Category Archives: communicating your value

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Standing Out: Niche Marketing for Financial Advisors with Kristen Luke (Ep. 91)

Client Experience, communicating your value, Creating Advocates, Education, Finance, Generational Wealth, Leadership, Marketing, Practice Management, Prospecting, Referrals & Introductions, Social Media, Speaking, Top Advisors, , , , , , , , ,

In a crowded market, how can financial advisors truly stand out and attract their ideal clients?

What’s the key difference between a target market and a niche, and why does it matter?

In this episode, Referral Coach Bill Cates interviews Kristen Luke, marketing strategist and author of: Uncomparable: The Financial Advisor’s Guide to Standing Out through Niche Marketing.

Kristen shares her insights on the power of niche marketing for financial advisors and RIAs. She also discusses how to define a niche, the importance of speaking the client’s language, and the concept of being “Uncomparable”.

Kristen discusses: 

  • (03:34) The transformative potential of niche marketing
  • (07:16) Differences between target and niche markets
  • (24:32) Real-life impacts of a niche-focused strategy 
  • (29:04) The 6-component framework for niche success 
  • …And more!

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About Kristen Luke:

Marketing is hard for most financial advisors because they all look and sound the same to a prospect. Kristen helps Registered Investment Advisors market themselves to a niche, making it easier for them to stand out from the competition and attract ideal clients.

Kaleido Creative Studio works exclusively with RIAs to build a niche-focused marketing system that produces a consistent flow of ideal prospects; differentiates firms from the competition; and eliminates the need to be the best salesperson or marketer to win clients.

For more than 15 years, Kristen has consulted with hundreds of financial advisory firms and shared her marketing expertise via industry conferences and publications nationwide. Most recently, she has contributed her advice to FPA NorCal, DFA Study Groups, Kitces.com, Top Advisor Podcast, Kitces Office Hours, and Advisor Perspectives.

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#90 Ric Edelman on Growing Your Financial Practice and Trends Reshaping the Advisor World

Client Experience, Client Experience & Loyalty, communicating your value, Creating Advocates, Education, Finance, Generational Wealth, Leadership, Marketing, Practice Management, Prospecting, Referrals & Introductions, Social Media, Speaking, Top Advisors, , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

In this episode of Top Advisor Podcast, I sat down with one of the most recognized and influential names in the financial services industry: Ric Edelman. From starting as a new advisor to building the largest RIA in the country, (over $300 Billion in assets managed) Ric’s journey is filled with insights, strategies, and bold thinking that every advisor can learn from.

We dive into what it took to grow a billion-dollar firm, what’s coming with the great generational wealth transfer (his answer might surprise you), and how advisors can remain radically relevant in a rapidly evolving profession. 

Whether you’re early in your career or an industry veteran, Ric’s perspective will challenge and inspire you to think bigger, act bolder, and adapt smarter.

In this episode, Ric shares his journey from angry consumer to industry leader. Ric reveals how financial education and inclusion became the foundation for his firm’s growth, his contrarian views on the wealth transfer, and what advisors should do now to remain relevant and meaningful in clients’ lives.

Ric & Bill Discuss:  

  • How a bad experience with an advisor led him and his wife Jean to build a firm focused on consumer education and accessibility
  • How and why serving the mass affluent can lead to long-term growth and impact
  • His belief that The Great Wealth Transfer may be overstated due to longevity, healthcare costs, and concentrated wealth
  • How financial advisors can stay relevant by helping clients with lifelong learning, career transitions, and life planning
  • Key challenges that younger advisors (and seasoned pros) will need to navigate over the next two decades
  • Ric’s take on relevance — and why staying relevant is non-negotiable in today’s advisory landscape
  • A brief look at Ric’s philanthropic passion project: The Edelman Fossil Park & Museum
  • Why understanding blockchain, crypto, and exponential technologies is essential for advisors aiming to provide complete service
  • …And more!

Bottom line: Ric Edelman shares timeless lessons from his journey — and offers a future-focused take on what advisors must do now to grow, lead, and stay ahead of the curve.

Resources: 

Connect With Bill Cates:

Connect With Ric Edelman:

About Ric Edelman:

Ric Edelman created the CBDA designation, Certified in Blockchain and Digital Assets. He is a #1 New York Times bestselling author of 13 books on personal finance, with more than one million copies in print in ten languages, holds two patents for financial innovation and created one of the most successful ETFs in history. He was ranked three times as the nation’s #1 Independent Financial Advisor by Barron’s and founded the nation’s largest financial planning firm, now serving 1.3 million clients and managing $300 billion in AUM. Edelman is in both Research Magazine’s and Barron’s Financial Advisor Halls of Fame, and recipient of IARFC’s Lifetime Achievement Award. Investment Advisor, RIABiz and InvestmentNews all named him one of the most influential people in the investment management profession.

