To all our highly valued clients and acquaintances:
A gentle reminder for this time of year:
"reflection is vital and because burnout is a very real threat in today's hectic atmosphere,
all serious professionals best practice the three Rs: retreat, renewal, and return."
Paraphrased from the bestseller, "On Becoming A Leader" by Warren Bennis
Looking for ways to hit a re-set button & get 2009 off to a strong start in turbulent times?
You agree with the idea that so goes January, so goes the 1st Quarter, so goes the year?
This is a time to regroup – to strengthen our connections via healthy communication and to build trust, every step of the way – to confront reality without losing hope, especially in times of crisis.
Many Financial Advisors are already doing a serious re-think and re-vamp about their 2009 business preservation, branding, marketing and growth plans. We recommend the following:
- Develop a 1 page Business Plan as a working play sheet. (click here for sample outline)
- Create a plan to call as many people as you can by the end of January. While many other FA’s may be depressed, anxious and fearful, you could be investing this highly unique period to speak with more potential clients than you ever previously had access.
- Create a referral engine that won’t quit – set up a system and then make it work for you.
- Re-confirm dates with all of your first quarter appointments and commitments.
- Plan your personal/professional development activities for next year and schedule them.
- Stock up on supplies that will take you through at least the 1st quarter and even beyond.
Million Dollar Consultant, Alan Weiss (http://www.summitconsulting.com) offers the following:
“Most people regard unexpected events as harbingers of bad times & consequently figuratively duck under their desks. You’ll stand out in a crowd if you calmly ask, “How can I grasp an opportunity from this unexpected event?” Besides, you’re likely to be the only one standing!”
Questions that Alan suggests that we ask ourselves, to take advantage of unexpected events:
- How can this event or action be exploited with our existing products or services?
- Are we capable of providing additional service that will fill a need created by this event?
- What is the “upside” to the new configuration that most will be unaware of at the outset?
- How do the changes in the industry affect our clients, and how can we fill new needs?
- What alliances, collaborations or relationships make sense in light of what’s emerging?
Remember, you are not selling anything – you are providing value – as recently cited by the Financial Planning Association (www.FPAforfinancialplanning.org) in the Wall Street Journal:
“we need a sharp focus on protecting and serving best interests of the consumer first”
What you can count on from us here @ Coaching for Financial Advisors:
- To be an indisputably high integrity and high service professional resource
- To be vigilant, on your behalf, with the latest and most effective, field-tested strategies
- To help you personalize and customize your process to best fit you and your business
- To help you energize as you follow through and create consistent results for your clients
- To be readily accessible to address questions, resolve challenges & celebrate your wins
- To be an unquestionable profit and productivity center for you and your business
We will continue to be on the lookout for innovative & leading edge ways to go beyond our fiscal environment’s current challenges and coming to you with additional recommendations in 2009.
As we pause and celebrate the Holiday Season, may you move with increasing initiative
and resourcefulness during these historically challenging times.
Let us know what you are up to and what you might be up against.
We look forward to expanding our relationship and our future efforts together.
Hope you have a terrific holiday and
a happy, healthy and prosperous 2009
With sincere and deep appreciation,
Coach Don
|
