5 Mindset Rules for Successful Technology Use

We are in a technology revolution, not just in the mortgage and real estate industries, but virtually all industries. It’s no longer a couple of top picks–gotta use this CRM for killer email drips…………..It’s a myriad of options that may be narrowly targeted to certain activities or the seemingly catch-all end-all solution to mortgage life itself.

Where does it all begin? Where does it all end?

As a leader in the mortgage industry and in the company, I’ve had the unique purview of seeing both successful users of technology and massive failures in technology, even with the same piece of tech.

Here are my 5 mindset rules for successful technology use.

1) Embrace it!

Technology, be it automation opportunities, the coming storm of artificial intelligence (AI), marketing options, and so on are here, have been here, and so many more are coming. Either embrace it, or eventually get left behind. You don’t need to go from zero to hero overnight., Start small, then go bigger as you adapt and see fit.

2) Simplify it!

In order to embrace it, start by simplifying it. Tech solutions are sold to simplify your life…but can end up complicating it. Is that the technology program’s fault, or is it your fault? Probably some of both.

In the spirit of “owning it” (leaders own it), just admit that it’s your fault first. Meaning, quite often, the user does not take the time to fully learn it, embrace it, and then scale it…Use your team or an admin to do the heavy work for you. Make it a habitual part of your process and commit to 30/60/90 days.

Alternatively, and we’re all guilty, the honeymoon excitement will quickly wear off, you’ll slow down on your usage, forget the nuances, and eventually give up because it didn’t work or wasn’t easy enough to use… Been there, I get it.

3) Leverage it!

Technology is meant to simplify your life, let it do its job by leveraging it! Technology absolutely should not replace your relationship and skill sets to build new relationships. Instead, it should help you leverage your relationships by systematically widening your exposure to be in touch with more people, more often, and in a more targeted way!

Realtors and borrowers don’t want to do purchases through a robot. The research shows they want to work with real people. Millennials, despite the ‘assumptions’, don’t want to do business online only, they want to work with trusted professionals in their local market.

Technology won’t replace you unless you let it. Use it to leverage your relationships and shoot down that Rocket!

4) Scale it!

Technology should also be a major part of scaling you, your time, your reach, your relationships, your efficiencies, and then by default, your costs! The costs and complications to produce continue to rise – Technology is an offset!

Technology, when part of a clear and concise system and workflow with accountability, creates scale. And here’s the opportunity and reality– most lenders and originators don’t do it, or don’t do it well. Those that commit and build into their total picture noticeably have a rise in production, time, and income.

5) Don’t give up, but don’t ignore.

Lastly, don’t give up! It takes commitment, time, pivots, and commitment (did I say that already?) to successfully embed and use technology effectively. Commit to the support and available training; align your team, systems and processes. This will also facilitate accountability – see my article, Lead People, Manage Process.

Measure, analyze, adjust, and don’t give up. However, after you’ve given its due time and commitment, and you can look yourself in the mirror, if it isn’t the right fit, then pivot or seek training and help.

There are constant technology rollouts, improvements, new systems, old systems, and so on coming at a vicious pace! Think big picture solutions and the smaller elements of origination, operations, marketing, and client management- and then how technology fits in, whether as a whole or in pieces.

What makes you stronger? What makes sense to you? What are your biggest challenges, and can technology help scale that off your plate or minimize? What are your strengths and can technology take you from good to great? Do you have a village to support it? Are you committed? Seek out others who use tech, ask questions, see demos, do your homework, and commit to the training, support, and habitual use.

Technology can effectively leverage both you and your relationships, but you have to commit to its solutions, analyze the results, and not give up along the journey.

Go Forth and Succeed!

Craig Davis