Digital marketing is the center of any successful marketing strategy, and social media plays a significant role in that outreach. Kestra Financial’s Mark Schoenbeck EVP, advisor engagement hosts a panel of trailblazing financial advisors who have built leading businesses with strong social media strategies. Ted Jenkin, CEO of oXYgen Financial, Liz Hand, Co-Owner of Pleasant Wealth, and Derrick Jackson, owner of Ryleigh Wealth Management share their stories of how they grew their practices and tips for how you can too.
Here’s how to position yourself for a lifetime of relationships by creating better touchpoints with a client’s family.
I am not implying that brokerage firms that pay their advisors via a “payout” are lying, but there is no shortage of misleading when it comes to payouts.
Who would want to be tasked with investing their own and other people’s money in companies run by weirdos and jerks? But that turns out to be one of the most important skill sets shared by successful venture capitalists.
Here are a few important ideas for my readers on making cold pitches and trying to gain traction in the market with those you don’t know and who don’t know you.
Here are the major takeaways from my two decades research into how advisors can more effectively work with prospects and clients.
Here’s how financial marketers can repurpose virtual meetings and video content.
For as long as the market allows, brokers, lenders, and investors are cashing in on the real estate boom in America’s prime vacation spots.
I can smell the beach, sunscreen and hot dogs.
The advisors who figure out how to work with Generation Z will take your wealthy Baby Boomer clients away. Stop rolling your eyes and listen to why.
I’ve done what many people dream of doing in their lives, but I’m ill at ease.
As an advocate of advisors working closely with tax preparers, and as a tax preparer myself, I hear the complaint of unreciprocated referrals all the time from financial advisors. Typically, I respond with questions such as…
You may think that going independent means you’ll have less time for client interactions—after all, you’ll have an office to run. Well, that’s not true for breakaway advisors who partner with the right firm. A recent Cerulli Associates study breaks down how much time breakaway advisors save by partnering with Commonwealth. You’ll get stats such as:
Take control of how you spend your time. Are you ready to make an informed decision about your independence? Get started today.
Let’s look at two overlooked activities you should be tracking to ensure referral sustainability.
He bullies team members, the other partners and most of our vendors.
I want to draw your focus to the three most important, yet boring, tax strategies that every advisor should be discussing with every client.
RIAs can be paid to service trails-paying annuities without a broker-dealer.
Advisors face an uphill battle to get attendance to their events.
Tractor Supply Company is the largest rural lifestyle retailer in the US, offering a range of products for home, land, pets, and animals—everything except tractors.
Let’s look at 10 must-haves for financial advisor websites.
I’ll explore four stages of personal performance that will improve your ability to recruit top talent.
You will wear a therapist hat on top of your wealth manager cap.
Here is the just released our 2022 T3/Inside Information Software Survey. It ranks, by market share, the leading software solutions in advisory-firm tech stacks in 35 different categories.
Many advisors would greatly benefit from scale yet are hamstrung by the very temperament that led to their success in the first place.
Here are five ways to win new business and clients for life by creating urgency, so your prospects want to create a financial plan now with you.
Your firm’s digital messaging and visual expression must all align with your ideal clients’ needs, goals and objectives. Here is how four top advisors achieved that goal.
AUM growth, increased referrals, and lower operating costs: just a few reasons why 92% of financial advisors are happy with their decision to outsource. Get the full story in our latest paper.
A few weeks ago, I wrote an article on strategies to become more time efficient. Since that time, I have been inundated with advisors asking questions such as…
Many of you are struggling to decide whether you should breakaway and form your own RIA. I confronted the same decision many years ago. Here’s my story.
Here are five tips to improve your productivity and ease your stress.
RIAs must align their communications, planning methodologies, and product set with the needs of retirees, especially women, whose chief priority is reliability of income more than return on investment.
Give yourself a year to implement a marketing plan, and it will promote procrastination and won’t be nimble. Instead of planning out your advisory firm’s marketing tactics for an entire year, create a plan that spans just 12 weeks.
For years, small accounts have been overcharged and underserved. I’m encouraged, however, by what I see some advisors doing, I wish the rest of the profession were inspired to similarly elevate the value provided for the price charged small clients.
This article discusses how to build a prospect list, from generating leads to getting potential clients to meet with you.
In my work with clients, one of the most important services I provide, in addition to coaching on finance, estate planning, and investing, is facilitating cross-generational conversations about what it means to have wealth, and especially about what it means to use wealth wisely.
