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Two Birds One Loan director Alissa Childs, explains why she turned from BDM to broker and how she finds new business opportunities
Q: Who or what inspired you to become a broker?
A: I spent 10 years working as a bank BDM, most recently with the wonderful team at Macquarie Bank. I worked closely with so many incredibly successful brokers during my BDM career, and I always knew that one day I would use my knowledge and experience to start a business of my own. In 2018, I decided it was time to take the leap of faith. I am absolutely loving it, and I have not looked back!
Q: What’s the greatest challenge for brokers at this time?
A: I think the biggest challenge for brokers is to block out the negativity and fear of the unknown. It’s important to focus on building a resilient and diverse business, which is adaptable through the inevitable times of change that lie ahead.
Q: What’s your favourite way to relax after a stressful time at work?
A: I don’t get too many hours to relax these days with two toddlers at home, but when I do get some down time, I love to spend time on my photography.
It is a pastime which I studied when I spent a year overseas in 2012. I live on acreage with a menagerie of animals, and we back onto the State Forest, so just getting home into that environment at the end of a long week tends to instantly help me wind down and switch off.
Q: What are your top survival tips for working in finance?
A: I have three. Firstly, build strong relationships with your fellow brokers and lender BDMs. Throughout my career, I have established a solid network of contacts across the industry, and these have been an invaluable asset to our business.
We regularly speak with other brokers to share best practices, and are always reviewing our processes, goals and strategies.
Secondly, be agile and open to new ways of doing things – and don’t be complacent. It’s easy to get caught up in your daily workload and deals in progress.
We allocate one day a week to sales, when we call or drop in on local businesses, seek out new opportunities, and focus on generating new business. Lastly, value your clients and referrers like family.
If you’re not regularly touching base, monitoring your database and conducting reviews, you’re at risk of losing the relationships and business which you worked so hard to attain.
