Fast tracking experience through the experienced

Bell Partners CEO and founder, Anthony Bell shared his 'shortcuts to experience' at the MFAA Convention.

With over 20 years of industry experience, Bell Partners CEO and founder, Anthony Bell has grown his business by 40% every year for more than a decade. 

"It's really important that if we want to end really well, we've got to start really well," says Bell, explaining that Bell Partners runs on a 52 week management structure. "My idea of short term goals means we find out really quickly if we're on target or not on target." 

Bell pointed out some common misconceptions about credit advisors and says when a customer recommends you it is invaluable as they are solely recommending your business and not as one of 'the top 3'.

He said people often believe that relationships play little part in the process and that customers only want to deal with the 'big players'. 

"Start looking at your customer as a distributor," says Bell, explaining that the customer wants a boutique environment that is accessible. "They don't want to get trapped in large organisations."

He also pointed out the critical traits every leader should have: 
  • passionately believe in your vision 
  • build a great team that shares that vision "If things are great, let everyone know. If things aren't great, let everyone know."
  • tell the team what you expect and the role they can play 
  • keep everyone informed and motivated  "Transparency of results is one of the greatest forms of motivation."
  • give them space to grow
  • pay for performance "People will stay if they're being well remunerated. Admit high performers into the leadership structure of your firm."
When it comes to staff, Bell says it's vital to employ the right people for your company culture.
In new recruits, he looks for:
  • have life commitments 
  • be involved in team sports
  • have ambition
  • communicate well and be engaging
  • put others before themselves 
  • dislike complaining 
  • take pride in themselves