Last year, Commonwealth Financial Network introduced the Brand Studio to help advisors establish a name, logo and website – all the fundamentals to get marketing off the ground. Brand Studio provides advisors with resources and services in a centralized portal and serves as the engine for strategic advisor marketing support. My guest today, Sarah Howes, oversees that effort.
Watching hundreds of YouTube cooking videos revealed to me the secret to successfully managing your advisory firm.
Here are the nine steps you need to take when entering a new niche market.
Consider the upfront bonus checks often paid to advisors leaving one broker/dealer to join another. That “bonus” is not a bonus at all.
We are a service industry. Before we try to sell clients anything, we need to stop and consider what they want.
The insurance industry has struggled to build engagement with its customers. That is also true among financial advisors, who can apply the same tactics to grow their business.
The passing of my beloved pet and “office dog” offers an important insight into how advisors can serve clients when they truly need help.
I’ll take an order of flat fees (otherwise known as retainers) with a side of financial planning. Customers are lining up out the door for this.
Last week, I was driving home from a business trip when I suddenly got a call from my parents.
Here are five winning tactics to leverage immediately for more online introductions.
The Federal Reserve embarked last week on its long-advertised monetary tightening: a quarter-point increase in interest rates, with the suggestion of six more by the end of the year, and a plan to run down its stock of government debt (details to follow). This was widely expected and essentially a non-event.
When I meet with a financial advisor in her office, I look around and think, “What do the displayed items tell me about you? Who or what is in the pictures, and why do they matter?”
Known for its status as one of the top three US credit bureaus, Equifax is a global data analytics company with a goal of “helping people live their financial best.”
Why do we still refer to so many firms in the advisory profession as broker/dealers?
I’m having an existential crisis with a few of my advisors.
We describe how an intentional and sustainable vision for diversity and inclusion at Wealthspire took form.
As a financial advisor looking to jump to independence as an RIA, you have two doors from which to choose.
I am interested in any guidelines on paying and compensating my assistants.
Your firm would take off if you could replicate yourself. The problem: You can’t.
Advisors who avoid the TAMP space based on misguided preconceptions are missing out on the powerful competitive advantages they create.
New data on consumer preferences and behaviors during COVID shows that the advisory firms face daunting challenges with respect to staffing, differentiation and – if they are private-equity backed – financing and maintaining profitability.
You may think that going independent means you’ll have less time for client interactions—after all, you’ll have an office to run. Well, that’s not true for breakaway advisors who partner with the right firm. A recent study from Cerulli Associates breaks down how much time breakaway advisors save by choosing a collaborative firm partner.
Inject targeted marketing content in a stepwise approach and be patient while the relationship builds as marketing prospects see and consume your content.
If there ever were a strategy to come close to being a sliver bullet for marketing, it’s texting. Before you click away from this screen, hear me out.
Brad Goodwin’s transition to independence isn’t just a great story to tell, it’s a case study in overcoming fears. He made the leap of faith in one of the most turbulent times possible – and it couldn’t have paid off better for his clients and his firm, San Luis Wealth Advisors. Today, he says he has the control and flexibility to choose the technology and software that will streamline his business, and that his only regret is not making the switch sooner.*
Transitioning business models can be a daunting idea. Doing it in the middle of uncertain times only makes it more intimidating. That’s where Schwab’s Advisor Services team can help. Our goal is to ensure everyone comes out on the other side better equipped for the future.
Brad’s story covers key findings about going independent in today’s world, including:
To read more about Brad’s story and hear his advice on why you should look forward to – not fear – transitioning to the independent RIA model, follow the link below.
The past year has taught us to reimagine how we connect, learn, and work. As an independent RIA, having the right digital tools and platforms can offer a simpler, faster, and more secure way to support your clients and manage your business.
This case study explores how Clear Sky Wealth’s Stephanie Barnier has boosted her firm’s efficiency by going independent and customizing her tech stack using Schwab’s flexible, best-in-class technology platform. Now, she’s running a modern, digitally enabled practice that is known for being client-forward, fast-acting, and flexible.
Her story covers key findings about tech you can use in your journey, including:
To read more about Stephanie’s story and hear her advice about choosing the tech that’ll make your firm ready to support clients in any environment, follow the link below.
