done this, that's probably one of the most important steps."


Show Links:
Community Platform: www.BecomeNL.com 
Podcast Partner: https://leadpops.com/mortgage/partners/nextlevel/ 
 
Social Media:
Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/NextLevelLoanOfficers/ 
YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCwSyHzkvBri1YWJSH7df1CQ 
LinkedIn – https://www.linkedin.com/company/next-level-loan-officers/about/ 

In this episode, Kyle Draper along with Jonathan Mast talks about how AI can make work and life easier, especially if you find focusing hard. Jonathan gives simple tips on using AI to get things done faster and better. Tune in to learn how you can use AI to help with your projects and become a go-to expert in what you do!
00:00 - Introduction and Importance of Community
07:41 - The Prompting Framework for AI
14:56 - Incorporating Personality Types into AI Prompts
 
 Takeaways:
AI is not just a technological advancement but a transformative tool that can elevate both your personal life and business ventures. Jonathan Mast's insights encourage you to explore how AI can open new avenues for learning and development.
AI has the capability to make complex tasks more manageable and to expedite the completion of projects. This is particularly beneficial if you're in a fast-paced environment or need to meet tight deadlines.

With AI's assistance, reaching your goals becomes a more streamlined process. Whether it's completing a project ahead of schedule or mastering a new skill, AI can offer the support and resources necessary for success.


Quotes:
" AI isn't going to replace us, but people using AI will. "
 
 " Topical authority is being seen as the expert in your niche. "
 
 " Good today is better than perfect tomorrow, because tomorrow will never come if we try to be perfect. “
 
 " Being an adult with ADD, anything that allows me to do something quickly is a win for me. “


Show Links:
Community Platform: www.BecomeNL.com 
Podcast Partner: https://leadpops.com/mortgage/partners/nextlevel/ 
 
Social Media:
Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/NextLevelLoanOfficers/ 
YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCwSyHzkvBri1YWJSH7df1CQ 
LinkedIn – https://www.linkedin.com/company/next-level-loan-officers/about/ 

In this episode, Shane Kidwell and Sean Zalmanoff tackle the crucial topic of taking well-deserved breaks and establishing firm boundaries in the demanding arena of commission-based work. They deliver powerful insights on how to seamlessly disconnect, ensuring your team has everything under control, so you can recharge without a hitch.
 
 03:16 - Different Types of Trips and Setting Up for Vacation
06:10 - Different Approach for Work Trips
09:58 - Setting Up Team and Communication
10:26 - Accepting Consequences and Results
12:45 - Working on Weekends
20:26 - Owning Your Time and Leveraging Technology

Takeaways:
Understand that taking time off isn't just about leaving work; it's about strategically planning so that your absence is as smooth as possible for everyone involved. Before you step away, ensure your team and clients know who to contact and how to handle urgent issues. This planning helps you truly relax and enjoy your time off, knowing everything is under control.
Embrace tools and systems that make remote work and communication seamless. Applications like RingCentral for calls or Calendly for scheduling are invaluable. They allow you to maintain a presence and ensure continuity in your work, even when you're not physically available.
 
 Keep your clients, team, and partners in the loop about your availability. Clear communication helps manage expectations and reduces the chances of misunderstandings or frustrations during your absence. This proactive approach ensures smoother transitions and maintains trust in your professional relationships.

Quotes:
"You are entitled to take a vacation. You are a full-fledged adult. You can do that. Everyone else in life takes vacations where they don't work."
 
 "Be where your feet are. I don't remember who said it, but it's definitely something in our industry that we can all be more present and do more of."
 
 "You can't effectively be two places at once. And I think that's important to understand, be where you're going to be and be effective in that time."
 
 "Just set your team up for success. And your team is not just your team. I believe your team are your agents, your referral partners, your pre-approvals."


Show Links:
Community Platform: www.BecomeNL.com 
Podcast Partner: https://leadpops.com/mortgage/partners/nextlevel/ 
 
Social Media:
Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/NextLevelLoanOfficers/ 
YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCwSyHzkvBri1YWJSH7df1CQ 
LinkedIn – https://www.linkedin.com/company/next-level-loan-officers/about/ 

In this episode, Kyle Draper introduces Luke Shankula, the CEO and founder of Loans on Demand. They discuss Luke's marketing tactics, specifically his use of two-step posts to generate engagement and leads. Luke explains the strategy behind these posts and how they can be effective in gaming the algorithm and starting conversations with potential clients. He also emphasizes the importance of being a person of value and creating content that resonates with your target audience.
01:01 - Annoying Marketing Tactics
08:08 - Overcoming the 'Ickiness'
10:08 - Creating Buzz with Two-Step Approaches
13:30 - Being Seen as a Person of Value
20:20 - Generating Content Ideas
23:15 - What Loans on Demand Does
25:14 -Next Level Community
26:13 - Acknowledging Mistakes
 
 Takeaways:
Whether it's sharing expertise, tips, or resources, consistently offering something valuable builds your reputation as a knowledgeable and helpful professional. This can attract more engagement and interest in your services.
Asking your audience to comment for more information or resources can increase engagement and reach. It also allows you to directly connect with interested individuals through private messages.
 
 Everyday activities and experiences can be valuable content. Sharing these moments can help you connect with your audience on a more personal level, showing that you're more than just your business.
 
