What makes a network successful is very much down to whether the advisers that make up that network are able to thrive in the environment it provides.
There are some networks which only provide compliance support and a panel of lenders; I’ve always been of the school of thought however, that the more opportunities, knowledge and support you give to your advisers, the more successful they will be and the less likely they will be to look elsewhere resulting in a more successful network. However, I may be unique in that point of view.
We certainly believe that training, the opportunity to meet other advisers and reward for success and quality are key, as the more advisers know and the happier they are, the more equipped they are to help their clients.
Advisers need to find a network they feel they belong in and that they feel they can relate to, but it’s a two way thing where both parties work together to understand what the other one needs. Brokers need to feel like they are in an open environment where they are listened to, but similarly they need to be in an environment where they understand what the network is about and what it is trying to achieve. This way both end up as successful as they can possibly be.
Ultimately there is no right or wrong, just a network that feels right for you. However one network is not the same as another so if you’re unhappy where you are, as well as understanding the financially stability of a network, think also about the things you want from it in terms of support, then speak to people who are already a part of it to see if they get what it is that you need to be successful.
By Toni Smith, sales operations director, First Complete
