With the new year underway, business professionals across different industries may be wondering how they can jump start their ventures and take their work to the next level. Today, Jacques Poujade, a business expert with more than 30 years of experience in real estate financing, is answering some questions that business professionals may be wondering. Poujade in a managing partner at LendPlus, a real estate brokerage and financing firm, and he is passionate about helping all aspiring homeowners finance their dream home.
Jacques, you started LendPlus. What tips do you have for those looking to start their own business?
Jacques: Starting LendPlus was the product of many years of hard work. I first got my Bachelor’s in commerce from Concordia University, then got my Master’s in Finance from McGill University. After that, I started my career in finance with a supervisory position in Coopers & Lybrand. Getting that first foot in the door was an important step, and it’s where I started to learn the tricks of the trade, especially as a supervisor. After that, I worked my way through other firms, including the First National Bank of Boston, and Zimcor Group. For me, having varied experiences really helped set me up for success, because I learned a lot about how to work in different positions, and how to handle different issues that can pop up.
What real estate and financial trends are you excited for this year?
Jacques: Cryptocurrencies are continuing to rise in popularity, and it seems like they’ll become more accessible, and user-friendly. An increasing amount of cryptocurrency wallets, that are easy for the average person to use, will make cryptocurrencies more accessible. Plus, it’s likely more financial institutions will start to integrate cryptocurrencies into their systems. Besides that, I’m interested in the mortgage rate forecast for 2020. Almost all housing economists agree that 30-year fixed mortgage rates will stay below 4%. While this is good news for those looking to finance their dream house, this will likely lead to increased competition and bidding wars for homes.
How and why do you integrate digital content into your business?
Jacques: While my business isn’t explicitly related to social media or the web, I’ve been sure to integrate digital content into my work. I think this is crucial for all businesses looking to make a name for themselves in their industry, in this digital decade. I have a website, and social media channels, where I share content related to business and real estate. I keep an eye on the latest trends and share content and information that may be of interest to others in those fields. I think this is one aspect to my business model that helps me stand out from the competition.
Do you have any tips for those looking to increase their business productivity?
Jacques: Getting your body into a healthy routine is key. I know many business owners who have erratic eating and sleeping schedules, because of the nature of their work. But having a consistent sleeping and eating schedule can really make a difference in your productivity, and in the quality of your work. If your body and mind are constantly tired, it’ll start to show in your work. It’s important to take control of your health and wrangling in your daily habits is one step that can make a big difference.
How can business owners work to improve their businesses?
Jacques: Staying up-to-date on the latest trends and changing technologies is key. It takes time to continuously educate yourself. You have to do the research and stay on top of what is happening in your industry, but it’s worth it. It helps you integrate the latest information and technologies into your work smoothly and keeps you from falling behind. Plus, customers and consumers are much more likely to want to work with you, instead of your competitors.
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