The Registered Investment Advisor (RIA) model is an opportunity to build your own brand and put your clients first – but how do the economics work? Is the transition to independence worth the cost? Does the earning potential compare to wirehouse and independent broker-dealer models?
In Schwab Advisor Services’ latest white paper, The Economics of Independence, we evaluate key areas related to the financial success of a firm. By comparing revenue potential, cost control, and business equity, you can have a better idea of how the economics of independence stack up against those of your current practice.
Download this white paper to explore the rewards of independence.
Learn why billion-dollar teams are breaking away to pursue the independent model and redefine the advisor industry.
Download this white paper to learn more about how the RIA model is changing the advisor industry.
In the last five years, the number of advisors moving to the independent Registered Investment Advisor ("RIA") space has increased significantly, with custodians and platform providers working together to help advisors reach their full potential. This move to independence brings new opportunities with it, including unique paths like the hybrid RIA model. Hybrid RIAs maintain both a brokerage and advisory business - a combination that can benefit their clients and businesses alike.
Get an overview of the different types of hybrid models. See if one aligns with your goals as you explore key topics:
Download this white paper to discover how the hybrid RIA model could help to transform your business.
Our withdrawal was well timed, as Russian stocks had their worst one-day selloff on record. The dollar-denominated RTS Index fell around 40% on Thursday.
A world economy that’s still recovering from Covid-19 faces new risks from an energy-price spike as the standoff between the West and Russia escalates.
Here are five ways the right partner can help you become more efficient in independence.
We have the new program installed, but no one is using it.
I’ve learned a lot running my digital marketing companies over the past five years. You may find these six lessons helpful.
It's called social media for a reason. Most people get the media part. They share links back to their website, blog, or podcast. But they forget about the social part.
Some observers assume I tell everyone that they should go down the RIA path. That is not the case.
I’m not averse to having clients tell their friends and family about me; I’m just averse to making it sound like they need to do it because we need them to do it.
Observing the lack of traffic at a new Ferrari dealership led me to an important insight into how advisors should justify their value to prospects.
Custom-designed, printed marketing materials help customers know, like, and trust you by making your brand more recognizable and memorable, and deepen relationships with existing clients. Here’s how.
I work with student-athletes looking to cash in on their name, image, and likeness (NIL). But I also work with advisors and have found there are important similarities In how they achieve marketing greatness.
Sourcing your own E&O policy is not complicated or intimidating if you understand how to navigate the process.
It’s becoming more and more challenging to find employees to fill essential roles. Advisor are hitting roadblocks with succession planning and filling internal staff positions.
How do you know when it’s time to pivot your marketing?
Here are some rules and skills that are unique to the virtual sales platform. Growing your skills in these areas will make your practice very profitable in the coming years.
Recently one expert asked whether the letters I receive are authentic or perhaps I make them up. I’d like to use this column to address this and ask financial professionals to consider things we often don’t talk about in this industry.
In today's digital-first world, a marketing funnel is how financial advisors attract ideal prospects, engage clients and COIs, and stimulate referrals.
Many people will see the beginning of 2022 as motivation for a resolution.
If a recently widowed client hasn’t fired you, then you are among a lucky few. Here’s a thought experiment that illustrates the vulnerability advisors face when they don’t engage the female half of a couple.
I’ve been asked many, many questions about referrals from advisors all over the country. This article has the most popular questions I’ve heard time and again, followed by my response.
I find it difficult to act as a social worker. I’ve no background in psychology. I’ve no skills to help warring couples find their bliss and agree on a center point when they have differing opinions.
I predicted that 2021 would be a transitional year for managing an advisory business, and I expect this transition to accelerate and become fully formed in 2022. These are the changes that I envision for the coming year and beyond.
Federal Reserve officials have begun debating how to approach shrinking a stockpile of more than $8 trillion of bonds as a key element of a policy-normalization campaign in the wake of unprecedented moves to shore up the economy during the pandemic.
Finding the right professional to manage your finances is challenging. Financial professionals have many different titles, certifications and qualifications, but which type is right for you?
We spent a small fortune in 2020 and 2021 on training for our advisors. We need them to get better at business building and finding new sales opportunities.
What can investors expect this year? Above-trend economic growth, at least two interest rate hikes and continued earnings strength among technology stocks, says Raymond James CIO Larry Adam.
