7 Places to Find New Clients

Finding clients isn't just a struggle for new business owners.  All business owners have to regularly and frequently search out new clients to keep new business coming in. Depending on the industry you're in, sometimes you have to do this more often than others. Lake of the Ozarks mortgage lenders fall into that category because once a client gets a home loan at the Lake of the Ozarks, they're not likely to need your services again for awhile. So the big question is, how do you get these new clients? Here are 7 places to start looking for potential new clients for your business.

Places to Find Potential Clients

1. Referrals

The best place to start is with your current or past clients.  Reach out to them and ask if they know anyone in need of your services.  Maybe you have a recent success story you can share with them that they can relate to. Maybe they know of someone in a similar situation to the one you're describing and can pass you a referral.  

2. Friends and Family 

Think about who you know.  Maybe your immediate friends and family don't need your services, but maybe someone in their personal network could be a potential client for you.  You could even consider offering a referral program with some type of reward for those who bring you referrals.

3. Personal Activities

What do you do in your spare time? Look for potential customers at the gym or at your local coffee shop. If you're a parent, consider their friends' parents to be potential new clients. Make it a habit to talk to those other parents when you attend shool functions or sporting events.

4. Business Organizations

Visit different business organizations in your area and consider joining one.  Referral based organizations, such as Busniess Network International, present the perfect opportunity for gaining new clients.  Be sure to bring business cards to pass out, but remember to focus on building new relationships rather than bringing just a strong sell message.

5. Local Events 

By sponsoring local events, you can get your name out there in front of tons of potential clients. Keep your eyes out for upcoming events that you can associate yourself with or consider hosting an event yourself.  Be sure to think about what makes a good client for you and try to find events that those types of people will be attending.

6. Meetings and Seminars

Local chambers of commerce, trade associations, special interest groups, fairs and symposiums are a great way to meet new prospects.  One of the most efficient ways to get a group of prospects in one place is public speaking.  Consider offering a Q&A session or offer to be a presenter at their next function to let potential clients get a sense of your skills and personality.  If you're not the one hosting the event, you will get third party credibility from those who are hosting it.

7. Advertising

After going through all the above networks to find new clients, it's time to start advertising.  Reach outside your current networks and try to make new connections.  You can do this through traditional advertising or with online marketing.  You'll want to decide who your best potential customers are, figure out where they are and then decide which medium is best to reach them with.  If you're going for a younger demographic, Social Media marketing is a great way to reach out to those prospects.

Business development should be incorporated in your day to day work flow.  Keep in mind that approaching everyone you meet with a sales type attitude isn't the best way to gain new clients. You want to first build a relationship with these prosects because you want them to know they can trust you.  When it comes to mortgage lending, Lakelender Michael Lasson is here to help you every step of the way.  Dedication and first class service is guaranteed!

I would love the opportunity to help you manage your mortgage loan or refinancing at the Lake of the Ozarks.  Give me a call at (573) 746-7211 or send me an email at mlasson@fsbfinancial.com with any questions you may have!

For Lake area news, resources and tips on financial services, please 

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Michael Lasson

Sr. Residential Mortgage Lender

NMLS #: 493712

2265 Bagnell Dam Blvd, Suite B

PO Box 1449

Lake Ozark, MO 65049

Direct:  (573) 746-7211

Cell: (573) 216-7258

Fax:(573) 693-9141

Email:  mlasson@fsbfinancial.com

    

6 Tips to Recharge Your Job Satisfaction

Job satisfaction is an important part of life.  The majority of our time is spent working, so its important that you feel you're contributing, are valued and most importantly feel happy in your role and work space. If you ever feel like you don't want to get out of bed and go to work, remember these helpful tips.

1. Keep your eyes on the prize. 

Setting measurable goals is key to business success.  Whether it be the number of homes built, a percent increase in revenue or the number of Lake of the Ozarks mortgage loans approved, completing these goals will make you feel accomplished.  Its also important to tie these goals into the bigger picture and focus on that vision to inspire you to complete them.

