Out with the Old, In with the Evolved: The LO Down's Big Shift Coming Soon

As we get closer to the end of the year, it is time to start the transition from newsletter to podcast and soon the weekly "LO Down" will be gone.

Don't worry.

"High Five Fridays" will continue but will go back to video shout outs.

The "Podcast of the Week" will continue, but as a post during the week.

And the SOLO Tips will be the featured portion of the upcoming "LO Down Podcast."

It's time to evolve, and sunsetting "The LO Down" newsletter is a necessary part of the process.

The good news is that an even better newsletter is being created as a replacement.

In the future, you can expect a more modern approach with high value tactical content that you can use in your day to day.

Sourced from some of the top minds in the industry and packaged together by me, it is my goal to share a weekly newsletter that serves the "Evolving Originator" as a catalyst for growth, that supports those actively evolving and creates community among originators.

This has been on my heart for some time and the longer I delay, the longer I stay stagnant.

More details to come.

Stay tuned for an exciting announcement on Monday!

High Five Friday / BAM!

These are my 5 favorite posts from mortgage folks this week.

First up, Jennifer Beeston shares a great article about her recent experience after locking 100 refinances and a big challenge that she faced when working with the servicers. This is a must read for anyone who has plans of refinancing past clients. Thank you for sharing your experience Jennifer.

https://www.dhirubhai.net/feed/update/urn:li:activity:7251712317938155521?updateEntityUrn=urn%3Ali%3Afs_updateV2%3A%28urn%3Ali%3Aactivity%3A7251712317938155521%2CFEED_DETAIL%2CEMPTY%2CDEFAULT%2Cfalse%29

Second, Nicole LeAnn Hopkins talks about the emotional mindset of money and shares some statistics that might surprise you. I have been watching Nicole's content for a while and she brings some great insights. Add her as a follow.

https://www.dhirubhai.net/feed/update/urn:li:activity:7251698016288456704?updateEntityUrn=urn%3Ali%3Afs_updateV2%3A%28urn%3Ali%3Aactivity%3A7251698016288456704%2CFEED_DETAIL%2CEMPTY%2CDEFAULT%2Cfalse%29

Third, Kristen Joyce shares a heartfelt post about how much she misses the mortgage industry and it seems to have struck a chord with a lot of you. Over 300 Likes and a number of comments. I loved the way she detailed the job with such excitement and pace. For anyone who is laid off and struggling with ways to tell another industry what it's like to be in mortgage, this is a great list to share your skills.

https://www.dhirubhai.net/posts/kristen-joyce-5800a11b_man-i-miss-the-mortgage-business-there-activity-7252102226494513154-WnDN?utm_source=share&utm_medium=member_desktop

Fourth, Dylan Latour has started showing up in my feed a lot more lately, and he puts his writing talents on display in this post. Following a Hook, Story, Offer format, Dylan orchestrates a great post that draws the audience in and offers some great CTAs. Pay attention to this format. It is an evolution.

https://www.dhirubhai.net/feed/update/urn:li:activity:7252430704913870849?updateEntityUrn=urn%3Ali%3Afs_updateV2%3A%28urn%3Ali%3Aactivity%3A7252430704913870849%2CFEED_DETAIL%2CEMPTY%2CDEFAULT%2Cfalse%29

And finally, and speaking of CTAs, Brian Vieaux provides valuable insight into how an Originator can make a small adjustment to go beyond "Apply Now" and offer something else as a way to stay sticky with their clients. Great call out Brian.

https://www.dhirubhai.net/feed/update/urn:li:activity:7252997275700887552?updateEntityUrn=urn%3Ali%3Afs_updateV2%3A%28urn%3Ali%3Aactivity%3A7252997275700887552%2CFEED_DETAIL%2CEMPTY%2CDEFAULT%2Cfalse%29

Podcast of the Week:

Coffee and Questions - Instagram, Realtors, Loan Officers

Michelle Berman-Mikel and AMBERLY LAGO

In this episode, they dive into overcoming self-doubt and embracing the learning curve, especially when it comes to social media like Instagram. The guest, Amberly Lago, shares her personal journey of resilience. She talks about how she had the same struggles with social, feeling too old or inexperienced, but pushing through to "figure it out."

Amberly discusses Instagram’s real value, connection, and emphasizes that true success on the platform comes from authentic engagement. She and Michelle break down how small steps and consistent effort can lead to big results over time. The episode is packed with practical takeaways for anyone feeling intimidated by new skills or platforms and shows that success starts with you taking action and making genuine connections.

Link to Episode: Episode 68: Can you build an I - Coffee and Questions - Instagram, Realtors, Loan Officers - Apple Podcasts

SOLO Tip of the Week:

The "Evolution Revolution" is coming.

"Personal Brand" is evolving into "Personal Ecosystems" and you will need to go beyond simply posting on social to build awareness and be top of mind.

The next evolution is high value, creating content that educates and keeps your clients close throughout the process because you have established yourself as THE expert advisor.

Keep an eye out for more on this in the future.

If you aren't evolving from "brand" to "ecosystem" for the future, you are risking that someone else in your market will.

Reach out if you would like to talk more about this.

Dad Jokes of the Week:

Do you know how to make a waterbed bouncy?

You fill it with Spring Water.

What do sheep drive?

Lamb-orghinis

What did the cereal bring to the bank?

Chex

Courtesy of @dadjokescentralofficial on Instagram