Tag Archives: Business Growth

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?”

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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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#110 – Cultivating Community and Challenging Retirement Myths with Derek Coburn

Life Balance, Practice Management, , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

Thrilled to have interviewed Derek Coburn on the latest episode of the Top Advisor Podcast!

Derek built and sold a thriving financial practice, created the renowned networking community Cadre, and is a bestselling author challenging the conventional views on retirement.

Whether you’re a financial advisor or a growth-minded professional, his journey and perspectives are a must-listen. Here are 3 key takeaways for you:

  1. Curated Networking Beats Cold Outreach:
    Derek found greater success – and deeper relationships – by moving away from mass networking events and instead hosting highly curated, small-group gatherings that create meaningful connections.Tired of large, impersonal networking events? Derek shares how hosting smaller, curated roundtable lunches led to deeper connections and eventually grew into Cadre, a thriving community for entrepreneurs and business leaders
  2. Redefining Retirement:
    Question the traditional model of retirement. The story of Derek’s Dad and his book Let’s Retire Retirement shows that maintaining purpose beyond 65 can not only improve well-being but also offer financial flexibility.Derek challenges traditional thinking about retirement, asking: Should we be steering clients toward a destination they may not truly want?
  3. It’s About Being Present, Not Just Planning:True wealth is about maximizing meaningful moments with family and friends throughout life—not deferring them until “someday.” Don’t underestimate the value of $50,000 moments.Check out this episode for practical ideas on building your network, challenging outdated industry advice, and living life more fully now and later!

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#104 – Building an 8-Figure Financial Practice with Julia Carlson

Leadership, Practice Management, , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

“To grow to an 8-figure business, you have to fire yourself – let go of doing all of the things that you think you have to do as the founder, as the advisor, and really let go so you can step into this visionary leadership role that most founders want to be in.”

Julia Carlson

In this conversation, Julia Carlson shares how she grew her practice from scratch, building a dynamic team and eventually stepping into a visionary leadership role (yes, “firing herself” in the process). 

You’ll hear about her dedication to helping both retirees and entrepreneurs, her passion for holistic financial planning, and her mission to inspire 1,000 entrepreneurs to each give $1 million to causes they care about, ultimately creating a $1 billion movement for good.

Whether you’re looking for insights on scaling a business, creating meaningful differentiation, building a powerful team culture, or simply finding happiness and balance as an advisor, you’ll find Julia brings both practical strategies and a refreshingly authentic perspective. 

Bill and Julia Discuss:

  • How leaders shift from rugged self-reliance to collaborative leadership as their firm scales.
  • How her Retirement Readiness Checklist becomes a magnet for her Right-Fit Clients.
  • The power of serving both pre-retirees and business owners and how this dual focus fuels deeper relationships.
  • Why Julia chose organic growth over acquisitions and what that has meant for her firm’s culture, trust, and scalability.
  • The impact of embedding generosity into a business model and how the $1 Billion for Good movement inspires teams and clients alike.
  • Why modern advisors must blend investment + insurance + planning into one holistic approach.

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About Tessa Santarpia:    

Julia Carlson is the Founder and CEO of Financial Freedom Wealth Management Group, a nationally recognized firm ranked in the top 1% of the industry. An entrepreneur, speaker, author, and educator, Julia has become a respected thought leader on tax-efficient retirement strategies, distribution planning, and exit planning for business owners. She launched her firm at the turn of the century and has since built a reputation for exceptional client service and visionary leadership.

Julia is the author of Money Loves You and has a new book forthcoming in February 2026: Let’s Get You Fired – How Entrepreneurs Scale to 8 Figures by Letting Go and Leading with Vision. Through her coaching and guidance, she helps entrepreneurs grow beyond the hustle, build companies that thrive without their constant presence, and create a legacy of generosity. Her bold mission: help 1,000 entrepreneurs scale to 8 figures and give $1 million each to causes they care about—fueling a $1 billion movement for good.

A frequent voice in the media, Julia has been interviewed by Barron’s, Forbes, Financial Advisor Magazine, MSN, Reuters, InvestmentNews, USA Today, Yahoo! Finance, and Nasdaq. She has been named an InvestmentNews Women to Watch honoree, and a multi-year Forbes Top Women Wealth Advisor.

She works from the firm’s office in the beautiful coastal community of Newport, Oregon, where she lives with her husband and their three children.

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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!

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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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#100 – From Top Advisor to Industry Leader: Derrick Kinney’s Secrets for Making Competitors Irrelevant and Attracting Clients

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

Standing out as a financial advisor requires more than credentials; it’s about clarity, connection, and purpose.

How do you move from being “just another advisor” to someone clients instantly trust and want to work with? How do you stop competing on titles and start owning the problems your clients care about most?

In this special 100th episode, Referral Coach Bill Cates interviews Derrick Kinney, bestselling author of Good Money Revolution and former top-ranked advisor, about the mindset and strategies that helped him scale his practice to the top 1% before transitioning into coaching advisors. Derrick explains how clarity of purpose, the right words, and emotional connection can transform an advisor’s business and make competitors irrelevant.

Derrick discusses: 

  • Why he sold his successful advisory practice to pursue writing, coaching, and media work
  • The biggest mistake advisors make when introducing themselves and how to “own a problem” instead of relying on credentials
  • How asking the right questions and not solving problems too quickly keeps prospects engaged and builds trust
  • The importance of narrowing your focus, presenting yourself as a specialist, and connecting with clients’ pain points
  • How visibility in media and storytelling can make competitors irrelevant and attract ideal clients
  • …And more!