2. Have a clear understanding of expectations. 

A clear understanding of what is expected of you at work is important, as well as knowing what the company is trying to achieve. Talk to your manager to make sure you have a daily routine down and so you know what you contribute to the company.  If you can do your job and then a little extra, you can help the company progress, giving you greater satisfaction.

3. Remember that communication is key. 

Open communication is the most important factor leading to a happy work environment.  Many problems in the workplace stem from a lack of communication.  Making an effort to build good relationships with other team members can contribute greatly to long-term job satisfaction because closer relationships make it easier to share ideas and achievements.

4. Schedule a power hour. 

Having an hour of uninterrupted hour each week will recharge you.  Use a Friday power hour to organize and prioritize for the coming week.  Or use a midweek power hour to catch up on industry reading or write handwritten notes to clients.

5. Create new challenges.

Join an organization to meet new people and gain a fresh perspective.  Try presenting a seminar to a community group or local club to share your expertise.  Start a blog and commit to at least one post per week.  Trying something new will give you a break from the daily grind and mix things up for some more excitement.

6. Set boundaries to balance work and life. 

With the advancements in technology, we have access to email and calls 24/7.  The lines between professional and personal time have blurred and both sides can suffer from this. Knowing when to go home is a simple yet important factor in avoiding burn-out over the long term.  Put in a solid days work instead of trying to cram everything in and you'll feel fresh, more enthusiastic and more motivated. Then you also need to condition yourself to not constantly check emails and voice mail when you're off work.

Following these tips can reignite your passion for what you do.  Pass them along to your team and start making a happier workplace for everyone.  Lakelender Michael Lasson is here to help you with your Lake of the Ozarks mortgage and make that part of your life a little easier.  I would love the opportunity to help you manage your mortgage loan or refinancing at the Lake of the Ozarks.  Give me a call at (573) 746-7211 or send me an email at mlasson@fsbfinancial.com with any questions you may have!

Sources:
http://www.mmgweekly.com/w/w.html?SID=25e2a30f44898b9f3e978b1786dcd85c
http://www.aprg.com.au/for-you/career-building-tips/job-satisfaction-tips

For Lake area news, resources and tips on financial services, please 

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Michael Lasson

Sr. Residential Mortgage Lender

NMLS #: 493712

2265 Bagnell Dam Blvd, Suite B

PO Box 1449

Lake Ozark, MO 65049

Direct:  (573) 746-7211

Cell: (573) 216-7258

Fax:(573) 693-9141

Email:  mlasson@fsbfinancial.com

Credit Scores that Lenders Use

Your credit score is a number that influences the amount of credit that is available to you. When it comes to taking out a loan, your credit score is a vital factor in the terms your Lake of the Ozarks mortgage lender will offer you.  When you apply for credit, whether it be a credit card, car loan or home loan at the Lake of the Ozarks, lenders want to know the risk they will be taking by loaning money to you. A credit score is a number that summarizes your credit risk and helps the lender evaluate your credit report. "FICO Scores" are the most commonly used credit scores among lenders. Beware of those companies offering you a free credit score online because the majority of them are not true FICO scores and can vary a lot.

FICO Scores  

The most widely used credit score is one created by Fair Isaac Corporation.  Lenders use this score to help them make billions of credit decisions each and every year.  The FICO score is based solely on information in consumer credit reports maintained at the credit reporting agencies.  These scores range from 300 to 850 and is calculated by a mathematical equation that evaluates many types of information from your credit report.  By comparing this number to the patterns of hundreds of thousands of past credit reports, the FICO Score is able to estimate your level of future credit risk.