Breakaway Brokers
Top Advisors Reveal How They Mastered Social Media
Digital marketing is the center of any successful marketing strategy, and social media plays a significant role in that outreach. Kestra Financial’s Mark Schoenbeck EVP, advisor engagement hosts a panel of trailblazing financial advisors who have built leading businesses with strong social media strategies. Ted Jenkin, CEO of oXYgen Financial, Liz Hand, Co-Owner of Pleasant Wealth, and Derrick Jackson, owner of Ryleigh Wealth Management share their stories of how they grew their practices and tips for how you can too.
Five Touchpoints to Build Family Relationships
Here’s how to position yourself for a lifetime of relationships by creating better touchpoints with a client’s family.
Lies, Damned Lies, and Advisor Payouts
I am not implying that brokerage firms that pay their advisors via a “payout” are lying, but there is no shortage of misleading when it comes to payouts.
How Venture Capital Thrives by Betting on Weirdness
Who would want to be tasked with investing their own and other people’s money in companies run by weirdos and jerks? But that turns out to be one of the most important skill sets shared by successful venture capitalists.
The Doomed-to-Fail Marketing Tactic
Here are a few important ideas for my readers on making cold pitches and trying to gain traction in the market with those you don’t know and who don’t know you.
Three Surprising Lessons from Decades of Research
Here are the major takeaways from my two decades research into how advisors can more effectively work with prospects and clients.
The Next Generation of Video Marketing
Here’s how financial marketers can repurpose virtual meetings and video content.
Americans Are Building Vacation-Home Empires With Easy-Money Loans
For as long as the market allows, brokers, lenders, and investors are cashing in on the real estate boom in America’s prime vacation spots.
Summer Savvy Ways to Stay Visible
I can smell the beach, sunscreen and hot dogs.
How to Smash the Competition Using Advice-Only Planning
The advisors who figure out how to work with Generation Z will take your wealthy Baby Boomer clients away. Stop rolling your eyes and listen to why.
How to Navigate the Crossroads of Success
I’ve done what many people dream of doing in their lives, but I’m ill at ease.
Advisor Tax Mistake #2 – Not Getting Referrals from COIs
As an advocate of advisors working closely with tax preparers, and as a tax preparer myself, I hear the complaint of unreciprocated referrals all the time from financial advisors. Typically, I respond with questions such as…
Breakaway Implications: The Impact Your Firm Partner Can Have on Efficiency
You may think that going independent means you’ll have less time for client interactions—after all, you’ll have an office to run. Well, that’s not true for breakaway advisors who partner with the right firm. A recent Cerulli Associates study breaks down how much time breakaway advisors save by partnering with Commonwealth. You’ll get stats such as:
Take control of how you spend your time. Are you ready to make an informed decision about your independence? Get started today.
The Two Overlooked Activities that Drive Referrals
Let’s look at two overlooked activities you should be tracking to ensure referral sustainability.
My Boss is a Mean SOB
He bullies team members, the other partners and most of our vendors.
Advisor Tax Mistake #3 – Skipping the Three Most Important (But Least Sexy) Tax Strategies
I want to draw your focus to the three most important, yet boring, tax strategies that every advisor should be discussing with every client.
How Breakaway RIAs Can Retain Annuity Trails
RIAs can be paid to service trails-paying annuities without a broker-dealer.
Rock the Event Invite for 300% More Attendees
Advisors face an uphill battle to get attendance to their events.
Spotlight Tractor Supply: A Passion for Rural Life “Out Here”
Tractor Supply Company is the largest rural lifestyle retailer in the US, offering a range of products for home, land, pets, and animals—everything except tractors.
10 Advisor Website Must-Haves
Let’s look at 10 must-haves for financial advisor websites.
How to Refine Your Recruiting Skills
I’ll explore four stages of personal performance that will improve your ability to recruit top talent.
When Financial Planning Becomes Therapy
You will wear a therapist hat on top of your wealth manager cap.
This Year’s Top-Ranked Software Products
Here is the just released our 2022 T3/Inside Information Software Survey. It ranks, by market share, the leading software solutions in advisory-firm tech stacks in 35 different categories.
Are Advisors Ignoring Mergers?
Many advisors would greatly benefit from scale yet are hamstrung by the very temperament that led to their success in the first place.
Five Ways to Create Urgency and Win Planning Business
Here are five ways to win new business and clients for life by creating urgency, so your prospects want to create a financial plan now with you.
