The BDO Show

Welcome to The BDO Show! A podcast for passionate BDOs wanting to level up their game with advice and stories from battle-tested BDO's.

Step into the dynamic world of Business Development Officers with us, as Emily, Alan, and Ryan pull back the curtain on what it's like to intimately understand America's small businesses during site visits. Our stories showcase the spectrum of entrepreneurial spirits and underline the art of creating bespoke financial solutions. In the lively exchange of tales, we uncover the true essence of personal connections within the industry and how they shape the way BDOs engage with each unique borrower.

This episode takes you on a mentorship journey, where one of our personal encounters with a senior bank leader during a site visit reverberates with lessons on assessing borrower character and the risks involved in financial dealings. The anecdotes from our field audits bring home the vital nature of due diligence; from discovering fishy practices at a boat dealership to a bar with a burlesque license, these stories emphasize why no deal should ever risk your career. We navigate through these experiences, demonstrating the commitment required to safeguard against fraud and the unexpected.

As we wrap up, we share a thrilling case study of financing a private security firm, where creativity met compliance to overcome licensing hurdles and clinch a successful deal. I highlight the importance of proactive deal-closing strategies and the value of checklists to streamline the transaction process. Engage with us, as your questions and topics fuel our future episodes, ensuring a shared journey through the multifaceted terrain of BDO engagements.

Please e-mail us any questions, or suggestions for future episode topics at [email protected]

This episode is sponsored by:

SBA Protection Quick Close Life Insurance – the fastest, easiest way to secure the insurance protection your borrower needs for their SBA loan.

For more information, visit their website www.sbaprotection.com or email Adam Bergen at [email protected]

The views and opinions expressed in this program are our own and/or those of our guests. They do not necessarily reflect the views or positions of our employers.

Welcome to The BDO Show! A podcast for passionate BDOs wanting to level up their game with advice and stories from battle-tested BDO's.

On this week's episode we're discussing what to look for in an SBA shop? We kick things off by discussing why selecting the right boss can be a career game-changer and the nuances of choosing an SBA shop that complements your unique deal-making skills. Understanding leadership dynamics and how they shape the work environment is crucial, and we provide insights into how these factors determine job satisfaction and personal growth within the industry.

Transitioning from underwriting to sales is no small feat, and it's a journey Sterling has intensely traversed. Sharing his story, we explore how self-awareness can point you towards the right career choices, with a special nod to the value of mentorship in specialized fields. For anyone on the cusp of such a move, or those plotting a course towards leadership, we discuss how sales can expand your experience and pave the way to the top. Plus, we don't shy away from the gritty details of performance management and the tough decisions that come with knowing when to let an employee go.

Our conversation takes a deep dive into the ramp-up phases for new Business Development Officers, from setting realistic sales targets to understanding the minimum accepted performance standards. We stress the importance of self-evaluation and recognizing when it's time to pivot if you're not thriving in your current role. For those eyeing their next big move, we offer expert advice on how to best present your loan portfolio during interviews, helping you secure a spot where your talents will shine. This episode is an essential listen for anyone eager to excel in the competitive landscape of banking and sales.

This episode is sponsored by:

SBA Protection Quick Close Life Insurance – the fastest, easiest way to secure the insurance protection your borrower needs for their SBA loan. For more information, visit their website www.sbaprotection.com or email Adam Bergen at [email protected]

The views and opinions expressed in this program are our own and/or those of our guests. They do not necessarily reflect the views or positions of our employers.

Welcome to The BDO Show! A podcast for passionate BDOs wanting to level up their game with advice and stories from battle-tested BDO's.

Juggling a thriving career with a bustling family life is more acrobatics than most of us signed up for, but somehow, we make it work. In our heartfelt conversation, we peel back the layers on how we manage the daily tango of meeting professional demands while keeping personal time sacred. Sterling shares the profound satisfaction of enabling his wife's choice to stay at home and how this supports his son's future, while Alan toasts to a 'monster March' after clinching a crucial deal that eases our team's sales pressure. We get real about the pandemic reshaping our boundaries, with Ryan spotlighting the need to safeguard family moments and Sterling giving us a peek into his new reality as a dad and a professional.

When it's time to talk strategy, Chris shares how his life is rich with community work and nonprofit efforts. This sparks an honest discussion about the nuances of work-life balance for those without children and how one measures success beyond the financial scoreboard. As we near the end, the focus shifts to the art of selecting just the right business conferences to enrich both our careers and our family lives. We're sharing laughs and learning the ropes of incorporating our loved ones into work travel, embracing the evolving inclusive atmosphere at professional events, and the excitement of reconnecting with colleagues face-to-face post-pandemic. Tune in and take a journey with us through the ups, downs, and rewarding moments of striking that elusive work-life harmony.

Please e-mail us any questions, or suggestions for future episode topics at [email protected]

This episode is sponsored by:

SBA Protection Quick Close Life Insurance – the fastest, easiest way to secure the insurance protection your borrower needs for their SBA loan. For more information, visit their website www.sbaprotection.com or email Adam Bergen at [email protected]

The views and opinions expressed in this program are our own and/or those of our guests. They do not necessarily reflect the views or positions of our employers.

Welcome to The BDO Show! A podcast for passionate BDOs wanting to level up their game with advice and stories from battle-tested BDO's.

Unlock the secrets to managing a bustling deal pipeline with precision and flair! On this episode, our all-star lineup of co-hosts distill their wisdom on maneuvering through the complex world of deal-making. From my 'right to left' strategy that prioritizes wrapping up those near-complete deals, to Ryan's legendary Excel tracker that's a treasure trove of negotiation history, we're pulling back the curtain on tactics that guarantee a smoother path to the finish line.

