Unsolicited Advice with Denise Laframboise

EP 45: Who Do You Call & What Do You Say When You Start? In this conversation, Denise provides actionable advice for individuals looking to jumpstart their mortgage careers. Emphasizing the importance of networking, she suggests starting with personal connections and leveraging existing relationships to gain referrals and advice. The discussion also addresses the discomfort clients may feel when sharing personal financial information and offers strategies to ease those concerns. Ultimately, the speaker encourages proactive outreach and building warm connections to foster business growth. Takeaways Start with everyone you know, including friends and family. Use your wedding list as a starting point for connections. Ask for advice and referrals from your network. People may have valuable connections in real estate and finance. Address client discomfort about sharing personal information. Reassure clients that they don't have to use your services immediately. Offer free consultations to practice and build confidence. Encourage your network to support you in various ways. Seek introductions to referral partners like accountants and realtors. Focus on making warm calls instead of cold calls. Sound bites "Start with your wedding list." "I'm not asking to do your mortgage." "Get out there and make those calls!" Keywords mortgage career, networking, referrals, client relationships, business growth

EP 44: The World Needs More Gratitude Summary In this conversation, Denise emphasizes the importance of gratitude and positivity in daily life. She discusses personal practices for cultivating gratitude, such as taking moments to breathe and reflect on positive aspects during tough times. Denise also highlights the significance of being mindful about the media consumed, advocating for positive content that uplifts rather than brings negativity. Overall, the conversation encourages listeners to adopt gratitude practices and focus on positivity to enhance their emotional well-being. Takeaways The world needs more gratitude, less negativity. Focusing on positive aspects can expand positivity in life. Taking a moment to breathe can help refocus thoughts. Ingesting positive media is crucial for mental health. Avoiding negative content can protect emotional well-being. Being susceptible to negativity is common; awareness helps. Mindfulness practices can enhance gratitude and positivity. What we consume mentally impacts our feelings and outlook. Sharing gratitude practices can foster community positivity. A little positivity can significantly impact stress levels. Sound bites "Whatever you focus on expands." "You need to focus on the positive." "I can't read murder books." Keywords gratitude, positivity, mindfulness, mental health, self-care, personal growth, meditation, media consumption, stress management, emotional well-being

EP 43: What You Need To Navigate Hard Times In this conversation, the speaker discusses the inherent challenges faced in the mortgage industry, emphasizing the importance of having a support system. They outline the necessity of having three key types of people in one's professional life: someone to listen, someone to brainstorm solutions, and someone who can fix problems. The speaker also highlights the value of learning from mistakes and building a strong network to navigate the complexities of the industry effectively. Takeaways This job is not always easy and comes with challenges. There will be moments of doubt and unexpected issues. Having a support system is crucial in the mortgage industry. You need someone to listen to your frustrations. Brainstorming with others can lead to solutions. There is always a solution to every problem. Having a mentor or someone who can fix issues is essential. Building a network can help you navigate tough situations. Learning from mistakes is part of becoming a better broker. Hard times can lead to significant personal and professional growth. Sound bites "This job is not always easy." "There is always a solution." "You need somebody who can fix it." Keywords mortgage industry, challenges, support systems, networking, solutions, learning, success, mentorship, community, resilience

EP 42: How To Increase Visibility In The Mortgage Industry In this episode's Unsolicited Advice, we explore one of the most common questions in the mortgage industry: How do you increase your visibility and grow into leadership opportunities? Drawing from a recent panel discussion at the CMP Women's Conference, this episode highlights how genuine influence is built by helping others, sharing knowledge, and contributing to the growth of the industry as a whole. We discuss simple but powerful ways to build visibility, from mentoring peers and participating in industry groups to speaking at events, joining advisory boards, and sharing your unique skills with others. We also talk about the importance of having a voice, embracing authenticity, and creating meaningful connections that naturally open doors for growth. If you're looking to expand your presence, grow your network, and make a lasting impact in your industry, this episode offers practical and inspiring guidance to help you get there. Key Points for Podcast Hosting Platforms How to build visibility and leadership opportunities in the mortgage industry Why giving back is one of the strongest ways to grow influence Supporting peers through mentorship and industry collaboration Participating in conferences, advisory boards, and industry events Sharing expertise through coaching, webinars, and educational content Building authentic professional relationships The importance of having a voice and sharing opinions confidently How contribution and service naturally create career opportunities Keywords Mortgage industry leadership, Women in mortgage industry, Mortgage career growth, Mortgage industry visibility, Mortgage professional development, Leadership development in finance, Mortgage networking strategies, Building influence in mortgage industry, Mortgage mentorship and coaching, Mortgage industry networking