How Four Firms Built Powerful Digital Brands
Your firm’s digital messaging and visual expression must all align with your ideal clients’ needs, goals and objectives. Here is how four top advisors achieved that goal.
NEW REPORT: Advisors are outsourcing more assets. Find out why.
AUM growth, increased referrals, and lower operating costs: just a few reasons why 92% of financial advisors are happy with their decision to outsource. Get the full story in our latest paper.
Improve Your Productivity
A few weeks ago, I wrote an article on strategies to become more time efficient. Since that time, I have been inundated with advisors asking questions such as…
A Personal Story About Starting Your Own RIA
Many of you are struggling to decide whether you should breakaway and form your own RIA. I confronted the same decision many years ago. Here’s my story.
How to Avoid the Spiral of Lost Productivity
Here are five tips to improve your productivity and ease your stress.
2025: The Post-Ken Fisher World of Annuities
RIAs must align their communications, planning methodologies, and product set with the needs of retirees, especially women, whose chief priority is reliability of income more than return on investment.
The 12-Week Advisor Marketing Plan
Give yourself a year to implement a marketing plan, and it will promote procrastination and won’t be nimble. Instead of planning out your advisory firm’s marketing tactics for an entire year, create a plan that spans just 12 weeks.
How Much Should Advisors Charge Small Accounts?
For years, small accounts have been overcharged and underserved. I’m encouraged, however, by what I see some advisors doing, I wish the rest of the profession were inspired to similarly elevate the value provided for the price charged small clients.
Six Ways to Build a Prospect Pipeline
This article discusses how to build a prospect list, from generating leads to getting potential clients to meet with you.
Helping Your Clients Define the Meaning of “Wealth”
In my work with clients, one of the most important services I provide, in addition to coaching on finance, estate planning, and investing, is facilitating cross-generational conversations about what it means to have wealth, and especially about what it means to use wealth wisely.
How to Fine Tune Your Digital Marketing
Last year, Commonwealth Financial Network introduced the Brand Studio to help advisors establish a name, logo and website – all the fundamentals to get marketing off the ground. Brand Studio provides advisors with resources and services in a centralized portal and serves as the engine for strategic advisor marketing support. My guest today, Sarah Howes, oversees that effort.
What I Learned from YouTube Cooking Videos
Watching hundreds of YouTube cooking videos revealed to me the secret to successfully managing your advisory firm.
Nine Steps to Launch a New Niche
Here are the nine steps you need to take when entering a new niche market.
Ask Brad: Why You Shouldn’t Take an Upfront Bonus Check for Changing Firms
Consider the upfront bonus checks often paid to advisors leaving one broker/dealer to join another. That “bonus” is not a bonus at all.
What Clients Value in a Financial Advisor
We are a service industry. Before we try to sell clients anything, we need to stop and consider what they want.
The Power of Engagement and the Benefits of Membership
The insurance industry has struggled to build engagement with its customers. That is also true among financial advisors, who can apply the same tactics to grow their business.
When It Really Counts
The passing of my beloved pet and “office dog” offers an important insight into how advisors can serve clients when they truly need help.
The Price Advisors Will Pay for Ignoring Flat Fees
I’ll take an order of flat fees (otherwise known as retainers) with a side of financial planning. Customers are lining up out the door for this.
Some Stories You Can Tell The Fearful Investor
Last week, I was driving home from a business trip when I suddenly got a call from my parents.
Five Ways to Get More Referrals Online
Here are five winning tactics to leverage immediately for more online introductions.
The Fed’s Actions Don’t Match Powell’s Words
The Federal Reserve embarked last week on its long-advertised monetary tightening: a quarter-point increase in interest rates, with the suggestion of six more by the end of the year, and a plan to run down its stock of government debt (details to follow). This was widely expected and essentially a non-event.
Do Your Clients Know These Three Things About You?
When I meet with a financial advisor in her office, I look around and think, “What do the displayed items tell me about you? Who or what is in the pictures, and why do they matter?”
Spotlight Equifax: Building Credit for 123 Years
Known for its status as one of the top three US credit bureaus, Equifax is a global data analytics company with a goal of “helping people live their financial best.”
Ask Brad: Are Broker/Dealers Dead?
Why do we still refer to so many firms in the advisory profession as broker/dealers?
When Everything is Great, Why Worry?
I’m having an existential crisis with a few of my advisors.