For more information on understanding FICO Scores visit: http://www.myfico.com

What Makes a Good FICO Score

When it comes to the FICO Score, the higher the score, the lower the risk.  However, no single score can tell you whether a specific candidate will be a "good" or "bad" customer.  While many mortgage lenders at the Lake of the Ozarks use the FICO score to help them make a lending decision, each lender has their own strategy. There is no single "cutoff" score number that says you will or won't get a loan.  Many other factors go into determining your actual interest rates.  Along with your credit score, the credit reporting agency will provide up to five reasons of why your score is what it is.

For information on how to improve your FICO Score visit: http://www.myfico.com

Calculating FICO Scores

In order to calculate your FICO Score, there has to be enough information regarding your credit. Generally, you must have at least one credit account that has been open for at least six months and at least one account that has some recent activity (within the last six months) that's been reported to the agency.  You will actually have 3 different FICO Scores, one for each of the credit bureaus: Equifax, TransUnion and Experian.  Each score is based on the information that the respective bureau has for you, meaning that each of these numbers can differ.  As your credit information changes over the years, so will your current credit score.  Therefore the FICO Score you got a month ago is probably not the same score a lender would get from the credit reporting agency today.      

For more information on how credit scores can change visit: http://www.myfico.com

Although the FICO Score is an important factor when determining your Lake of the Ozarks interest rates, lenders will not base their decision on this number solely.  If you have more questions on your credit score or about qualifying for a mortgage loan at the Lake of the Ozarks, give Michael Lasson a call at 573-746-7211.  When it comes to your financing needs, he's committed to working with you every step of the way!

For Lake area news, resources and tips on financial services, please 

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Michael Lasson

Sr. Residential Mortgage Lender

NMLS #: 493712

2265 Bagnell Dam Blvd, Suite B

PO Box 1449

Lake Ozark, MO 65049

Direct:  (573) 746-7211

Cell: (573) 216-7258

Fax:(573) 693-9141

Email:  mlasson@fsbfinancial.com

Remember the True Meaning of Memorial Day this Weekend!

Memorial Day Weekend marks the start of the Season here at the Lake of the Ozarks! With all the hustle and bustle of Summer fun though, we can get distracted from the real meaning of the holiday. Your Lake of the Ozarks mortgage lender wanted to share some Memorial Day history with you in preparation for this weekends festivities.

Memorial Day, formerly known as Decoration Day, was established following the Civil War as a time to remember those who died in service and to decorate their graves with flowers.  It was not until after World War I, however, that the day was expanded to honor those who have died in all American wars.  In 1971, Memorial Day was declared a national holiday by Congress and the date was moved to the last Monday in May.

The First Memorial Day Celebrations 

One of the first observances occurred in Columbus, Mississippi on April 25, 1866, when a group of women visited a cemetery to decorate the graves of Confederate soldiers who had fallen in battle at Shiloh.  Many cities in the North and South today claim to be the birthplace of Memorial Day.  Macon and Columbus, Georgia, as well as Richmond Virginia all claim the title.  While Boalsburg, Pennsylvania claims the holiday began there two years earlier.  A cemetery stone in Carbondale, Illinois, the wartime home of General Logan, carries the statement that the first Decoration Day took place there on April 29, 1866.  Approximately 25 places, most being in the South where most of the war dead were buried, have been named in connection with the origin of Memorial Day.  

The Official Birthplace of Memorial Day Declared 

In 1966, President Lyndon Johnson declared Waterloo, New York the "birthplace" of Memorial Day. A ceremony was held on May 5, 1866 to honor local veterans who had fought in the Civil War. Businesses closed and residents flew flags at half-staff.  Supporters of Waterloo's claim say the earlier observances mentioned above were either informal, not community-wide or one-time events.  By the end of the 19th century, Memorial Day was being celebrated throughout the nation on May 30.  State legislature passed proclamations designating the day and the Army & Navy adopted regulations for proper observance at their facilities.

Some States Still Have Confederate Observances   

Many Southern states also have their own days for honoring the Confederate dead.  These states include Mississippi, Alabama, Georgia, North & South Carolina, Louisiana, Tennessee, Texas and Viginia.

