The value of good mentors in the mortgage industry

I have never had someone formally appointed as a mentor. However, when I first started in the industry, there was a fellow adviser who took me under his wing and was always available for advice. This might have been help on a difficult case, or maybe I was just having a bad day and needed a listening ear. Being a mortgage broker can be a stressful and difficult job at times, so I see a mentor as being an essential part of growth and development.

I have had a mentor ever since I founded Montgomery Financial nearly two years ago, and their experience and advice genuinely is invaluable. They are the one you go to when you are stuck, when you are having a bad day, they are the ones who will support you when you need it but also give you tough love also at times when it's needed. Having a mentor allows you to leverage their experiences to shortcut your way to success. A mentor serves as a compass, guiding you through the complexities of business and the role of being a mortgage advisor with their experience. They provide invaluable insights, helping you make informed decisions and navigate challenges with confidence. A good mentor offers a safe space for skill development and experimentation, fostering an environment of continuous learning. Being a business owner tends to be an isolated role, so having someone you can speak to and ask for guidance is truly worth its weight in gold.

Having a mentor and being a mentor can be massively beneficial to all; allowing you to gain knowledge and insight to help you with specific areas where you feel you need help and support. It's also perfectly possible to have multiple mentors; as each brings their own specialist knowledge to the table, you may also find that the mentors you want and need change over time. It's also never been easier to be or to find a mentor with the Working In Mortgages mentoring scheme now up and running, which is a free-to-use service that is provided by AMI, IMLA and DIFF, there are some very inspiring and talented people on there who are offering their time and expertise to mentees from accross the mortgage industry.

Learning 'on the job' next to a seasoned pro was and will always be the best way to pick the actual job up fast. Obviously, you need to make sure you dont pick up the bad habits and push forward with your own style of working. WFH has definitely impacted this a lot, especially in 2020 and some brokers we have taken on that year, have struggled and ended up not doing as well as hoped. Experienced individuals will usually hit the ground running with WFH, but newbies need the care of someone who can answer their Q's quickly.

Mentorship remains a vital catalyst for success, providing guidance, knowledge sharing, and personal development. A mentor should have extensive experience, share your values, and be accessible. They can accelerate your learning, boost your confidence, and help you successfully navigate the intricacies of the industry. While remote work has changed the landscape, it hasn't diminished the importance or value of mentorship. Virtual mentorship through digital platforms and online communities has opened new opportunities for growth and learning for those keen to expand their business. For women and members of minority groups, it's crucial to find individuals who share their background or actively support diversity and inclusion. Industry associations and diversity programs often provide avenues to connect with such mentors. Careful selection, adaptation to remote possibilities, and a focus on diversity are key to harnessing the full potential of mentorship in your career.