Monday
Every day I write a to-do list for the day ahead so that I know what I should, but do not always, get done. Today is a morning of company-related admin and planning before I start on client appointments in the afternoon. Two first-time buyers and an existing landlord client are my appointments in the office today.
Leaving the office at around 6.30pm I run home and get back just in time to eat. Then I join a webinar with Reward Health about our employee wellness programme launch, Reward Health at Work.
Tuesday
It is an 8.30 start today and as with most Tuesdays, the day is a mix of new appointments and following up on prospects. I try to work to a structure during the week to make sure that I have time available for clients’ meetings, so admin and director-related tasks tend not to get scheduled for today.
The morning is taken up on the phone to clients, giving updates or initial appointments. I blocked out much of the afternoon for a buy-to-let client as I know the research required for his recent purchases has taken longer given his growing portfolio. Online mortgage research and cross-referencing with lenders over the phone is time-consuming, but getting the right mortgage first shot is a big time-saver overall.
Wednesday
It is back on the bike today, which means a run home tonight, but I will probably need it as I have a compliance visit today from my network TenetLime. The visit takes up a lot of the day but it is a necessary part of any regulated business.
The visit goes well and I am back at my desk by 2.30pm, ready to face lots of emails and calls. Top of my list is a call to a lender about the requirements they have set on a case for a first-time buyer.
To finish the day a welcome run home.
Thursday
Thursdays always tend to involve a good level of business development. This might be on the phone speaking to new business partners or out and about at networking events. Today is my own event in Newcastle where 30 or so business people meet and enjoy a fantastic curry. The Curry Club has been going since 2009 and is set in stone in my diary.
Friday
Fridays are often resolving issues, client calls and for some reason in the afternoon a lot of new enquiries. I am not sure if it is people finishing early on Fridays or the panic to get something done before the weekend, but Friday afternoon is always manic and today is no different.
To ensure clients are not stressing over the weekend, and so that I enjoy my weekend, I make sure we box off anything that is still outstanding from the week.
The final run of the working week gets me home with a clear head and ready to enjoy the weekend.
David Wilson is managing director of Tyne and Wear-based NE Money