Revolutionize your workflow with our deep dive into CRM systems like HubSpot, which are game-changers for the savvy Business Development Officer. Picture this: automated reminders, follow-ups that never miss a beat, and a goldmine of client information at your fingertips. We discuss how these powerful tools can transform the way you track term sheets and navigate underwriting stages, ensuring that you're always a step ahead. Plus, we share insider tips on assessing client interest and knowing when to gracefully bow out from a deal that's hit a dead end.

Finally, prepare to get the lowdown on leading a deal from a handshake to a successful close. We spotlight the critical moments in the loan pipeline, emphasizing the urgency of securing signed term sheets and the proactive strategies for sailing through underwriting queries. It's about more than just dotting I's and crossing T's; it's about continuous communication and the finesse of a pre-closing checklist that elevates the customer experience. Join us as we divulge the essentials for ensuring a seamless and efficient journey to the closing table, peppered with real-world advice from our panel of experts.

Please e-mail us any questions, or suggestions for future episode topics at [email protected]

This episode is sponsored by:

SBA Protection Quick Close Life Insurance – the fastest, easiest way to secure the insurance protection your borrower needs for their SBA loan. For more information, visit their website www.sbaprotection.com or email Adam Bergen at [email protected]

The views and opinions expressed in this program are our own and/or those of our guests. They do not necessarily reflect the views or positions of our employers.

Welcome to The BDO Show! A podcast for passionate BDOs wanting to level up their game with advice and stories from battle-tested BDO's.

Ever wonder who the maestro of a deal really is? Strap in as we unravel the web of SBA loan negotiations and the indispensable role of a BDO. Our lively exchange reveals the delicate balance of leadership and collaboration necessary to shepherd deals to their fruitful end. Alan lets us in on his strategy of setting the pace early on, then deftly passing the baton to the bank's machinery, showcasing that success hinges on a well-oiled team and process.

Dive headfirst into the trenches of loan closing with us as we dissect the symbiotic dance between BDOs and business brokers. With tales from the front line, we illuminate the art of keeping a deal's pulse racing and the inestimable value of local brokers in sealing acquisition deals. We confront the often-murky waters of maintaining engagement from all parties, avoiding the quicksand of seller hesitations, and sparking the fire under brokers to carry the torch over the months-long finish line. This episode is a masterclass in distinguishing the virtuosos from the 'Gmail brokers' in the orchestra of deal-making, and much more into the team of players who ultimately drive the deal together.

Please e-mail us any questions, or suggestions for future episode topics at [email protected]

This episode is sponsored by:

SBA Protection Quick Close Life Insurance – the fastest, easiest way to secure the insurance protection your borrower needs for their SBA loan. For more information, visit their website www.sbaprotection.com or email Adam Bergen at [email protected]

The views and opinions expressed in this program are our own and/or those of our guests. They do not necessarily reflect the views or positions of our employers.

Welcome to The BDO Show! A podcast for passionate BDOs wanting to level up their game with advice and stories from battle-tested BDO's.

Strap in for a wild ride through the inner workings of SBA lending, because today, we're talking about the power of a well-oiled deal-closing machine. With the sage wisdom of our entertaining and experienced co-hosts, we're uncovering the secrets behind assembling a top-notch 'tribe'—the packagers, underwriters, approvers, closers, and attorneys who are the unsung heroes ensuring your deal doesn't just limbo under the bar but leaps over it with room to spare. We're peeling back the curtain on these vital relationships and how understanding the dynamics within your backroom team can transform a transaction from a nail-biter to a no-brainer.

Today's discussion isn't just about the importance of various members of your tribe; it's a masterclass in the art of partnership that examines every angle of communications and connections that can make or break your deals. We're sharing the strategies that turn even the most challenging underwriters into your greatest allies, fostering buy-in and trust that streamline the loan approval process. And if you've ever felt like a borrower lost in translation, our insights into optimizing borrower communication will ensure clarity reigns supreme in your business acquisitions.

It's an episode brimming with personal anecdotes, hard-earned expertise, and the kind of inside knowledge that can only come from years of experience. Whether you're a seasoned BDO or just gearing up for your first big deal, these are the insights that will have you negotiating like a pro and closing deals like a legend.

Please e-mail us any questions, or suggestions for future episode topics at [email protected]

This episode is sponsored by:

SBA Protection Quick Close Life Insurance – the fastest, easiest way to secure the insurance protection your borrower needs for their SBA loan. For more information, visit their website www.sbaprotection.com or email Adam Bergen at [email protected]

The views and opinions expressed in this program are our own and/or those of our guests. They do not necessarily reflect the views or positions of our employers.

Welcome to The BDO Show! A podcast for passionate BDOs wanting to level up their game with advice and stories from battle-tested BDO's.

In this episode, we uncover the intricacies and decision-making process BDOs go through when navigating the delicate process of declining loan requests. Join us as we uncover the behind-the-scenes challenges, triumphs, tough conversations, and the legendary tale of the infamous safari deal.

We explore the power of networking with bankers from different institutions to create a referral network that is robust, mutually beneficial, and ultimately, more successful. We also discuss that when managing declines and broker relationships, speed and honesty are your best allies. Learn from our experiences how to maintain trust with clients and brokers alike, even when the news isn't good. Tune in to gain our battle-tested advice on building and maintaining these essential professional connections.

Please e-mail us any questions, or suggestions for future episode topics at [email protected]

This episode is sponsored by:

SBA Protection Quick Close Life Insurance – the fastest, easiest way to secure the insurance protection your borrower needs for their SBA loan. For more information, visit their website www.sbaprotection.com or email Adam Bergen at [email protected]

The views and opinions expressed in this program are our own and/or those of our guests. They do not necessarily reflect the views or positions of our employers.