Confederate Memorial Day

• Mississippi - last Monday in April 
• Alabama - fourth Monday in April 
• Georgia - April 26
• North & South Carolina - May 10 
• Louisianna - June 3 
• Virginia - last Monday in May 

Confederate Decoration Day 

• Tennessee - June 3 

Confederate Heroes Day 

• Texas - January 19 

The first Memorial Day Ceremony held at Arlington National Cemetery of about 5,000 people is approximately the same size crowd that still attends today.  Each year, small American flags are placed on each grave, a tradition that has spread to many other national cemeteries today.

“Not only are they commemorated by columns and inscriptions, but there dwells also an unwritten memorial of them, graven not on stone but in the hearts of men.” - Pericles

To ensure the sacrifices of America's fallen heroes are never forgotten, the US Congress passed "The National Moment of Remembrance Act" in December 2011 which created the White House Commission and the National Moment of Remembrance.  The commissions charter is to "encourage the people of the United States to give something back to their country, which provides them so much freedom and opportunity."  The National Moment of Remembrance encourages all Americans to pause wherever they are at 3 PM local time on Memorial Day for a minute of silence to remember and honor those who have died in service to the nation.  "It's a way we can all help put the memorial back in Memorial Day" - Carmella La Spada, Moment of Remembrance Founder

For more information on the history of Memorial Day please visit: http://www.va.gov

I would love the opportunity to help you manage your Lake of the Ozarks Mortgage Loan or refinance.  Give me a call at (573) 746-7211 or send me an email at mlasson@fsbfinancial.com with any questions you may have!!

For Lake area news, resources and tips on financial services, please 

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Michael Lasson

Sr. Residential Mortgage Lender

NMLS #: 493712

2265 Bagnell Dam Blvd, Suite B

PO Box 1449

Lake Ozark, MO 65049

Direct:  (573) 746-7211

Cell: (573) 216-7258

Fax:(573) 693-9141

Email:  mlasson@fsbfinancial.com

Mortgage Loans Made Easy with Michael Lasson

Many people find themselves overwhelmed with the home financing process, as your Lake of the Ozarks Mortgage Lender,  it is my job to ensure that you receive the best loan for your situation as quickly and easily as possible!

Here's an overview of the loan application process

1. STEP ONE - Pre-Approval  Call me first.  Why?  By giving me some general financial information, I can help you determine how much you will be able to borrow.  Having a pre-approved mortgage loan could give you more power when you're looking for a  home and negotiating the purchase price.  I will also review your credit report and evaluate your debt-to-income ratio.  This information will allow you to make an educated choice for your future financial security.
2. STEP TWO - Application & Processing  When you've made your decision on a home or property and have a contract with the Seller, the next step is to complete your loan application.  I try to make this process very simple by allowing you to complete this process online or in our office.  If you choose to do it online, you select "Full Application" from Apply Now drop-down menu on the left sidebar of my website and complete the application.  For those clients that are not comfortable completing their application, we will set up a time that is convenient and complete the process in our office.
3. STEP THREE - Loan Approval, Funding & Closing Your Real Estate Agent or the Seller will designate an Escrow/Title Company to handle the funding of your loan, along with many other factors which make your purchase go smoothly.  The Loan Closing is an exciting meeting where you will complete the final paperwork to purchase the home from the seller, sign your mortgage documents and receive the deed and keys to your new home!  We will coordinate with the escrow team and you'll sign the final papers at their office.

Now, How Do I Help You Get the Best Loan??

Customer service is my highest priority.  Throughout the loan-application process, I will provide you with regular updates on your loan process. You can also e-mail me with questions or new information anytime. If you need immediate assistance, I am just a phone call away!  I do my very best to be available to answer any questions that you may have about your mortgage loan process.

