If you have not yet read Part I, it will make more sense if you do. Don’t worry there is a link back here at the end of it. =0)
Confessions of an A.D.D. Loan Officer Part II
Now for the real meat-and-potatoes – potatos[?] – po-tah-tos[?] of how to, not only function as a normal human being, but how to get things done and done well in your day-to-day mortgage practice. Here it is, are you ready?
Simplify… it is easy to focus on the wrong things. [How do you think I know that!?]
For Pete’s sake [who is Pete anyway?] we have just gotten to darn complicated. We chase this product, that system, and yet another solution when the tools for success are right next to us, in fact – they have been there all along. [It was coffee by the way – it just tasted like tea because you lost count as you were putting the scoops of grains in the maker.]
Here is a new idea. QUIT TRYING TO DO 1000 THINGS!
What most of us need is not a new idea, but to stick with one and really squeeze all the life out of it.
Have you ever done that? I mean really stuck with one idea and worked it and worked it and worked it!?
So a question that arises is this, “What ‘ONE IDEA’ should I focus on in this New World of real estate, Chris”. As you can imagine that answer is not a one-size-fits-all but finding that answer may be easier than you think.
The key for me is meeting up with like minded individuals that are still originating – yet are thriving in this marketplace. That is what the Mortgage Revolution 
is all about. It is about hitting the reset button, shaking off all the fluff that we have been fed over the past few years and getting real.
It is time to see how some people are simply ‘kickin it’ in this business and finding out how to apply in your marketplace. Take inventory. Analyze where your business is. For me an event like this is not about finding that next “shiny object” – if it is for you… stay home. It should be just the opposite… discovering which shiny object you already have that is the one to squeeze the life out of.
You have made it this far through the toughest market that most have seen, congratulations. You are part of the top 30% simply by attrition. To make it to – or stay in the – Top 10% of those remaining won’t be as easy. The cream of the crop are all that are left, so picking up your game is a must.
Trying to do it alone is foolhardy – network with those that are making it and the whole game gets easier. Not only is it the best way for most people, but it is the only way for the typical A.D.D. LO to remain successful in the new world of mortgage origination.
As my friend Mark Madsen says, “Just keeping it real”.
Chris the Implementer – The Home of Orlando FHA Loans
Very nicely put Chris, I strongly agree with all of the mortgage seminars and speakers that I have seen over just the past 4 years (11 in the business) that we as mortgage professionals tend to jump on the “latest and greatest”-way to keep it real!
-Thanks Chris!
Colorado mortgage rates
@Colorado Mtg Rates – which was the last thing you “left” for something better? Did you implement the item you left before bringing something new? Just curious =0)
Chris, What a well written article. So true about picking one thing and not getting so sidetracked with all the other distractions. I think I just figured out I have ADD, been chasing too many shiny objects.
-Doug San Jose Home Loans
In hindsight, the obvious is, well, obvious. After searching continuously for the silver bullet these past two years, trying this trick and that method i finally settled on what has worked for the past 17 years.
I now focus on my existing client base and literally ask them what their concerns are. I stay in touch with them and they respond to the “after the deal” concern and look for new business for me.
Chris is without a doubt correct. If you can't restrict your focus to only one aspect of your business, then seriously limit your efforts to very few. You'll have more energy and I believe get a greater response, the kind you were hoping for in the first place.
The main point of your article is correct. If you want to succeed in this day and age you have to focus. I used to do construction loans and this loan and that loan. I never worried about a limited market. Now I am focused on FHA and VA. I am doing better but still this is very hard times for me. BTW I read that originations for next year are estimated to be less than this year. So strap in.
Nice post here. It does make senses, appreciate for sharing.
Chris good follow up and very true. Rather than looking for some great new thing try focusing on the things that have worked.
Roy Paeth
Chicago First Time Home Buyer
LOL…I didn’t realize there was such a thing as an LO without ADD.