Picture a world where title agents have access to an arsenal of tools, resources, and insights tailored to help them thrive in any market. Enter WFG's groundbreaking Blocks program. Initially introduced in 2017, Blocks empowers title agents with direct access to the very services employed by national title underwriter WFG National Title Insurance Company in its own direct operations.
“Blocks isn't just another educational program; it's a game-changer that's all about boosting the success of our title agents,” said Jaime Johnson, VP, Director of WFG Blocks.
The Blocks program consists of six essential pillars, or "Blocks," each strategically crafted to uplift and empower title agents at every step of their journey. Whether it’s Title and Settlement Solutions, Expense Management, Information Security, Compliance Solutions, Marketing and Sales, or HR and Business Operations, title agents have a dynamic toolkit at their disposal. And they can seamlessly mix and match these Blocks to suit their unique needs without being tied to long-term commitments.
The ABCs of Achieving Operational Excellence
Understanding that knowledge fuels growth and success, WFG has been committed to offering programs that support its title agents with the information and resources they need to prosper in this highly competitive industry since day one.
As the landscape shifted during the dynamic years of 2020 and 2021, many title agents found themselves caught in the routine of order processing, leaving strategic growth initiatives on the sidelines. But as the tides turned, the need to optimize operations and streamline expenses for sustained profitability came to the forefront. Rising to meet this challenge, WFG expanded its Business Operations Block earlier this year with the introduction of an innovative program called "The ABCs for Your Title Agency.”
“The ABCs for Your Title Agency" isn't just a program—it's a transformative growth path that paves the way for operational excellence and strategic mastery. Through a series of engaging educational classes, robust training modules, and live monthly sessions, title agents gain access to a treasure trove of best practices and insider insights, equipping them to run their title operations with greater skill and confidence.
Included within WFG's HR and Business Operations Block, “The ABCs for Your Title Agency” program is a rich source of industry and operational knowledge. Each program session provides title agents with a distinct perspective, providing them with a foothold on the roadmap for success. From live seminars that inspire, to on-demand video sessions accessible through WFG’s Agent online resource library, title agents embark on an immersive learning experience. But it doesn't stop there. WFG's commitment extends to supplementary materials and continuing education opportunities, all of which are exclusively crafted for and available to their title agent network members.
“We've listened to our agents and identified where they want support,” Johnson said. “In many cases, it's truly going back to the basics, and they want to hear from people who are experienced experts on these topics. Whether it's expense management, compliance, sales, or just gaining a general understanding of what’s going on in our industry and how they can best prepare for success. We’re here to help them navigate through it all so they can thrive.”
Unleashing Title Agents’ Superpowers: WFG’s New Business Operations Education Program
WFG created “The ABCs for Your Title Agency” for title agents who want to up their game. Through the addition of this program, they now have the ability to dive into a series of exclusive, power-packed webinars that promise to equip them with insights, strategies, and actionable wisdom that will help them triumph in the ever-evolving real estate landscape. Whether they’re looking to master expense management, enhance sales strategies, stay compliant, or gain vital market insights, WFG's programs will provide them with the tools they need to achieve operational excellence. Here is an overview of some of the courses that are currently available through WFG’s “The ABCs for Your Title Agency” program.
Expense Management: “Focus on What You Can Control”
Join forces with WFG's experts as they unveil proven methodologies for slashing operational expenses and maximizing profitability. This session isn't just about tightening belts—it's about honing in on what's within your grasp. Explore strategies for operational efficiency, leveraging technology, and transforming fixed costs into variable ones. Take charge of your expenses and unlock the power of proactive management. Dive into this enlightening session here: Expense Management Webinar
Sales Strategies: “Selling in Today’s Economy”
Navigate the intricacies of modern sales and marketing with insights from Sparktank's Founder and CEO Jeff Lobb. Learn how to seize opportunities in a shifting market, target the right prospects, and create a unique market presence. Discover your new value proposition and adapt to thrive in a dynamic landscape. As Jeff Lobb aptly puts it, "Shift or get left behind."
