Monthly Archives: May 2023

Feature

Episode #42 The Power of Effective Networking for Financial Advisors – with Michael Goldberg



“I tried networking once. It didn’t work!”

Yes!  This is an actual quote from a financial advisor.  Sad!

Networking for financial advisors is not just going to networking events – which even “The Referral Coach” loathes. Networking is forming our own “community” of mutually beneficial relationships. And it can be done without ever going to a single networking event.

And don’t forget… It’s not called, “Net-sit” or “Net-eat.”  It’s called “Net-work” for a reason. Forming a great network of folks who can help you build your business does take some effort. The good news is that most of the time that effort can be fun!  

In this episode, Bill Cates interviews Michael Goldberg, author of Knock Out Networking as well as a consultant and trainer to financial professionals for decades. 

With unusually fun and lively banter, Bill and Michael discuss:

  • How Michael’s career as an amateur boxer (hence “Knockout Networking”) informs how he helps advisors become successful networkers. 
  • ​​Why effective networking for financial advisors goes beyond just attending events, emphasizing that it’s a verb that can be applied in a variety of ways, including social media (LinkedIn, etc.)
  • How the pandemic made people more intentional about networking, and how that intentionality is helping advisors achieve better results. 
  • Why and how focusing on a clear target market makes networking for financial advisors easier and more productive.
  • Michael’s three goals for networking events (if you do choose to go this route), and how to break the ice to have more meaningful conversations while you’re there.
  • The importance of preparation for networking events.
  • The difference between networking and selling, and how prospecting at events can be unattractive and off putting. 
  • How to answer the dreaded, “What do you do?” with Michael’s PEEC Statement formula.
  • The importance of time blocking and owning your calendar to manage your time properly and make the most of networking activities.
  • …And more!

 

Resources: 

Connect With Bill Cates:

Connect With Michael Goldberg: 

About Michael Goldberg:

Michael Goldberg has helped financial advisors, brokers, agents, reps, wholesalers, and other sales producers add hundreds of thousands of dollars to their bottom line.

His firm Knock Out Networking, LLC is renowned as a speaking and training resource in the financial services industry. Described by clients as “dynamic and motivational”, Michael is a master at invigorating and engaging audiences. His knock-out style is “in your face” and high energy. His content is real world and can be applied immediately. Michael speaks at conferences and associations, runs sales meetings, and delivers results-driven programs on networking, referral marketing, and sales presentations.

“It’s all about Connection” – Michael Goldberg

Boxing, like networking, is a contact sport. The more and better connections you make, the more wildly successful you will be. The state of growing a business and gaining more market share for your top performers is becoming more challenging. Despite technology and all that it has allowed us to accomplish, those with the most contacts, the best relationships, and a greater understanding of how to utilize them will achieve the most success.


Feature

Episode #41 Client Experience vs. Engagement: Strategies To Take Your Business To The Next Level with Julie Littlechild



Client Engagement!  Client Experience!  Creating “Wow!” 

What’s all the fuss?

Did you know that client service, client experience, and client engagement are NOT the same things?

Julie Littlechild, founder of Absolute Engagement and author of The Pursuit of Absolute Engagement has focused her business on showing advisors how to move their clients from satisfied to engaged. Why? 

Because her research shows that while satisfied clients are extremely loyal, there’s a low correlation between that satisfaction and providing referrals and making introductions.

So, who does provide referrals and make introduction? Engaged Clients! 

In this episode, Bill and Julie dive into the important topic of client engagement and what it can mean to your clients and to your business.

Julie and Bill discuss:

  • The distinction between client experience and client engagement and how you can measure client engagement.
  • The importance of personalization in all phases of your communication with prospects and clients. 
  • How client engagement goes beyond just clients to include prospects as well. 
  • The mindset challenges clients face when it comes to financial planning, and the importance of personalization in addressing these concerns.
  • The Absolute Engagement Engine, a tool that helps financial advisors understand clients on a deeper level by gathering relevant data throughout their journey with you.
  • How the future of client engagement will be co-created by clients and advisors, personalized, and informed by data.
  • …And more!

Resources: 

Connect With Bill Cates:

Connect With Julie Littlechild : 

About Julie Littlechild:

Julie Littlechild is a recognized expert on the drivers and evolution of client experience, client engagement and referral growth. She is responsible for: designing the firm’s strategic vision and product roadmap, conducting on-going investor and advisor research, driving firm growth and representing the company on conference stages around the world.

Julie has worked with and studied successful financial advisors and their clients for more than twenty-five years. Prior to founding Absolute Engagement, she launched and ran one of the industry’s leading research firms, focused on client engagement. She is the author of The Pursuit of Absolute Engagement.

Julie sat on the national board of the Financial Planning Association, currently sits on an Investment & Wealth Institute advisory board, was twice identified as one of the 25 Most Influential People in Financial Planning, and won an industry Influencer Award in practice management. She holds an MBA from the University of Toronto.