Unsolicited Advice with Denise Laframboise

Episode 25: Why I Love Working with BFS Clients Self-employed clients are some of the most rewarding people to work with in this business. I'm genuinely obsessed with learning how their businesses run—how they spend, save, scale—and digging into the financials to figure out what makes it all tick. But here's what I really want you to hear: this isn't a niche to avoid just because it looks a little different. BFS clients often come with more complex files—but they also bring incredible insight, an entrepreneurial mindset, and a deep appreciation for the work we do. When you understand their world, you're not just closing a deal—you're building strategic relationships that can grow your business too. And the referrals? Game-changing. In the self-employed space, word-of-mouth moves fast. They will talk about who they work with—and when you earn their trust, you earn their network too. If you've been steering clear of this niche, thinking it's too complicated or risky, this episode might just change your mind. To watch the podcast go to https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UbH3N3ClK9Y To connect with Denise, email her at [email protected]

Episode 24: Working on Mortgages Outside of the Province I'm licensed in almost every province across Canada—but I only do mortgages in Ontario. That surprises a lot of people. The truth? Just because I can do out-of-province deals doesn't mean I should. If something goes sideways and I don't have the local knowledge or the right contacts—lawyers, municipal offices, accountants—I'm not in the best position to fix it. And that's not good enough for my clients. Every deal seems straightforward until it's not. There's too much at stake to be guessing on the details of another province's rules and regulations. That's why I stick to what I know—and why I believe building a solid referral network across provinces is a better way to grow without compromising service. To watch the podcast go to https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xX5C9zzi8C4 To connect with Denise, email her at [email protected]

Episode 23: Connecting With Your Network When You Start Starting out as a new mortgage agent can feel overwhelming—especially when you're trying to figure out how to get your first few deals. In this episode, I'm talking about one of the most overlooked (and completely free) ways to start building your mortgage business: your network. That means your friends, family, your hairdresser, your esthetician—anyone who knows you, likes you, and already trusts you. These are the people who are most likely to refer you and help spread the word that you're open for business. When I started out, I made a list of every single person I knew—and I leaned in hard. You don't need to have a perfect marketing plan to start generating leads. You need to connect with people, have real conversations, and let them know how you can help. If you're trying to figure out how to grow your mortgage business or wondering where your next deal is coming from, this episode will give you a clear place to start. To watch the video, go to https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7EMs_BrT46E To connect with Denise, email her at [email protected]

Episode 22: Where to Put AI in Your Business Right Now The secret's out—I use AI every day in my business, and I think you should too. It helps me draft emails, transcribe Zoom calls, dig into research, and come up with social media ideas faster than ever. But let's be clear: it's not replacing the human side of what I do. It's not a wall between me and my clients—it's a tool that keeps things moving behind the scenes so I can show up better, more focused, and more efficient. If you're still on the fence about using AI, this episode might shift your thinking. To watch the video, go to https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hMlo2rbRrUw&t=2s To connect with Denise, email her at [email protected]

Episode 21: Mastering the Discovery Call: Save Time, Find the Right Clients Take the time to hone this skill — because it's one of the most important in your business. Your discovery call is where everything starts. It's how you figure out what your client really wants. It's how you qualify, build trust, and protect your time. When I started getting more intentional with how I ran these calls, everything changed — better conversations, better clients, better fit. In this episode of Unsolicited Advice, I'm sharing how I approach discovery calls, what I pay attention to, and how I keep evolving this part of my process. To watch the podcast go to https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zzaSvGELET4&t To connect with Denise, email her at [email protected]

Episode 20: Social Media is a Tool to Grow Your Mortgage Business I built my mortgage business on social media—and not by going viral, but by showing up consistently and being real. I get asked all the time how I did it, and the answer is simple: social media is just another tool to help people know, like, and trust you. I'm breaking down exactly how I've used social to grow a business that's built on relationships, not cold leads. We're talking strategy, mindset, and why you don't need to be an influencer to make it work. Whether you're just starting out or trying to get more consistent, this is the push (and the plan) you've been waiting for. To watch the podcast go to https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GUoP11rPezA&t To connect with Denise, email her at [email protected]

Episode 19: Master Pre-Approvals to Protect Your Time and Build Client Confidence A strong pre-approval sets the tone for everything that comes next — for you and for your clients. I'll walk you through why it's important to collect all the documents right away, how showing clients both their best- and worst-case numbers helps them stay realistic, and why a full, detailed pre-approval makes it easier for them to act fast when they find the right home. I'm also talking about how offering clear, strategic advice — not waiting for a lender's opinion — earns trust with buyers and realtors and keeps your business running smoother. If you want to work with serious clients, create better realtor relationships, and save yourself a lot of stress, it all starts with a strong pre-approval. To watch the podcast go to https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=S3GBc6-W_Wc To connect with Denise, email her at [email protected]

Episode 18: Every Market Is Hard. Positivity Is Your Power Play. The truth is, market has its challenges—and this one is no different. But instead of waiting for things to get easier, what if you leaned in? What if you used this moment to adapt, pivot, and offer what other mortgage professionals can't? In this episode, I am talking about how hard markets create space for smart, strategic mortgage professionals to rise. Because while some are sitting on the sidelines, the ones who are clear, confident, and willing to evolve are building trust and winning clients—even in a slower market. If you're ready to shift your mindset, stand out in a competitive mortgage industry, and start using this market to your advantage, you'll want to hear this. To watch the podcast go to htthttps://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XZqHsjo-wHQ&t To connect with Denise, email her at [email protected]

Episode 17: What Jiu Jitsu Is Teaching Me About Business After watching my daughters thrive in Jiu Jitsu, I jumped in too. Now I'm training regularly, competing, and learning lessons I didn't expect—lessons about discipline, mindset, and resilience that I have been able to apply to my mortgage business. Whether it's staying composed under pressure, understanding the power of leverage, or knowing when to pause and reset—this sport is loaded with valuable and relevant takeaways. In this episode, I'm sharing the real-life insights I've taken from the mat to the office that might just leave you feeling inspired. To watch the podcast go to https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kKLaW590Fi4&t To connect with Denise, email her at [email protected]

Episode 16: Running a Mortgage Business While Raising Kids When I started in the mortgage industry, I hid that I was a parent, afraid clients wouldn't take me seriously. I kept my worlds separate—until I realized so many others were juggling the same chaos. Instead of hiding it, I leaned in. I took calls with kids in the background, let work and home life coexist, and built stronger connections because of it. My kids saw me working, understood what it meant to provide, and that mattered more than perfection. Work will always be there, but our kids won't always be little. Prioritizing family doesn't mean sacrificing success—it means defining it on your own terms. Let's talk about making it work. To watch the podcast go to https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6dEeeUd9Dvs&t=42s To connect with Denise, email her at [email protected]