The beginning of a new year presents an opportunity for a fresh start. For some people it is an inspiration to leave employment and venture into business, for others, it’s about hunting for a new job. Individuals who receive large bonuses can fund their new businesses without lending. However, the majority of entrepreneurs looking to start companies seek outside business financing to supplement their capital. Sadly the dwindling approval rates for start-up loans by large banks cause these small businesses to result in alternative ways of lending. According to the Biz2Credit Small Business Lending Index for December 2017 the approval rates for small business loan request hit post-recession highs in big banks. This trend continues which makes starting a lending business a pretty lucrative venture in 2018.
Why Lending Businesses Have Become Popular
- Ability to Finance Small Businesses
The increased popularity of lending businesses is occasioned by their ability to offer financial help to small companies and upcoming entrepreneurs who are not eligible for bank loans. Evidently, there is a pretty large market for these firms as emerging businesses turn to them for funds.
- Global Acceptance
The recent times have seen an increased worldwide acceptance of lending businesses as the primary goal is to foster social development by empowering emerging entrepreneurs. Microlending also facilitates the expansion of small firms which fuels the growth of a community.
Tips for Growing a Successful Lending Business
If you have decided to start a lending business this year these tips should come in handy:
Conduct the Business Locally
A private lending practice is most successful when conducted locally. Loans advanced to prospective customers should be within reach from your office. Local lending allows you to study the community trends and behavior of your potential clients. Keep in mind you are in business first, and the lending business is second. Take advantage of Google analytics and SEO to attract local clients. To understand keyword usage in Google Analytics, click here.
Find a Manageable Market Range
If the funding capacity of most clients ranges between $30,000-$300,000, then this should be your niche. You should be honest about your loan limits to build trust with your clientele. Start out small and create volumes as you work your way up to giving larger loans. In reality, smaller loans say those between $5-$50,000 tend to earn more than bigger loans as they are quicker to close. You can leverage these small units by charging higher fees and more points.
Leverage Technology
As a newly established lending business, integrating technology is key to fostering growth. This can be achieved by implementing automated customer service, utilizing data analytics to pinpoint potential customers, adopting a multi-cloud system for efficient data storage, and harnessing machine learning to enhance customer profiling and loan application management. Moreover, employing technology enables you to streamline operations through automated loan processing, decision-making, and customer support, which can significantly boost productivity and efficiency. This strategic use of technology will undoubtedly set your business on a path to success.
Collaborating with Other Businesses
In the competitive world of lending businesses, forming strategic partnerships with other companies can play a crucial role in achieving success. Partnering with credit bureaus and reporting agencies allows you to access crucial credit information and histories of potential borrowers. Similarly, collaborating with legal advisors and compliance experts ensures that the lending business operates within the boundaries of relevant laws and regulations. Another key collaboration is with reputable firms like Bond Rees, specialized in people tracing services in case of loan defaults and other essential support. Establishing connections with fintech companies can also be beneficial as it can help bring innovation to the lending process and business operations.
Avoid Brokering
A private lending business should operate as such- originate Northcash Loans online to clients. However, you may also refer deals to other lenders if the credit is outside your area of expertise, but it should not be the primary focus. Brokering loans also known as daisy chains wastes time, focus and the borrower may not be served well. In fact, they often fail as every agent on the chain wants to get paid.
Clearly, the lending business offers an excellent opportunity for investors looking for rewarding ventures. The tips should help you conduct a successful private lending company that will attract a stable stream of leads while growing your reputation in the community.