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#88 The Do’s and Don’ts of Intergenerational Wealth Transfer with Barry Banther, CMD, CSP, CPAE

Client Experience, Client Experience & Loyalty, communicating your value, Creating Advocates, Education, Finance, Generational Wealth, Leadership, Marketing, Top Advisors, , , , , , , ,

When it comes to generational wealth, it’s not just about money; it’s about relationships.  Don’t believe me?  Listen to this interview!!!

In this episode, Referral Coach Bill Cates sits down with Barry Banther, CMC, CSP, CPAE, a seasoned family business advisor with over 30 years of experience helping families navigate the complexities of wealth transfer. Barry shares powerful stories and real-world examples that highlight how advisors can successfully guide clients through the  transfer of wealth, business, and core values across generations.

You’ll hear about the pitfalls and triumphs advisors face and learn actionable strategies for building strong relationships with ultra-wealthy clients and their families

Discover the nuances of wealth transfer, the impact of family dynamics, and key strategies to avoid common pitfalls.

Bill and Barry discuss: 

  • Three real-life examples of how advisors get it right — and wrong — when managing family wealth transfer
  • Uncovering the hidden dynamics in wealth transfer
  • Navigating sibling rivalries and complex family relationships
  • Building trust with the next generation of decision-makers
  • Facilitating productive family meetings without overstepping
  • …And more!

Discover the common mistakes advisors make with ultra-wealthy families and the importance of initiating conversations about legacy planning now, not later.

Barry shares powerful stories and actionable insights, emphasizing the importance of building relationships – and staying relevant –  with the next generation.

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Cates Resources: 

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About Barry Banther:

Barry Banther knows lasting leadership. He learned it with over four decades of hands-on experience, first as a leader in a nationwide enterprise and then as the founder and CEO of two professional services firms. He has been the senior consultant on more than 400 engagements to help develop leaders. His clients have included multinational companies as well as mid- to large-sized family-owned businesses across America.

He has also written over 50 leadership development programs used in industries around the world. His latest book, A Leader’s Gift: How to Earn the Right to be Followed, achieved #1 Best Seller status on Amazon on its release day.

This body of work has earned him the highest professional accreditation from the Institute of Management Consultants and the National Speakers Association. It also caught the attention of 3 Governors who appointed him to their administrations to oversee the regulation of private higher education.

As a result of Barry’s leadership and commitment to family-owned businesses, Family First (the parent organization of Super Bowl Winning Coach Tony Dungy’s All Pro Dad initiative) named Barry their Family Ambassador of the Year.

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#86 Become a Million-Dollar-Advisor with Dave Mullen

Client Experience, Client Experience & Loyalty, communicating your value, Creating Advocates, Education, Finance, Leadership, Marketing, Practice Management, Prospecting, Speaking, Top Advisors, , , , , , , , ,

Are you ready to become a million-dollar advisor, or are you already there wanting to push your success further? Discover the core strategies that separate high-performing financial advisors from the rest in our latest episode.

In this episode, Referral Coach Bill Cates interviews Dave Mullen, a veteran in developing top financial advisors, for an engaging discussion. With over 44 years of experience, Dave unravels insights backed by his bestselling books, such as “The Million Dollar Financial Advisor Team.”

Dave discusses: 

  • (05:40) Seven traits of successful advisors, from optimism to time management.
  • (09:31) The importance of client segmentation and how it increases productivity.
  • (15:42) Transitioning from client service to creating a client experience that builds trust.
  • (19:32) Crafting an unforgettable onboarding process for new clients.
  • (24:30) Mastering the art of gaining referrals through a structured, strategic approach.
  • …And more!

With practical advice and proven strategies, this episode is a must-listen for financial advisors aiming for excellence. For more insights and processes, visit Altius Learning and unleash the full potential of your practice.

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Connect With Dave Mullen:

About Dave Mullen:

Dave Mullen is Founding Partner & Principal of Altius Learning. Dave retired as a managing director at Merrill Lynch in 2007, where he personally hired, trained, and managed over 500 financial advisors over 27 years. He has worked with over 100 individual million-dollar and multimillion-dollar advisors, including five of Merrill Lynch’s top 30. His responsibilities included, Financial Advisor, Complex Manager, National Sales Manager and Managing Director.

During his management career, Dave was recognized numerous times for being one of Merrill Lynch’s top national managers. While at Merrill Lynch, his advisor training programs had a consistent success rate significantly higher than the industry average.

Dave founded LearnTactix, now called Altius Learning, in 2007 with the objective of creating training and coaching programs that would be career-changing experiences for participating advisors and managers. He is the author of three bestselling books: The Million Dollar Financial Services Practice (one of On Wall Street magazine’s top picks and a Top Five choice by AdvisorOne); The Million Dollar Advisor—Powerful Lessons and Proven Strategies from Top Producers (one of On Wall Street magazine’s top picks); and his new book The Million-Dollar Financial Advisor Team. He has been featured in Investment News and Smart Money magazines.

Dave holds a BA and MBA from the University of Georgia, and has attended the Executive Leadership Program at The Wharton School at University of Pennsylvania. Dave is an avid mountain bike rider and skier. He and his wife Cynthia have 4 children and reside in Denver, CO.