I can make you Lake of the Ozarks Home Mortgage Simple, Straightforward, Cost-Effective, and FAST!  As your Lake of the Ozarks Mortgage Lender, I will work hard to help you buy your next home or property.

For resources and tips on financial services, please 
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Michael Lasson
Sr. Residential Mortgage Lender

2140 Bagnell Dam Blvd, Suite 303B
Lake Ozark, MO 65049
Direct:  (573) 746-7211
Cell: (573) 216-7258

Fax:(573) 693-9141
Email:  mlasson@fsbfinancial.com
NMLS #: 493712

It's Time to Take the Plunge for Special Olympics!!

The weather is warming up just in time for the 2014 Lake of the Ozarks Polar Plunge and there is STILL time to get your team registered!  The event is this Saturday February 22 at the Lake of the Ozarks Public Beach #2.

The Polar Plunge is a unique and fun fundraising event for the Special Olympics Missouri.  Each participating plunger will collect donations and pledges to commit to plunge into the icy waters of Lake of the Ozarks.  The event has brought more than 600 plungers and raised more than $200,000 in past years. 

Participating Plungers and teams are encouraged to come in fun and wacky costumes or themes to entertain viewers and be judged by the panel.  If you're not sure about taking the dive, you can still participate by donating online, financially supporting a plunger or coming out to cheer them on as they brave the cold!! 

Here is the schedule of Events:

• Registration - 12:00pm-2:00pm
• Parade Lineup for Judging - 1:50pm
• Parade of Costumes - 2:00 pm
• Announcements & Plungers' Oath - 2:15pm
• Polar Plunge Begins 2:30 pm 
• Post-Plunge Party at Tan-Tar-A Resort 4:00pm-7:00pm

If you are interested in participating or making a donation please visit the Lake of the Ozark Polar Plunge Site.  Hope to see you there!!

I would love the opportunity to help you manage your Lake of the Ozarks Mortgage Loan or refinance.  Give me a call at (573) 746-7211 or send me an email at mlasson@fsbfinancial.com with any questions you may have!!

For Lake area news, resources and tips on financial services, please 

LIKE my Facebook Page, Follow me on Twitter or Connect on LinkedIn

Michael Lasson

Sr. Residential Mortgage Lender

NMLS #: 493712

2265 Bagnell Dam Blvd, Suite B

PO Box 1449

Lake Ozark, MO 65049

Direct:  (573) 746-7211

Cell: (573) 216-7258

Fax:(573) 693-9141

Email:  mlasson@fsbfinancial.com

2013 New Home Sales Increased by 16%

"Cold as Ice." Foreigner. While many parts of the nation were dealing with icy conditions last week, the markets were heating up with a slew of economic reports and another taper announcement by the Fed. Read on for details.

There was a mix of good and bad housing news last week, as Pending Home Sales were down 8.7 percent in December from November. The report cited harsh weather for the decline. New Home Sales also fell by 7 percent from November to December, to an annual rate of 414,000. While the December number was below expectations, there was good news for 2013 overall, as builders sold an estimated 428,000 new homes—16 percent more than in 2012.

Research firm CoreLogic also reported that completed foreclosures declined 14 percent from December 2012 to December 2013. However, the Case Shiller 20-city Home Price Index fell by 0.1 percent from October to November, the first decline since October to November of 2012. Overall, the housing market continues to improve.

Also of note, December Durable Goods Orders (orders for items that last for an extended period of time) fell by 4.3 percent, the biggest decline since July. Meanwhile, Gross Domestic Product (GDP) in the fourth quarter of 2013 rose by 3.2 percent. This was above expectations, but below the 4.1 percent recorded in the third quarter of last year. The gains were led by a burst of consumer spending and an uptick in business investments. This is significant, as GDP is the broadest measure of economic activity. And inflation continues to remain tame, according to the Personal Consumption Expenditures Index.

