Millennials are a generation used to having a great deal of information instantly available. Growing up with the internet and smartphones has given them a different perspective on what it means to be accessible. So, what does this mean for loan officers? It means that accessibility is important, especially with their millennial clients. Luckily, that doesn’t mean being attached to your phone 24/7. Let’s take a look at what loan officers can do to excel in this department:

Maintain an Active Online Presence

The more information you have available online, and the easier it is to access it, the more your millennial prospects and clients will have to engage with. For example, if you maintain a weekly blog where you write about common questions and concerns you hear from millennial clients, there will be a wealth of information available on your website anytime a prospect or client wants to read it. This can help them feel better informed and more relaxed in the mortgage process. In addition to giving them the information they need, that presence also shows that you’re actively engaging on the social-media platforms where you share your posts. Be sure you check your inbox regularly on these sites, as many millennial prospects may find a quick Facebook message to be their most convenient means of initial contact.

Be Responsive

One habit I’ve found particularly important, especially with millennials, is to respond as soon as possible, even if it’s just a quick note to say the message was received and I’ll be in touch with a more detailed response soon. Sometimes, you get a message and know you need a distraction-free window to reply. If you have a busy day, that can leave the sender waiting a while for your response. A quick note to say you’ll be in touch can put them at ease and make them feel supported, even while waiting for your full reply.

Be Clear About Your Availability

I try to be open and upfront with my clients from the start about my communication style. Let clients know the best way to reach you, especially if it’s for a more urgent question. Let them know your standard availability. Let them know how you operate on evenings and weekends. By being clear ahead of time, you help your clients set reasonable expectations around your accessibility, and that makes it much less likely for miscommunication or disappointment.

Maintain Healthy Boundaries

Finally, it’s crucial for loan officers to maintain boundaries between their work and personal lives. This can feel particularly challenging when trying to increase your accessibility. The key is realizing that being accessible doesn’t mean being constantly available. By using strategies like those I’ve outlined above, you can ensure you’re accessible to your clients while still giving yourself time to disconnect. If you want to be at your best for your clients and your business, taking time for yourself is essential. Figure out the boundaries that work for you, and strive to stick with them.

How do you stay accessible to your millennial clients? What challenges do you face here? What strategies have worked well for you? I’d love to hear your thoughts!