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#85 Helping Clients Sleep Well at Night with Financial Planning with Pamela Sams

Client Experience, Client Experience & Loyalty, communicating your value, Creating Advocates, Education, Finance, Leadership, Marketing, Practice Management, Prospecting, Speaking, Top Advisors, , , , , , , , , , , ,

Does financial security keep you up at night?

In this episode, Referral Coach Bill Cates interviews Pamela Sams, founder of Jackson Sams Wealth Strategies. Discover how Pamela has harnessed the power of having a clear mission and target market to build a thriving community of advocates. With a focus on helping professional women secure their financial future so they can “sleep well at night,” Pamela shares the origin of her unique SWAN (Sleep Well At Night) philosophy. They also explore the journey of financial planning that turns financial “ugly ducklings” into confident “swans” and dig into how behavioral finance plays a pivotal role in guiding clients.

Pamela discusses: 

  • (03:11) Her journey into financial advising
  • (04:52) The inspiration and significance behind the SWAN story
  • (06:08) The process of building a community of advocates
  • (10:11) How behavioral finance benefits her clients
  • (17:03) The dynamics of having family members work in her practice
  • (25:55) Tools like “Unlock Your Money Blocks” and leveraging media for business growth
  • …And more!

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Connect With Pamela Sams:

About GUEST:

For 19 years, Pamela has been helping women improve their personal and financial wealth through solid financial life planning. Pamela believes it is important to align your money decisions with what’s important in your life. She knows how to listen, engage in meaningful conversations with her clients to gain a better understanding of what is important to them, their goals and values. Pamela believes that financial planning is about a woman’s values not just their money.

Her education and training enable her to help clients successfully navigate through the myriad of personal and financial decisions they face during their lives. She assists them in working to attain a higher level of financial security through education, understanding and scenario planning. With this knowledge, she develops a customized approach for each client’s planning needs.

Pamela has become a strong voice in the area of personal finance for women. Her knowledge in this area has made her a sought-after speaker. She has been quoted in articles in various financial publications.

Throughout her financial services career, she has acquired several client service and financial planning awards. She has membership in the Million Dollar Roundtable (MDRT). Membership in MDRT is a highly recognized mark of excellence and limited to only the most successful in the financial services profession. This places Pamela among the top professionals in the global life insurance and financial services industry. Pamela was featured in the Women in Wealth section of Fortune Magazine November 2020 issue as a top Wealth Manager in the Washington DC metro area.

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#84 EXACTLY What to Say (And Ask) with Phil M. Jones, CSP, CPAE

communicating your value, Leadership, Marketing, Practice Management, Prospecting, Top Advisors, , , , , , , , ,

“My book is titled Exactly What to Say, but maybe I should have called it, Exactly What to Ask.”

In this enlightening episode of the Top Advisor Podcast, host Bill Cates sits down with Phil M. Jones, CSP, CPAE, the renowned expert and author of the bestselling book – Exactly What to Say: The Magic Words for Influence and Impact.   Phil and Bill delve into the art and science of building an effective flow of questions that advisors can use to build trust, gain new clients, and serve those clients better.

While Phil is celebrated for his mastery of the precise language that can transform conversations, this discussion shifts the focus to the power of asking the right questions.

With financial advisors as the target audience, Phil emphasizes the importance of gaining a deep understanding of clients’ contexts before offering solutions, highlighting a strategy that invites dialogue and builds trust. 

This interview of Phil is jampacked with practical techniques, such as the OFQ (Opening, Fact, Question) method, and reveals how asking better questions can lead to improved client relationships, increased referrals, and ultimately, better service. 

Bill Cates and Phil Jones discuss:

  1. The danger of giving advice without proper context and the necessity of understanding a client’s full situation.
  2. The incredible power of curiosity-driven conversations.
  3. The technique of question stacking and creating sequences.
  4. How to use perspective-shifting questions.
  5. Overcoming inertia in clients to move them to take actions that are in their best interest.
  6. How slowing the process can help you achieve smoother and faster outcomes.
  7. The transformative power of intentional language in building rapport and trust.
  8. …And so much more!

Sponsors:  USE OUR LATEST FORMAT & LINKS – Not sure if these are correct. 

Resources: 

Connect With Bill Cates:

Connect with Phil M. Jones:

About Phil M. Jones, CSP, CPAE:

Best known for his international best-selling book, Exactly What to Say® – The Magic Words for Influence and Impact and his vast experience as a professional speaker at conferences and events, what is often overlooked is the strategic intellect Phil provides behind the scenes for some of the world’s biggest brands to understand their critical conversations and the success language required to maximize their effectiveness.

Phil thinks and acts differently. His precise insights around communication, added to a proven personal pedigree of peak performance and a richness of real-world experience mean that Phil is the kind of thought leader whose counsel is sought by other thought leaders.

He believes with passion that the answer to increased success, in every area of life, is to ask better questions, focus on QUALITY of conversation as well as quantity and that quite often, the difference between you, and all the others, is knowing exactly what to say, when to say it, and how to make more of your conversations count.

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