Tag Archives: affluent clients

Ep. 115 – The Three Discovery Questions Every Advisor Should Ask with Jeff Thorsteinson

Creating Advocates, Practice Management, Prospecting, , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

What if the problem you’re trying to solve isn’t the real problem at all? How might that damage rather than help your business?

Jeff Thorsteinson argues that advisors often look for better answers when they should be asking better questions.

  1. A growth challenge may actually be a capacity problem.
  2. A referral problem may point to weak positioning.
  3. A full calendar may signal over-reliance on the advisor.

In this episode of Top Advisor Podcast, Bill and Jeff explore why questions are “the operating system of leadership.” The questions advisors ask shape their strategy, hiring decisions, client conversations, and plans for growth.

They discuss Jeff’s “stop, flip, expand” framework, a four-part test for deciding what belongs on an advisor’s plate, and three questions that can transform a discovery meeting.

As Jeff puts it, “The next breakthrough in your business may not require a better answer. It just simply requires a better question.”

3 Key Takeaways:

  • Reframe the problem before solving it. (03:35)
    An advisor who says, “I can’t grow the business,” may actually have a capacity problem. If the team is overwhelmed and every decision depends on the advisor, more clients will create more chaos.
  • Move from pursuit to attraction. (07:03)
    Instead of asking, “How do I get more affluent clients?” ask, “What would make affluent clients chase me for a meeting?” That shift changes positioning, niche marketing, authority, thought leadership, and client experience.
  • Use “stop, flip, expand.”  (31:45)
    Stop and identify the real problem. Flip the question into a more useful form. Then expand it to uncover the larger issue underneath. “How do I get more referrals?” might become, “What kind of business will naturally attract clients?”

Episode Sponsors: 

Connect with Jeff Thorsteinson

Resources:

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About Jeff Thorsteinson 

Jeff is the co-partner in the firm Advisor Practice Management.

Jeff has spent more than thirty years helping financial advisors build stronger, more profitable businesses.

He’s co-founded several advisor-focused companies, including The Newsletter Factory, YouFoundation, Agora Wealth, and Agora Dealer Services, and has worked on thousands of marketing and practice management projects with advisors across North America.

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#102 – Low-Cost Ways to Turn Client Satisfaction into Client Loyalty with Richard Weylman, CPAE

Client Experience, Client Experience & Loyalty, COI's, communicating your value, Creating Advocates, Education, Finance, Generational Wealth, Leadership, Life Balance, Life Management, Marketing, Philanthropy, Practice Management, Prospecting, Referrals & Introductions, Social Media, Speaking, Target Marketing, Top Advisors, , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

Client expectations in financial services have evolved. Today’s clients aren’t just looking for great service; they’re seeking authentic connection and meaningful experiences. 

In this episode of the Top Advisor Podcast, Bill Cates is joined by acclaimed author and consultant Richard Weylman to explore how advisors can build deeper client engagement, loyalty, and advocacy. 

Drawing on decades of research and field experience, Richard explains why empathy, thoughtful communication, and personalized experiences are now the keys to standing out – to attract and retain ideal clients.

Richard shares practical strategies and real-life examples, including how small, intentional actions can generate lasting relationships and even significant referrals.

Bill and Richard Discuss:

  • The four keys to remarkable client experiences
  • Why “great service” isn’t enough anymore
  • Why a structured, proactive communication plan sets top advisors apart and how often our clients really expect to hear from you
  • The power of asking better questions
  • Why clients who are merely “satisfied” are always at risk of leaving and how to become the kind of advisor they advocate for with their friends and colleagues
  • … And more!

Sponsor:

Connect With Richard Weylman:

Resources: 

Connect With Bill Cates:

About Richard Weylman:    

Richard was orphaned at age 6, lived in 19 foster homes and attended 11 different schools. Breaking out of those circumstances, he led an award-winning Rolls-Royce Motorcar operation then progressed to heading and then creating the initial sales and marketing organization for The Robb Report, an internationally recognized magazine for the affluent lifestyle.

For nearly three decades Richard has been honored to show business owners and professionals around the world the path to proven business growth and success. He uses his unique ability to see things from the client’s or customer’s perspective and interpret their needs to then create the prescriptive strategies and tactics needed to elevate business performance in today’s marketplace.

As a researcher, author, consultant, and serial entrepreneur, he helps to deliver personalized and dynamic presentations that achieve real outcomes and measurable results.

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