EP 41: Where Do You Spend Your Time? In this episode's Unsolicited Advice, we explore a simple but powerful question: How are you really spending your time? After a conversation sparked by comparing screen time with my daughter, this episode dives into how easy it is to fall into scrolling, comparing, and consuming content instead of focusing on activities that truly move you forward. We discuss the difference between watching others succeed and building your own success, why authentic content and sharing your own insights often create more impact, and how small daily habits shape long-term business and personal growth. This episode is a reminder to become more intentional with your attention, your content consumption, and your daily actions—because the way you spend your time directly shapes the results you achieve. Key Points for Podcast Hosting Platforms The impact of screen time and digital habits on productivity Comparison versus action in business and entrepreneurship Why consuming content isn't the same as skill development Using social media intentionally instead of passively The power of authentic content creation and sharing real client insights Evaluating whether daily habits align with long-term goals Recognizing distractions that feel productive but don't drive results Strengthening mindset through intentional learning and content consumption Keywords time management for entrepreneurs, productivity for mortgage brokers, social media time management, entrepreneur focus and productivity, avoiding social media distractions

EP 40: Likely The 2 Hardest Lessons To Learn In The Mortgage Industry In this conversation, Denise discusses the challenges faced in the mortgage industry, emphasizing the importance of being adaptable to change and setting realistic expectations for clients. She highlights the necessity of continuous learning and research to navigate the ever-evolving landscape of mortgage options and lender rules. Takeaways You will never know everything in the mortgage industry. Being change agreeable is crucial for success. Every client and situation is unique. New rules and changes can happen unexpectedly. Setting clear expectations with clients is essential. Research is a vital skill for mortgage brokers. Communication with lenders is key to overcoming challenges. Expectations should be managed throughout the process. Resourcefulness can help in tricky situations. Continuous learning is necessary in this industry. Sound bites "You will never know everything." "Every situation is different." "You have to be very good at research." Keywords mortgage industry, change management, client expectations, mortgage options, lender communication, research skills, industry challenges, mortgage brokers, real estate, financial advice

EP 39: Moving The Needle In Your Business Faster In this episode of Unsolicited Advice, we explore the real secret behind fast implementation and consistent business growth. Instead of chasing perfection, this conversation breaks down why clarity, focus, and decisive action are the true drivers of progress in the mortgage business and entrepreneurship. Through relatable examples—from parenting to building business systems—this episode highlights how waiting for perfect plans or flawless execution often leads to stalled growth, while imperfect action creates momentum and continuous improvement. Episode Highlights Why fast implementation is a competitive advantage in business How to identify the single most important task that moves your business forward The danger of overthinking and waiting for perfect systems Lessons from parenting that apply directly to entrepreneurship Why "done is better than perfect" accelerates business growth Practical strategies to eliminate distractions and stay focused Main Takeaways Progress comes from action, not perfection Focusing on one high-impact priority creates faster and stronger results Building systems through real-world use leads to better long-term outcomes Accepting failure as part of growth allows for faster improvement Eliminating distractions protects productivity and momentum Continuous refinement is more valuable than waiting for the perfect solution This episode is essential listening for mortgage professionals and entrepreneurs looking to execute faster, stay focused, and build scalable systems through consistent action and learning. Keywords Mortgage broker productivity, Fast implementation in business, Mortgage business growth strategies, Done is better than perfect, Entrepreneur execution mindset

