How Mortgage Advisors Can Get More Done in a Day
How Mortgage Advisors Can Get More Done in a Day
Time management is one of the biggest challenges mortgage advisors face. A question I get asked all the time is, “How can I manage my diary better and get more done?” If you’ve been feeling overwhelmed or like there just aren’t enough hours in the day, this one’s for you. Let me walk you through some tried-and-tested strategies that have worked for me and my clients.
listen to the full episode here
Why Is Time Management Crucial for Mortgage Advisors?
Managing your time well isn’t just about ticking boxes—it’s about moving your business forward while maintaining work-life balance. It’s easy to get stuck in a reactive cycle, jumping from task to task without making real progress. The key is to take control of your day so you can be productive and still have time for yourself and your family.
If you’re looking for a starting point, grab my 🎉FREE Mortgage Marketing Blueprint to learn how to optimise your workflow while growing your business. Download it here: ashborland.com/blueprint.
How Do You Structure Your Day for Maximum Productivity?
The first step to getting more done is separating your day into clear parts. This is a strategy I’ve developed and refined over the years, and I recommend it to all the advisors I work with. My day is broken down into three sections:
1. On the Business (Morning Focus)
The morning is all about proactive tasks that push your business forward. For me, this means starting my day at 6 a.m. with a gym session where I consume CPD content, industry updates, or anything that will help me grow professionally. Then, I dive into creating content for an hour and spend another hour working on business tasks like updating my website, optimising testimonials, or implementing new strategies.
By 11 a.m., I’ve already accomplished tasks that move my business forward—and that’s before I even speak to a single client. Imagine how impactful it would be if you started your day with a similar approach. Whether it’s clearing applications, marketing, or client outreach, focus on what will grow your business.
2. In the Business (Client-Facing Work)
From 11 a.m. to 6 p.m., I focus on reactive tasks, like client calls and meetings. To avoid burnout, I use an hour-on, hour-off rule. This buffer time between calls ensures I never feel rushed and have plenty of time to regroup, send follow-ups, or prep for the next meeting. This method has been a game-changer for me and many advisors I’ve coached.
3. Personal (Evening Wind-Down)
After 7 p.m., my workday is officially over. This is my time to spend with my family, walk the dog, or relax. By setting this boundary, I ensure I’m recharged for the next day. Work-life balance is critical, and your diary should reflect this.
To dive deeper into these concepts, check out my Mortgage Business Mastery Podcast on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or YouTube.
What Is Parkinson’s Law, and How Can It Help?
Parkinson’s Law states that “work expands to fill the time available for its completion.” In simple terms, if you give yourself an hour to complete a task that only takes 15 minutes, it will still end up taking an hour. Understanding this principle can help you set realistic deadlines and avoid wasting time.
For example, on days when my diary is packed, I get far more done than on days with fewer appointments. By creating a sense of urgency—without adding stress—you can stay focused and productive.
Why Should You Use a Default Diary?
A default diary is a time management hack that has completely transformed my workflow. Here’s how it works:
Block out recurring tasks like gym sessions, content creation, and client calls.
Stick to this schedule religiously to build consistency.
Pro tip: Include everything in your diary, even personal tasks like walking the dog or family time. It might feel rigid at first, but this level of organisation ensures nothing slips through the cracks. If you need help setting this up, work with me directly: ashborland.com.
How Can Calendly Links Save You Time?
If you’re still going back and forth with clients to book meetings, you’re wasting valuable time. Tools like Calendly allow clients to book directly into your diary, based on your availability. But it doesn’t stop there:
Use Calendly’s mini fact-find feature to gather client info upfront.
Leverage its routing system to pre-qualify leads and direct them to the right service.
By automating the booking process, you free up time to focus on high-value tasks while ensuring your diary stays organised.
Why Is Task Management Just as Important as Time Management?
While managing your diary is crucial, keeping track of individual tasks is equally important. I use Microsoft To Do to create daily task lists, which include everything from client follow-ups to personal reminders. This ensures that nothing gets missed and that I’m making progress every day.
Your task management system should:
Include repeatable tasks (e.g., daily content creation).
Track client-specific to-dos (e.g., follow-ups or case updates).
Sync across all your devices for easy access.
How Can SOPs Help You Save Time?
Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) are a must if you want to streamline your business. These are step-by-step guides for repetitive tasks, like creating content, onboarding clients, or processing applications. By documenting these processes, you can:
Save time by eliminating guesswork.
Maintain consistency in your work.
Easily delegate tasks if needed.
For example, all my content follows a set structure: hook, intro, key points, and outro. This makes it quick and easy to produce high-quality material.
Final Thoughts on Time Management for Mortgage Advisors
Getting more done in a day isn’t about working harder—it’s about working smarter. By structuring your day, leveraging tools like Calendly, and sticking to proven systems like a default diary, you can maximise your productivity and still have time to enjoy your personal life.
If you found this helpful, make sure to subscribe to the Mortgage Business Mastery Podcast on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or YouTube.
Let’s stay connected! Follow me on:
And don’t forget to grab your 🎉FREE Mortgage Marketing Blueprint here: ashborland.com/blueprint.