Starting a Diversity Journey: The Wealthspire Story
We describe how an intentional and sustainable vision for diversity and inclusion at Wealthspire took form.
Deciding Whether to Build an RIA or Join One
As a financial advisor looking to jump to independence as an RIA, you have two doors from which to choose.
How Much Should I Pay My Staff?
I am interested in any guidelines on paying and compensating my assistants.
The Founder’s Dilemma
Your firm would take off if you could replicate yourself. The problem: You can’t.
The Word “TAMP” Isn’t the Problem
Advisors who avoid the TAMP space based on misguided preconceptions are missing out on the powerful competitive advantages they create.
The Post-COVID Challenges Facing the Planning Profession
New data on consumer preferences and behaviors during COVID shows that the advisory firms face daunting challenges with respect to staffing, differentiation and – if they are private-equity backed – financing and maintaining profitability.
Breakaway Implications: The Impact Your Firm Partner Can Have On Efficiency
You may think that going independent means you’ll have less time for client interactions—after all, you’ll have an office to run. Well, that’s not true for breakaway advisors who partner with the right firm. A recent study from Cerulli Associates breaks down how much time breakaway advisors save by choosing a collaborative firm partner.
Attract More Ideal Clients Online with This One Shift
Inject targeted marketing content in a stepwise approach and be patient while the relationship builds as marketing prospects see and consume your content.
The Next Frontier: Text Messaging for Advisors
If there ever were a strategy to come close to being a sliver bullet for marketing, it’s texting. Before you click away from this screen, hear me out.
Advisor Case Study Series: Insight #1
Brad Goodwin’s transition to independence isn’t just a great story to tell, it’s a case study in overcoming fears. He made the leap of faith in one of the most turbulent times possible – and it couldn’t have paid off better for his clients and his firm, San Luis Wealth Advisors. Today, he says he has the control and flexibility to choose the technology and software that will streamline his business, and that his only regret is not making the switch sooner.*
Transitioning business models can be a daunting idea. Doing it in the middle of uncertain times only makes it more intimidating. That’s where Schwab’s Advisor Services team can help. Our goal is to ensure everyone comes out on the other side better equipped for the future.
Brad’s story covers key findings about going independent in today’s world, including:
To read more about Brad’s story and hear his advice on why you should look forward to – not fear – transitioning to the independent RIA model, follow the link below.
Schwab Tech Smarts, Insight #2
The past year has taught us to reimagine how we connect, learn, and work. As an independent RIA, having the right digital tools and platforms can offer a simpler, faster, and more secure way to support your clients and manage your business.
This case study explores how Clear Sky Wealth’s Stephanie Barnier has boosted her firm’s efficiency by going independent and customizing her tech stack using Schwab’s flexible, best-in-class technology platform. Now, she’s running a modern, digitally enabled practice that is known for being client-forward, fast-acting, and flexible.
Her story covers key findings about tech you can use in your journey, including:
To read more about Stephanie’s story and hear her advice about choosing the tech that’ll make your firm ready to support clients in any environment, follow the link below.
The Economics of Independence
The Registered Investment Advisor (RIA) model is an opportunity to build your own brand and put your clients first – but how do the economics work? Is the transition to independence worth the cost? Does the earning potential compare to wirehouse and independent broker-dealer models?
In Schwab Advisor Services’ latest white paper, The Economics of Independence, we evaluate key areas related to the financial success of a firm. By comparing revenue potential, cost control, and business equity, you can have a better idea of how the economics of independence stack up against those of your current practice.
Download this white paper to explore the rewards of independence.
Forward Momentum
Learn why billion-dollar teams are breaking away to pursue the independent model and redefine the advisor industry.
Download this white paper to learn more about how the RIA model is changing the advisor industry.
Going Independent as a Hybrid RIA
In the last five years, the number of advisors moving to the independent Registered Investment Advisor ("RIA") space has increased significantly, with custodians and platform providers working together to help advisors reach their full potential. This move to independence brings new opportunities with it, including unique paths like the hybrid RIA model. Hybrid RIAs maintain both a brokerage and advisory business - a combination that can benefit their clients and businesses alike.
Get an overview of the different types of hybrid models. See if one aligns with your goals as you explore key topics:
Download this white paper to discover how the hybrid RIA model could help to transform your business.
With Ukraine Under Siege, We’ve Dramatically Reduced Our Exposure to Russia
Our withdrawal was well timed, as Russian stocks had their worst one-day selloff on record. The dollar-denominated RTS Index fell around 40% on Thursday.
