Of course, during times like these, working from home is a luxury that can keep you safe. But if it comes at the expense of your productivity, it could be more of a burden than you think. Here are 5 tips that can keep loan originators safe at home, but also productive at their jobs.
Robust Connection
If you’re working from home, you’re likely to burn through your internet bandwidth, especially if you’re spending a lot of time video-conferencing. Consider upgrading your Wi-Fi if you’re on a limited plan. If you’re going to be doing face-to-face video, you’ll need to determine if your computer has the video capabilities necessary to support these interactions. Investing in the right headset or headphones can make a huge difference as well, and can help mitigate any imperfections in sound quality or feedback.
Use Social Media
Even though we can’t go out and put our faces in front of clients in real life, that doesn’t mean we can’t do it online. For better or for worse, the quarantine has turned us into couch potatoes, meaning your audience is spending much more time on social platforms. Not only does posting on Facebook and Linkedin frequently help improve your SEO presence, it’ll help you stay in front of your borrowers when they’re likely to be online.
Dress for Success
It’s a phrase that’s usually been synonymous with dressing up. But your level of productivity may not always be contingent on that expensive suit and tie. Maybe you perform better when you’re comfortable in your favorite t-shirt. Maybe it’s about your routine. If you perform best after going for a morning run or eating a healthy breakfast, do that. Whatever it is, don’t let it get in the way of success.
Multiple Monitors
Of course, you’ll want to pick a workspace with plenty of room to operate, which includes your desktop monitors. If you’ve got an additional monitor, use it. When you’re talking to a borrower, you’ll want to have plenty of information about them on your screen without having to close windows (their loan, Facebook page, etc.).
Use Your Mobile Device Wisely
If clients need to reach you, you’ll need to make yourself as available as possible, even when you’re away from your primary workspace. This means staying in contact with borrowers and realtors via phone or text. If the matter is urgent, usually a text will elicit a quicker response than email. However, although your phone can be a great tool for contact, it can quickly become a distraction. Adjust your notification settings so that you’re only receiving updates on what matters during your workday.
