In this episode of Elite Broker, Acitv8 Finance founder Cathy Brown joins host Annie Kane to reflect on how she was inspired to become a broker while on maternity leave from her BDM role. Cathy will discuss the challenges that she has faced in setting up Activ8 Finance, how she approached forging relationships with other professionals within the sector, and how her original business plan has evolved into the business that she runs today. Cathy will also share: - How her finance background aids her in offering holistic solutions for her clients - The integration of outsourcing within her business model - How she is combating the gap in the financial education system with her daughter And plenty more!

In March, Keystone Financial took home the NSW Better Business Award for Community Engagement Program, in recognition of its Golden Hearts charity and community program and its work supporting B1G1 - a charity that funds projects in line with the United Nations' Sustainable Development Goals.

In this episode of the Elite Broker podcast, broker and director of Keystone Financial PJ Patterson joins host Annie Kane to discuss why community engagement and giving back is important to him, how he goes about offering a holistic wealth service for his clients, and his work chairing the Independent Finance Brokers Forum.

PJ will also share:

- His top tip for generating business leads - What the Independent Finance Brokers Forum offers brokers - How his community work is integrated into his business

And plenty more!

The In Focus podcast has previously looked at the role of CRM systems in creating more efficient, personalised service for the customer and broker alike, with the March episode hearing from REA Group’s Steve Carroll and how brokers can start their digital journey.

In this episode, realestate.com.au home loans specialist Peita Davies joins host Annie Kane to share first-hand how she is utilising digital services in her role, and reflect on the changes that she has seen in her 17 years as a broker.

Peita will share how realestate.com.au Home Loans is fusing the digital and personal interaction worlds together to help her meet her customers’ needs, how she is creating a social media presence, and how she measures favourable customer outcomes.

In this episode, tune in to find out:

- The CRM system that she utilises in her business and how it has changed how she communicates with her team - How technology is helping shape her business direction on a daily basis - The importance of content to connect with customers - What was involved in the transition into becoming a broker under the realestate.com.au Home Loans brand

And plenty more!

The branding of Rebecca Jarrett Dalton’s mortgage broking business, Two Red Shoes, cannot be disputed as she attends every client meeting wearing exactly that - a move that she says breaks the ice, gets a conversation started with her clients and mirrors the attitudes and branding of her business. In this episode of the Elite Broker podcast, Rebecca joins host Annie Kane to discuss the importance of strong branding, how she is standing out from the crowd as a broker, and to reflect on her role as a board member for The Haven – Napean Women’s Shelter. Rebecca will also share: - How she has built a tech-driven, automated business model - How she balanced motherhood with her business objectives - The importance that she places on sensory acuity in her role as a broker And plenty more!   

Having recently travelled the country for the Better Business Summit 2019 and coaching countless mortgage brokers on a weekly basis, motivational speaker, coach, and trainer Niik Stewart from Niik Stewart Empowerment knows first-hand what makes a broker good, and what makes a broker great. In this episode of In Focus, Niik joins host Annie Kane to discuss his transition from professional sportsman into the sales and coaching arena. He reveals the turning point at which he was able to take control of his career, why goals are such an important part of becoming your best you, and how a shift in mindset can take you to the top of your game.

In this episode, find out: - The basics of forming a strong relationship with a client - How reverse engineering goals is key to your success - What will make you stand out from other brokers

Having obtained continued recognition in the customer service categories of the Better Business Awards, husband and wife duo Marcus and Michelle Towner of Towner Finance reveal what they are doing to ensure that their brokerage is achieving excellent consumer outcomes. In this episode of the Elite Broker podcast, they join host Annie Kane to discuss their attitudes toward client communication, and how they have built a business which is almost 99 percent referral driven. They will also share - How they are navigating the current finance market and helping clients who may not gain finance approval - How they juggle their personal and business lives effectively - Their tips for new brokers in the current climate And plenty more

Kathy Dundas of No Fuss Home Loans took home the award for Best Customer Service (individual) at this year's Better Business Awards NSW. In this episode of the Elite Broker podcast, Kathy joins host Annie Kane to reveal how differentiates herself through customer service, the challenges she has faced in her journey as a broker, and her thoughts on where the broking industry could be headed. Kathy will also share thoughts on: - Ensuring good customer outcomes in an era of heightened scrutiny - Choosing an aggregator - The current state of property and credit market And plenty more!

Customer service and transparency have long been a drawcard for the broking industry, but as society becomes more accustomed to using and relying on technology, brokers are increasingly needing to access and excel in the digital arena to stay front of mind and offer personalised services.

In this episode of In Focus, Annie Kane is joined by the REA Group's director of industry relations and digital sales coach, Steve Carroll, as he reveals what the digital tech giants are doing to raise customer expectations and how brokers can take advantage of these lessons to grow revenue and continue to deliver great customer outcomes.

In this episode, tune in to find out:

- How the consumer experience is changing

- What brokers can learn from Facebook, Uber and Airbnb

- Where to start on your digital journey

And plenty more!

Red Door Financial Group took out three categories at the recent Better Business Awards in Melbourne, with the brokerage being named Victoria's Best Independent Office with 5 brokers or less and the Best New Office, while its director and broker Faris Dedic taking out the individual award for Best Newcomer.

In this episode of the Elite Broker podcast, Faris joins host Annie Kane to reveal how the brokerage is standing out from the crowd, how he is ensuring good consumer outcomes, and his top tips for new brokers. Faris will also share: - Why he believes that cold calling should be avoided - His advice for those looking to set up their own brokerage - The steps that he is taking to ensure business security in this time of uncertainty And plenty more!

Cornerstone Home Loans director and broker Tracie Palmer has helped train more than 200 brokers since she launched her own mentoring program, Cornerstone Mentoring, 10 years ago and recently took home the award of Mentor of the Year 2019 at the Better Business Awards in Queensland.

In this episode of the Elite Broker podcast, Tracie joins host Annie Kane to share why she decided to become a mentor, how she balances both her mentoring and broking businesses, and why she believes that being a good mentor is about more than a simple chat with those you want to help. Tracie will also share:

- The systems and processes she follows to ensure productivity - Her advice on growing a strong support team - Why she believes that you should associate with other successful brokers And plenty more!