I speak to a handful of employment applicants each week. In a challenging economic environment such as the one we are in, many are looking for new opportunities. A few weeks ago, I spoke with someone applying for our business development position. The conversation was very engaging, and we agreed to talk again in a few days. Our follow-up call was more advanced as we discussed what the position entailed and what I was looking for in potential candidates.

I detailed some of our company philosophy and highlighted how we utilize technology in tandem with common-sense tactics. We straddle the worlds of “old school” with “new school” to personalize solutions for our clients and business partners. We want to be resourceful and effective in all we do. He was very interested and echoed how creative and efficient he was. We set an appointment to meet at my office a few days later.

On the day of our meeting, he was a no-show for the 11:00 am appointment. There was no call or email giving any heads-up of his situation. By 11:45, I had already moved on to my next task when my office manager came to tell me he was on his way up to our office. Apparently, he got off at the wrong exit and was lost in Englewood. We spoke for a few minutes, and then I interrupted the conversation because I just had to find out… “Do you not use Waze or Google maps,” I asked? He admitted that he doesn’t use either because he’s usually very good with directions.

For our business development position, I am looking for someone to work with my team and me to help create connections with real estate, legal and financial professionals. The position calls for applying basic skills and tools to establish relationships with like-minded professionals. It’s always exciting for me to meet new industry pros and figure out creative ways to develop new business opportunities together.

It’s incredible how many resources and technologies have been introduced over the years that we utilize to help our clients and business partners generate new business or benefits. To me, no software or app can merely be set-up and left alone to “create” business on its own. How you integrate the technology and personalize it to every given circumstance is what differentiates one company from the next.

My onsite interview didn’t last too long as I couldn’t envision someone who doesn’t utilize Waze, or the like, for a position like this. I encouraged him to be more open-minded about incorporating tools to help make his personal or professional life more productive and efficient. We had another pleasant conversation but agreed it wasn’t a good fit.

I think the lesson for me is that there are things in the marketplace that have been introduced to help a business get things done better, faster, cheaper, and more creatively. The key is finding that perfect balance of the tech with the technician. Finding a home or getting a mortgage requires more innovation and custom expertise than ever before. Find the people and the organizations that appreciate this, and you will see a big difference in your outcomes and results.

Special shout out and birthday day wishes to Michael Abrahams, Irene Attali, Rabbi Avi Bernstein, David Bressler, Chaim Cillo, Shira Donath, Miriam Fine, Yossi Friedman, Shoshanna Jaskoll, Noah Klug, Betty Mikhly, Elana Nayowitz, Naftali Olivestone, David Plotkin, Shmuel Prizant, Sharon Schild, Nomi Schwartz, Aryeh Sheinbein, Ben Turin, Danny Wang, Aliza Weinberg, Sara Weingarten, David Younger, and Rabbi Ari Zahtz

Shmuel Shayowitz (NMLS#19871) is President and Chief Lending Officer at Approved Funding, a privately held local mortgage banker and direct lender. Approved Funding is a mortgage company offering competitive interest rates as well as specialty niche programs on all types of Residential and Commercial properties. Shmuel has over 20 years of industry experience, including licenses and certifications as a certified mortgage underwriter, residential review appraiser, licensed real estate agent, and direct FHA specialized underwriter. He can be reached via email at [email protected].