Personal mortgage adviser for Smartline Andrew Bromley, talks about how to nurture professional relationships
Q: What inspired you to become a broker?
A: I was working in construction sales, and a crucial part of my job was to make sure the deals stuck. As part of this process I had to work with brokers, and over time I grew more and more curious about the industry.
With a final push from my father-in-law – who himself was a broker until he retired a couple of years ago – I started on my two-year mentee program.
Q: What’s the greatest challenge for brokers at this time?
A: There has been so much noise surrounding the industry over the past few months. Settling back down to work and doing what we do best is going to be crucial.
We have some stability back in the industry, so it is important that we maintain service standards and deliver excellent outcomes to our clients.
A delighted client is also more likely to refer further.
Q: What’s your favourite way to relax after a stressful time at work?
A: I have been surfing since I was 11 years old, and I still try to get out as often as possible. Depending on my workload and family commitments, this can be once a week, but is more often once a month.
I also enjoy hitting a small white ball badly across a golf course every now and then.
Q: What do you wish you’d known when you started out as a broker?
A: That there are different pathways available to new brokers. There are good mentor programs out there, and it’s a matter of finding one and taking what you need in order to progress your career and knowledge.
Relationships are the key to everything in business, and broking is no different. Nurture the positive ones and let go of the referral partners who don’t share your vision and work ethic. It needs to be a two-way street, so if it’s not working for you, exit.
Q: What are your top survival tips for working in finance?
A: I have three tips for working in finance: persevere, build relationships and just be a good person!