 Just like in-person relationships, online relationships thrive on interaction. Commenting on, liking, and sharing others' content can help build your online community and presence.
Quotes:
"Understand what they need and what they want... if you've never presented value to your audience, the reason I'm able to get away with this is because I, for the last six years, have posted consistently and put out value."
 
 "This is called a two-step post... what that just means is you're making someone take an action and then you're going to do something because of their action."
 
 "If you're just putting out crap, people are going to catch on... You have to actually put out value. You have to engage with them because then there's the law of reciprocity."
 
 "I'm always taking pictures and recording video. How much of that makes it to social? Hardly any of it. But I'm just always capturing content."


Show Links:
Community Platform: www.BecomeNL.com 
Podcast Partner: https://leadpops.com/mortgage/partners/nextlevel/ 
Social Media:
Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/NextLevelLoanOfficers/ 
YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCwSyHzkvBri1YWJSH7df1CQ 
LinkedIn – https://www.linkedin.com/company/next-level-loan-officers/about/ 

In this week's podcast, Shane Kidwell, Kyle Draper, and Sean Zalmanoff discuss the shifting importance in the mortgage industry and the need for thoughtful staffing decisions. They emphasize the importance of understanding your worth and hiring based on your expertise. The episode also touches on the benefits of hiring contractors and the need for effective planning and process. 


02:03 - Shifting Importance in the Mortgage Industry
03:26 - Assessing Staffing Needs and Challenges
04:52 - The Scarcity Mindset and Hiring Locally
06:45 - Overcoming the Physicality of the Team
09:30 - Efficiency and ROI in Hiring
12:25 - The First Hire in a Growing Mortgage Company
22:26 - The Importance of Planning and Process
25:42 - Understanding Your Worth and Asking the Right Questions


Takeaways:
Embrace the shift towards digital and remote work environments. Recognize that efficiency and productivity can be enhanced through virtual meetings and remote staffing, which also allows for a broader talent pool beyond geographical limitations.
Before hiring, clearly define the roles and responsibilities based on your business needs and personal strengths. This planning phase helps in identifying whether a task requires a full-time employee, a part-time assistant, a contractor, or can be automated through technology.
 
Recognize the value of your time and expertise. Focus on tasks that you excel at, are passionate about, and that directly contribute to revenue generation. Delegate or outsource tasks that can be performed adequately by others at a lower cost.
 
For many businesses, especially in the current market, the first hires or outsourced roles should focus on branding, marketing, and social media to enhance lead generation and establish a strong online presence. This approach prioritizes top-of-funnel activities that are essential for growth.


Quotes:
"The reality is that we're so often just trying to put our finger in the hole in the dam. We don't even understand why there's a dam."
 
 "Be inquisitive and be a learner. And if you're inquisitive with like full humility, like when you get a bill from the IRS for 56 grand, that humbles you even if you're not super humble."
"Whether that's in us, whether that's in yourself, whether that's in both, whether that's in a gym membership, maybe it's investing in Sundays, you know, taking some time with your family, but invest."
 
 "And we have stronger relationships because we have to be intentional versus the people that just think they're doing a good job because they happen to see their people every day."
 
Show Links:
Community Platform: www.BecomeNL.com 
Podcast Partner: https://leadpops.com/mortgage/partners/nextlevel/ 
 
Social Media:
Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/NextLevelLoanOfficers/ 
YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCwSyHzkvBri1YWJSH7df1CQ 
LinkedIn – https://www.linkedin.com/company/next-level-loan-officers/about/ 

In this week's podcast, Shane Kidwell, Kyle Draper, and Sean Zalmanoff highlight the importance of actively engaging with others on social media, suggesting listeners spend a few minutes daily to genuinely connect by commenting on other people's posts. They share how this strategy can lead to stronger relationships and open up new opportunities.


00:59 - The Importance of Engaging on social media
05:54 - Engaging with Others' Content
10:43 - Engaging for Others' Benefit
12:53 - The Power of Listening and Engaging
16:18 - The Challenge: Engaging with Others' Content
 
Takeaways:
Instead of just posting about your own stuff, take the time to reply to what others are sharing. It's like having a real conversation, where you listen and respond, rather than just talking about yourself all the time.
When you comment on someone's post, make it meaningful. It's not just about leaving any comment but saying something that shows you really paid attention to what they shared. This can make people feel valued and strengthen your connections.
 
 The speakers suggest a challenge where you dedicate some time each day to thoughtfully engage with others on social media. This strategy can help you stand out and create a supportive network around you.


Quotes:
"Social media is a two-way street... They're looking for people who use it as a one-way street and cutting down their engagement."
 
 "We didn't want to bring AAA experts to you. We wanted to bring only major league experts."
"This month inside the Next Level community is all about AI... we designed the next 12 months of pieces of training and teachings all around being super intentional with everything we bring to you."
 
 "What if for 30 days, you opened up Facebook, LinkedIn, Instagram, whatever platform you're on and everything you saw on your screen, you couldn't scroll past without leaving an engaging, thoughtful, selfless comment."
 
Show Links:
Community Platform: www.BecomeNL.com 
Podcast Partner: https://leadpops.com/mortgage/partners/nextlevel/ 
 
Social Media:
Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/NextLevelLoanOfficers/ 
YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCwSyHzkvBri1YWJSH7df1CQ 
LinkedIn – https://www.linkedin.com/company/next-level-loan-officers/about/