Uncover these transformational strategies here: Selling in Today’s Economy
"The sales process and value proposition in the title insurance business need to change dramatically, not only in this market, but also in this day and age, as consumers and real estate agents’ needs have significantly changed. If you don't shift or shift fast enough, many others in your business will simply pass right by you." Jeff Lobb, Founder and CEO, Sparktank
Compliance Education: “Compliance in a Snapshot”
Get a comprehensive overview of compliance challenges title companies face during real estate transactions in this informative session led by WFG NTIC VP, New Mexico State Manager, Southwest Agency Services, Scott Florez. This session will help you understand federal regulations, state compliance standards, and the crucial aspect of aligning your operations to minimize risks. It will also help you understand and explore how compliance can be a marketable advantage. Access this insightful session here: Compliance in a Snapshot
"The risks to a title company are many and include financial loss, operational impairment, regulatory action, and reputational loss. A title company that is in compliance minimizes these risks and can even market this compliance as a value add!" Scott Florez, WFG NTIC VP, New Mexico State Manager, Southwest Agency Services
Operational Efficiency: “Survive and Thrive in the Current Market”
Do you wish you had a road map to direct you through market challenges? Let WFG Chairman and Founder Patrick Stone guide you through navigating today's market. Gain actionable insights to align your operations with market dynamics and position yourself for long-term success. Learn to decipher market metrics and optimize personnel costs. Join WFG on this transformative journey: Survive and Thrive in the Current Market
“Right now the biggest issue [facing our industry] is uncertainty around the market and the biggest challenge we have in management is aligning our operations with the market. We don’t create the market, but we need to react to it decisively, quickly, and to the long-term benefit of our organizations.” Patrick Stone, Chairman and Founder, Williston Financial Group
In addition to the webinars outlined above, WFG continues to create new programmatic content in support of its title agent network. Future topics for consideration include:
- Creating a winning corporate culture
- Cybersecurity: training your staff to be cyber-aware
- How to manage your P&L
- Goal Setting and Business Planning
- Commercial Transactions & Reinsurance
- Managing conflict within the workplace
- The underwriter relationship and expectations
Participation in these illuminating monthly webinars will are participants with the knowledge they need grow, adapt, and succeed in any market.
The Power of Fundamentals: WFG Launches Blocks Sales University
In response to the significant shift in the market landscape, WFG launched its Blocks Sales University program earlier this year as well. The newest program within the national underwriter’s Marketing and Sales Block, this comprehensive training initiative empowers title agents with the resources and skills they need to become confident and effective sales champions.
Blocks Sales University includes nine immersive educational modules, enriched by live webinars, hands-on training sessions and a new online resource portal. The program's scope covers a range of invaluable skills, from honing prospecting methodologies and crafting compelling value propositions, to mastering messaging techniques and differentiation strategies. Additionally, it delves into the art of navigating sales objections and surmounting obstacles. To further enhance the program and make it more readily available to the company’s title agents, WFG is launching an online educational portal later this fall, giving agents access to program content at their convenience, whenever the need arises.
Upon completion of the Blocks Sales University, WFG's title agents will emerge equipped with an arsenal of valuable skills, including:
- How to precisely research, identify and target prime prospects, channel their pain points, and craft magnetic messaging that will resonate with them
- The ability to weave a narrative that effectively conveys their company's distinctive value proposition, setting them leagues apart from competitors
- How to dispel objections and forge fruitful new business connections
As the economic tides sway and market currents shift, WFG's dedication to title agent empowerment remains steadfast. The company’s programs will continue to evolve in support of the ever-evolving needs of their title agents, ensuring seamless adaptation and continued success.
“WFG’s purpose -- today and always -- is to help title agents achieve and maintain profitability and increase their sales revenue by providing them with the information and resources they need to enhance operational efficiencies and grow market share,” said Gene Rebadow, EVP of WFG Agency Operations. “Title agents who take advantage of these resources and continue to seek out ways to optimize their businesses will survive and ultimately thrive in any market.”
To learn more about WFG WFG’s Blocks Program, download the comprehensive whitepaper here: Solutions for Today’s Economy or visit wfgblocks.com. For more information about WFG’s “The ABCs for Your Title Agency" or Blocks Sales University, visit wfgblocks.com or contact your local WFG Agency representative. Not currently an agent of WFG National Title Insurance Company? Reach out to us to learn how you can become a part of WFG's title agent network!
About WFG National Title Insurance Company:
Portland, Oregon-based WFG National Title Insurance Company (WFG), a Williston Financial Group company, is a leading provider of title insurance and real estate settlement services for commercial and residential transactions nationwide. One of just six truly national title underwriters, WFG accomplished its national footprint faster than any other underwriter in history.
Built around the directive to “communicate, collaborate, coexist,” WFG strives to improve the real estate process through the creation and delivery of comprehensive, innovative services and technology solutions that empower and increase transaction transparency for the title agents, real estate professionals, lenders, and consumers it serves. The company enjoys a Financial Stability Rating of A’ (A prime), as assigned by Demotech, Inc. For more information, visit www.wfgtitle.com.