EP 38: 2 Key Factors In Effective Communication In this episode of Unsolicited Advice, we break down two powerful communication filters that can transform how mortgage professionals connect with clients, referral partners, and industry stakeholders. From discovery calls to client strategy conversations, this episode highlights how shifting your messaging from what you need to what they gain builds trust, clarity, and stronger relationships. You'll also learn why simplifying your language—not complicating it—is one of the most effective ways to improve client understanding and decision-making. Episode Highlights The "What's In It For Me" (WIIFM) communication framework and why it matters How discovery calls help uncover client goals and shape better recommendations Shifting from transactional mortgage options to strategic financial advice Why mortgage professionals should avoid sounding technical or overly complex How tools like the Hemingway Editor improve clarity and engagement The growing industry trend toward plain-language communication Main Takeaways Effective communication starts by focusing on client goals, not your process Positioning mortgage solutions around outcomes builds trust and confidence Mortgage professionals are strategic advisors—not order takers Simpler language leads to better client understanding and fewer mistakes Writing and speaking at a lower reading level increases engagement and clarity Clear communication improves client experience and strengthens long-term relationships This episode is essential listening for mortgage professionals looking to elevate their communication, strengthen client relationships, and deliver advice that truly resonates. Keywords Mortgage client communication, Mortgage broker communication skills, Mortgage consultation strategies, WIIFM communication, Plain language communication in mortgages

Episode 37: Are You Paying With Money Or Time? In this episode of Unsolicited Advice, we unpack one of the most common blind spots holding business owners and top-producing agents back: underestimating the true cost of their time. Drawing insights from mastermind calls with high-performing agents across different provinces, this conversation explores what really goes into decisions around hiring staff and investing in technology. While most people focus on the dollar cost, this episode challenges you to look deeper—at the opportunity cost of doing everything yourself. Episode Highlights Behind-the-scenes insights from mastermind calls with top-producing agents Why agents fixate on dollar costs but overlook time costs The real price of not hiring support or investing in technology How working "in" your business steals time from working "on" it Real examples of tasks you shouldn't be doing as a high-value producer Applying opportunity cost thinking to hiring and tech decisions Main Takeaways Every business decision costs either money or time—and time is often more expensive If someone else can do a task, your time is better spent on growth activities Opportunity cost isn't theoretical—it directly impacts revenue and lifestyle Not hiring support can quietly cap your business growth Delegating fulfillment and systems work creates space for lead generation and better client service This episode is essential listening for mortgage professionals and entrepreneurs who want to scale smarter, reclaim their time, and focus on the activities that truly move the needle. Tags: Mortgage business growth, Mortgage broker mindset, Scaling a mortgage business, Hiring in a mortgage business, Time vs money in business, Opportunity cost, Mortgage agent productivity

EP 36: Mindset Tips For When Things Go Wrong In this episode of Unsolicited Advice, we dive into one of the most important mindset shifts a mortgage professional—or any business owner—can make. Mistakes are inevitable. Conflict will happen. But how you respond to those moments is what determines whether your business stays stuck or continues to grow. Through real-world examples and a relatable parent-child analogy, we explore why letting go of ego, taking ownership, and focusing on outcomes leads to better clients, stronger processes, and long-term success. This episode is a reminder that growth doesn't come from getting everything right—it comes from learning, adjusting, and doing better next time. If you want more control in your business, better client experiences, and fewer repeat problems, this is a mindset you need to hear. Key Points Why mistakes and conflict are essential for business growth The danger of ego and the need to focus on outcomes instead of being right A powerful "parent mindset" for handling client challenges Real-world mortgage examples around expectations and qualification How better communication prevents future problems Why "everything is my fault" is actually a mindset of control and freedom Turning uncomfortable situations into long-term improvements How ownership leads to faster growth and better service Keywords mortgage business mindset, mortgage broker advice, mortgage industry podcast, business ownership mindset, leadership in mortgage business, mortgage professional growth