What’s at Stake for Global Economy as Russia Standoff Escalates
A world economy that’s still recovering from Covid-19 faces new risks from an energy-price spike as the standoff between the West and Russia escalates.
Five Ways the Right Partner Helps You Master Efficiency in Independence
Here are five ways the right partner can help you become more efficient in independence.
Our Team Won’t Adapt New Technology
We have the new program installed, but no one is using it.
Six Tips to Work Less and Earn More
I’ve learned a lot running my digital marketing companies over the past five years. You may find these six lessons helpful.
Why Is Your Social Media Failing?
It's called social media for a reason. Most people get the media part. They share links back to their website, blog, or podcast. But they forget about the social part.
Ask Brad: When is the Wirehouse Model Better than an RIA?
Some observers assume I tell everyone that they should go down the RIA path. That is not the case.
The Wrong Ways to Ask for Referrals
I’m not averse to having clients tell their friends and family about me; I’m just averse to making it sound like they need to do it because we need them to do it.
A New Approach to Fee Discussions
Observing the lack of traffic at a new Ferrari dealership led me to an important insight into how advisors should justify their value to prospects.
Using Custom-Printed Marketing Materials
Custom-designed, printed marketing materials help customers know, like, and trust you by making your brand more recognizable and memorable, and deepen relationships with existing clients. Here’s how.
How Advisors Should Use their NIL to Build a Personal Brand
I work with student-athletes looking to cash in on their name, image, and likeness (NIL). But I also work with advisors and have found there are important similarities In how they achieve marketing greatness.
Ask Brad: How Does E&O Insurance Work as an RIA?
Sourcing your own E&O policy is not complicated or intimidating if you understand how to navigate the process.
Adding Talent Amid the “Great Resignation”
It’s becoming more and more challenging to find employees to fill essential roles. Advisor are hitting roadblocks with succession planning and filling internal staff positions.
Seven Signs It’s Time to Pivot Your Marketing
How do you know when it’s time to pivot your marketing?
Mastering the Virtual Sale
Here are some rules and skills that are unique to the virtual sales platform. Growing your skills in these areas will make your practice very profitable in the coming years.
Advisors Are People Too!
Recently one expert asked whether the letters I receive are authentic or perhaps I make them up. I’d like to use this column to address this and ask financial professionals to consider things we often don’t talk about in this industry.
The Five Essential Advisor Marketing Funnels
In today's digital-first world, a marketing funnel is how financial advisors attract ideal prospects, engage clients and COIs, and stimulate referrals.
3 Ideas To Help Advisors Get A Jump Start On 2022
Many people will see the beginning of 2022 as motivation for a resolution.
Man, You've Got This! Or Maybe Not
If a recently widowed client hasn’t fired you, then you are among a lucky few. Here’s a thought experiment that illustrates the vulnerability advisors face when they don’t engage the female half of a couple.
Referral Questions Asked and Answered
I’ve been asked many, many questions about referrals from advisors all over the country. This article has the most popular questions I’ve heard time and again, followed by my response.
Should Advisors Be Therapists and Life Coaches?
I find it difficult to act as a social worker. I’ve no background in psychology. I’ve no skills to help warring couples find their bliss and agree on a center point when they have differing opinions.
Fearless Forecasts for 2022
I predicted that 2021 would be a transitional year for managing an advisory business, and I expect this transition to accelerate and become fully formed in 2022. These are the changes that I envision for the coming year and beyond.
Debate Emerges Over How to Shrink Fed’s $8 Trillion Bond Pile
Federal Reserve officials have begun debating how to approach shrinking a stockpile of more than $8 trillion of bonds as a key element of a policy-normalization campaign in the wake of unprecedented moves to shore up the economy during the pandemic.
A Consumer’s Guide to Selecting a Wealth Advisor
Finding the right professional to manage your finances is challenging. Financial professionals have many different titles, certifications and qualifications, but which type is right for you?
How to Make Training Effective in 2022
We spent a small fortune in 2020 and 2021 on training for our advisors. We need them to get better at business building and finding new sales opportunities.
10 Themes That Will Affect Your 2022 Investing
What can investors expect this year? Above-trend economic growth, at least two interest rate hikes and continued earnings strength among technology stocks, says Raymond James CIO Larry Adam.