Why Reviewing Q1 Is Crucial for Self-Employed Mortgage Brokers
As we step into April, one quarter of the year is already gone. That’s 90 days or 25% of 2025 behind us. If you’re a self-employed mortgage broker or running your own mortgage business, it’s time to ask yourself: Are you where you expected to be? In this week’s Mortgage Broker Broadcast, we dive deep into why a Q1 review isn’t just helpful – it’s non-negotiable.
Why You Can’t Skip a Q1 Review
Too many brokers plough through the year without pausing to reflect. Then, come December, they wonder why they didn’t hit their goals. The reality is: if you don’t review, you can’t improve.
Key Benefits of a Q1 Review:
- Clarity on Progress: Understand where you are compared to where you planned to be.
- Identify Strengths and Weaknesses: Pinpoint what’s working and what needs changing.
- Course Correction: If you’re off track, there’s still time to pivot.
- Motivation Boost: Reflection reignites your drive.
- Confidence: If Q1 went well, it fuels your belief. If not, you now have a plan.
The Consequences of Avoiding a Q1 Review:
- Drifting: Another year without clear direction.
- Repeated Mistakes: No reflection = no correction.
- Lack of Accountability: You’re self-employed. No one’s chasing you but you.
- Poor Performance: If you don’t measure success, you can’t improve it.
How to Review Your Business and Personal Growth
A successful review needs structure and brutal honesty. Here’s how to do it:
Business Review Questions:
- Revenue: Did you hit your targets? What was your average case size?
- Lead Generation: Where did your leads come from? Are those channels still working?
- Client Experience: Are clients happy? Are you getting referrals?
- Systems: Are your follow-ups automated? Are admin tasks draining your time?
- Marketing: Is your content consistent and targeted?
- Team & Processes: If you’re solo, are your systems efficient? If you have staff, how are they performing?
Personal Growth Check-in:
- Habits: Are the habits you started in January still going?
- Mindset: Are you focused or feeling overwhelmed?
- Development: What have you read, watched, or invested in this year?
- Work-Life Balance: Are you burning out or maintaining boundaries?
- Well-being: Are you physically and mentally in a good place?
Remember: Your business can only grow as much as you do.
How to Set Goals for Q2 with Intention
Once your review is done, it’s time to act. Q2 is another 90 days of opportunity. Here’s how to plan with precision:
1. Break Goals Down
Set clear targets for income, leads, content, client experience, and personal growth.
2. Be Specific
“Get more leads” is vague. “Generate 20 new leads per month via LinkedIn” is actionable.
3. Set Deadlines
Avoid “soon” or “next week.” Be clear: “By 30 April, I will…”
4. Track Progress
Define what success looks like. Know how to measure it.
5. Weekly Actions
Break your goals into small, manageable weekly tasks.
Set the Scene for a Productive Review
To get the most out of your Q1 review, environment matters. Here are a few key tips:
- Get Out of Your Usual Workspace: Head to a quiet cafe or different room.
- Choose the Right Time: Don’t attempt it when you’re exhausted. Do it when your head is clear.
- No Distractions: No phones, emails or interruptions.
- Be Honest: You’re doing this for you. Sugarcoating won’t help.
Final Thoughts: Don’t Drift Through 2025
Q1 might be over, but 75% of the year is still to play for. Don’t let another year go by in autopilot. Stop. Review. Adjust. Plan. And most importantly, hold yourself accountable.
Because no one else will.
So this week, take a couple of hours to step back from your business and assess where you are. Make sure quarter two starts with intention and purpose. The difference between drifting and driving is in the review.
Need Support in Hitting Your 2025 Goals? If you’re thinking about becoming a self-employed mortgage broker, launching your own brand, or ready to accelerate your business growth, visit craigskelton.co.uk and book a discovery call. Let’s make 2025 the year you run your business on your terms.
And remember: Run your own race.