Managing the Relationship Archives - Page 2 of 8

In this category you will find blog posts about clients relationship management – including but not limited to establishing trust, building a relationship, ending an advisor-client relationship, and more.

Getting Clients to Talk about Money

December 18, 2017 / by Don Connelly / Managing the Relationship / 0 comments

As financial advisors we’re comfortable talking about money, it’s what we’re trained to do. But for everyone else it’s a different story. Most people feel uncomfortable talking about money, so you need to consider how to introduce the topic in a relaxed way.

Don’t dive into the numbers at the initial meeting. Instead focus on building rapport with clients; then ask them what it is they want money for. The goals must come first – then the money. Once you understand your client’s vision of the future you can start doing the math on how to get there.

How to Connect with Clients Emotionally

December 11, 2017 / by Don Connelly / Managing the Relationship / 0 comments

As financial advisors we’re objective thinkers. We use the left, logical, side of our brains, to work out the technical aspects of financial planning. But simply being able to do the math won’t differentiate you from the competition – even robo-advisors are pretty good with interest rates and algorithms. The way to stand out is to make an emotional connection with people.

Your clients won’t make big decisions based on the numbers. They will base them on how they feel about you, using the right (emotional) part of the brain. To form a connection with clients you need to work out what it is you have to offer them on an emotional level.

Here are three suggestions to help you connect with clients emotionally.

Maintaining Meaningful Relationships Is Hard but Essential Work

November 27, 2017 / by Don Connelly / Managing the Relationship / 0 comments

As a financial advisor you need a wide range of skills, not least the ability to prospect and win new business. However, another area of expertise – and one which is frequently overlooked – is the ability to maintain a meaningful ongoing relationship with your clients. Here are a few ways to do this.

Your Success Depends on The Strength of Your Client Relationships

November 6, 2017 / by Don Connelly / Managing the Relationship / 0 comments

Client relationships are the cornerstone of your business. They must be strong enough to weather bad market conditions and to ensure clients stay invested for the long term.

Here are some things you should do to maintain a secure ongoing partnership with your clients, regardless of market conditions.

3 Things You Should Never Do in Volatile Markets

October 30, 2017 / by Don Connelly / Managing the Relationship / 0 comments

It’s your job as a financial advisor to stop your clients acting on emotion. You need to get across the fact that the financial plan you created is valid in all types of markets. To manage that, there are some things you should never do…

Help Clients Get to Know the ‘Real’ You

October 23, 2017 / by Don Connelly / Managing the Relationship / 2 comments

Before a client makes the decision to do business with you he or she has to feel you are the ‘right fit’ for them. They’re about to embark on a journey into what’s often unknown territory for them – so they need to feel a real connection with their selected advisor.

Build rapport by letting prospective clients see the kind of person you really are. Let your personality shine through.

How Do Clients Choose a Financial Advisor?

October 16, 2017 / by Don Connelly / Managing the Relationship / 0 comments

If you don’t know what’s going on in a client’s mind when they’re choosing a financial advisor, you won’t be able to present yourself in a way that meets their needs. And you won’t get selected.

So let’s take a look at some of the things likely to be on a client’s mind when they’re looking for an advisor…

When to Call Clients to Keep Your Relationship Strong

August 14, 2017 / by Don Connelly / Managing the Relationship / 0 comments

It can be tricky determining how often to contact your clients. While regular communication is key to maintaining a healthy relationship, calling clients every week or month probably isn’t feasible.

At the outset, aim to understand each client’s preferences and their expectations communication-wise and make sure it fits your business plan. Some clients will be more interested in the investment process per se and will want to hear your thoughts and recommendations on a more regular basis. You may also find that as time goes on and your clients learn to trust you, they will be more relaxed and require fewer calls.

However, there are certain times when calling your clients is the right thing to do regardless of any prior agreement. Here are some key occasions when you should pick up the phone and speak to clients.

Don’t Let Clients’ Concerns Escalate: Tackle Issues Head on

August 7, 2017 / by Don Connelly / Managing the Relationship / 0 comments

Meeting your clients’ expectations is the least you can do – it’s simply part of your job – so don’t expect to get a pat on the back for it. If you want to retain clients for the long term, you need to step up your level of service way beyond this and be more proactive than other advisors. Offer your clients a heroic standard of service by taking ownership of their problems before they become detrimental to your business.

Here are four ways to ensure you keep things on track.

Believe in Your Value and Never Do These Three Things with Clients

July 31, 2017 / by Don Connelly / Managing the Relationship / 0 comments

When prospecting see yourself as the professional consultant you are. Your job is of the utmost importance – you’re there to safeguard your clients’ financial future. It doesn’t get much more important than that and you are due respect.

So, if you find you’re fighting to win new clients, rushing through a presentation or apologizing for asking for the order, take a step back. Understand that you add value to your clients’ lives. Because of you people will be able to retire comfortably or get their kids through college. Your clients should feel privileged to do business with you, not the other way around.

Here are three things to avoid doing with clients.

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