Transitioning to a Different World

When I had my first interview with John at Foundation Financial Group, I knew the culture would be a good fit for me. I could tell this would be the beginning of a new, successful career after getting the  first week under my belt. Transitioning from being a server to working with a mortgage company has been quite a change. But believe it or not, the skills I picked up as a server actually go hand in hand with what I’m doing at FFG.

Paying Attention to the Customer

Just because I’m sitting at a desk, calling people doesn’t mean I don’t get to use the same charisma as I did serving people face to face. As a server, I learned to “shoot the shit” with people basically as a way to show that I’m human and I can relate to them. If you relate to someone, they are more comfortable with you. In such an industry as both of these, that’s very important. What I discovered at Steak N Shake is how to use my humor and laid back personality to benefit me. I also learned that if you take care of the customer, they will take care of you. If my customer feels as though they are in good hands, then I’ve done my job. I can’t tell you how many times I’ve been told by my customers that I was the best server they ever had. Even when I didn’t think I was doing enough, I really was.

The secret to being a good server is simply being attentive. What is the customer missing on the table? Did I forget silverware, napkins, or a spoon for their chili? If I did, I was the first to say so before they even got the chance to say it. I put myself in their position. What would I expect if the shoe was on the other foot?  One  rule I always followed was to absolutely make sure their drinks were filled. Anytime someone’s drink was half empty, I’d bring a new one. Even if they didn’t want it they could take it to go.

Mortgage Customers

Being attentive to customers in the mortgage industry is even more important because most of the time consumers have no clue what they’re getting into when they refinance. They are blind to their options because the banks are not taking the time to get to know them. They are not taking to the time explain that there are actually better options out there. And a mortgage is someone’s biggest investment. We’re talking whole life savings here. They have to be aware of what to look for and what to expect when talking to mortgage professionals. It’s like, at Steak N Shake, a customer has to ask for bacon on their sandwich or whatever else they want to put bacon on, but at Foundation Financial, we automatically tell the consumer of their options. What they can put bacon on, in a sense. Even if you think that’s corny, it’s true and that’s my perception.

My Mortgage Experience

I know this is lengthy so I’m going to end with this… Even though I never expected to do mortgages, I found something I really like to do. The thing is, I don’t necessarily like the job as much as I like the people I work with and the company itself. I’ve grown to like what I do, but I definitely didn’t see myself doing it. I’m glad I’ve been able to prove to myself that I really can do whatever I set my mind to. There is so much room for growth at FFG and I see this being my career for a long time. Provided that I’m good at it once I pass this National Mortgage test, or two or three 🙂