What does this mean for home loan rates? Despite some weak economic reports, the Fed decided to taper its Bond purchase program by an additional $10 billion, noting that economic activity has picked up and the labor market continues to improve. Beginning in February, the Fed will now be purchasing $35 billion in Treasuries and $30 billion in Mortgage Bonds (the type of Bonds on which home loan rates are based). These purchases have been designed to stimulate the economy and housing market, and the figure is now down from the $85 billion in Bonds and Treasuries the Fed had been purchasing last year.

The timing of further tapering by the Fed will impact Stocks, Bonds and home loan rates throughout the year. It is a key story to monitor as we move further ahead in 2014.

The bottom line is that now remains a great time to consider a home purchase or refinance, as home loan rates remain attractive compared to historical levels. Let me know if I can answer any questions at all for you or your clients.

I would love the opportunity to help you manage your Lake of the Ozarks Mortgage Loan or refinance.  Give me a call at (573) 746-7211 or send me an email at mlasson@fsbfinancial.com with any questions you may have!!

For Lake area news, resources and tips on financial services, please 

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Michael Lasson

Sr. Residential Mortgage Lender
NMLS #: 493712

2265 Bagnell Dam Blvd, Suite B

PO Box 1449

Lake Ozark, MO 65049

Direct:  (573) 746-7211

Cell: (573) 216-7258

Fax:(573) 693-9141

Email:  mlasson@fsbfinancial.com

Anxiety Management for Public Speaking

Getting in front of a group of people to speak can cause a lot of anxiety for some people.  Even those that are very comfortable speaking with clients, referral partners or prospects can lose their confidence when it comes to public speaking.  

Before you back out of an opportunity to speak publicly, consider these benefits: overcoming fear, boosting self-esteem, honing critical-thinking and analysis skills, improving communication and networking opportunities, expanding your personal brand, getting more business, and impressing your audience... and your boss, if you have one.  Confidence is not easy to come by but you can master the skill with time.  

In the past if you got a case of the jitters, the standard prescription used was to find ways to force yourself to relax and calm down before giving your presentation. Except, this isn't the most effective way to channel that nervous energy. 

New Harvard Business School research shows getting excited reduces performance anxiety better than trying to calm down. "Anxiety is incredibly pervasive," says Alison Wood Brooks, PhD., author of the study. "People have a very strong intuition that trying to calm down is the best way to cope with their anxiety, but that can be very difficult and ineffective. When people feel anxious and try to calm down, they are thinking about all the things that could go badly. When they are excited, they are thinking about how things could go well." 

Because both anxiety and excitement are highly charged emotional states, it's easier to convince yourself that your anxiety is actually excitement, rather than try to convince yourself you're not anxious at all. Brooks says, "When you feel anxious, you're ruminating too much and focusing on potential threats. In those circumstances, people should try to focus on the potential opportunities. It really does pay to be positive, and people should say they are excited...even if they don't believe it at first." 

So, what's the best strategy? Dr. Brooks recommends that prior to any presentation you should tell yourself you're excited and forget about trying to calm down. In fact, simply saying "I'm excited!" out loud will naturally increase your feelings of excitement and get you pumped about the rewards of public speaking that are about to be yours! 

Give this helpful tip a try on your next public talk, and feel free to pass these tips along to your team, clients, and colleagues.  Good luck in your next opportunity!!

I would love the opportunity to help you manage your Lake of the Ozarks Mortgage Loan or refinance.  Give me a call at (573) 746-7211 or send me an email at mlasson@fsbfinancial.com with any questions you may have!!

For Lake area news, resources and tips on financial services, please 

LIKE my Facebook Page, Follow me on Twitter or Connect on LinkedIn

Michael Lasson

Sr. Residential Mortgage Lender

2265 Bagnell Dam Blvd, Suite B

PO Box 1449

Lake Ozark, MO 65049

Direct:  (573) 746-7211

Cell: (573) 216-7258

Fax:(573) 693-9141

Email:  mlasson@fsbfinancial.com

NMLS #: 493712