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About Derrick Kinney:

Derrick Kinney is widely considered one of the most engaging and down-to-earth money and business experts in the country. He built one of America’s top financial firms and helped countless clients become millionaires. Then, he sold it to give everyone access to his Middle-Class to Millionaire Playbook. As America’s Financial Educator, he’s a sought-after guest on top podcasts and a go-to expert on FOX, CNN, CNBC, and Yahoo Finance. He’s also the Wall Street Journal and USA Today bestselling author of Good Money Revolution.

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#94 – From Stuck to Scaling: How Top Advisors Build Momentum with David DeCelle

Life Management, Practice Management, , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

Are you building a business you love — or one that’s wearing you down?

In this episode of Top Advisor Podcast, I interview David DeCelle, CEO of Model FA, whose passion is helping advisors fall in love with their practice – either “again” or for “the first time.”

David shares actionable insights on scaling your business while maintaining passion and enthusiasm.

David said, “Success in financial advising is about more than strategies; it’s about loving your business and creating genuine connections.”

How can financial advisors simplify operations to regain focus? What practical steps foster trust and meaningful growth?

David discusses strategies for systematization, identifying personal strengths, and the importance of nurturing client relationships authentically. 

Bill and David discuss:

    • Why advisors lose enthusiasm and how to reignite it.
    • The four personality types in advising and the tailored growth method.
    • Creating balance by leveraging the “Energy Audit” framework.
    • The “Deposits vs. Withdrawals” approach to deepening client trust.
    • Utilizing AI to enhance business efficiency without replacing human connections.
    • …And more!

Sponsors:

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About David DeCelle:

Raised in a middle-class household, David knew at an early age that he wanted to redefine success for his generation of the family. Making money was a big motivation, but knowing how to put money to work was his main goal. That’s why he chose to become a financial advisor. And he’s never looked back. He’s a compulsive learner, the guy who cares the most, and one of the hardest workers you will ever meet. He loves nothing more than acquiring layers of life-enhancing knowledge – from social media strategies to self-actualization – and sharing it to help others grow and succeed. His most treasured moment is watching a financial advisor fall in love with the business again.

He is equally committed to his own mind and body fitness, and to intentionally spending quality time with family and friends.

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#87 Building Your Financial Advisory Team with Top Talent – Insights from Steve Perry

Leadership, Practice Management, , , , , , , , , , ,

What does it mean to truly scale your advisory team without sacrificing quality or culture?

In this episode, Referral Coach Bill Cates interviews Steve Perry, founder and president of Well Recruiting Solutions, as they delve into the art of building teams with top talent.

Discover the innovative approaches Steve uses to overcome the biggest hurdles financial advisors face in recruiting the right people.

From leveraging technology to crafting a compelling value proposition, Steve shares his unique insights gained from 16 years of hiring and managing financial professionals.

Steve discusses: 

  • (05:22) How mission-driven recruitment aligns with long-term business goals
  • (08:55) Overcoming the abundance of data in recruitment with strategic filtering
  • (09:25) Recruiting overload in the tech era
  • (11:24) The significance of breaking down roles within firms for effective scaling
  • (18:00) Leveraging firm values in recruitment
  • (24:28) Quantifying aspirations in hiring to recruit top talent
  • (26:30) The 3 different types of talent: potential, emerging, and proven
  • (34:21) Cost of hiring delays revealed
  • (36:45) The benefits and challenges of automated applicant systems
  • …And more!

Packed with practical advice and proven strategies, this episode is a must-listen for financial advisors looking to grow with the right people in the right roles. 

Sponsors:

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Cates Resources: 

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About Steve Perry:

Steve Perry, Founder and CEO of The Well Recruiting Solutions, brings over 17 years of leadership experience in the Fortune 100 sector. Known for his ability to drive team growth and operational excellence, Steve has consistently exceeded benchmarks in recruitment, retention, and performance. His career is marked by a dedication to innovation, team development, and creating scalable solutions for businesses.

Steve’s expertise includes interviewing thousands of candidates, hiring hundreds, and leading large teams to achieve record-breaking success. His strategic approach to recruiting and team building has helped organizations bridge talent gaps and achieve sustainable growth.

After nearly two decades of corporate leadership, Steve founded The Well Recruiting Solutions as a response to a calling from God. Leaving a seven-figure executive leadership career, he set out to build an innovative, world-class recruiting company that not only delivers exceptional results for its clients but also makes a meaningful impact on the world.

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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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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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#80 Building Strong Strategic Partnerships with Duncan MacPherson

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

What would you call a strategic partner if not a center of influence?

Today on the Top Advisor Podcast, Referral Coach Bill Cates interviews Duncan MacPherson about transforming how financial advisors establish and maintain strategic partnerships. Discover why the phrase “centers of influence” might be holding you back and how strategic partnerships can lead to more seamless client referrals and stronger connections. Learn how to build a comprehensive, value-driven network of partners that enhances your client experience and ultimately, your bottom line.

Duncan discusses: 

  • (08:49) Why “centers of influence” should be replaced by “strategic partnerships”
  • (15:08) The difference between influencers, advocates, and strategic partners
  • (21:01) How to approach and develop valuable strategic partnerships
  • (37:35) Productivity vs. busyness and the importance of building a sustainable business
  • …And more!

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About Duncan MacPherson:

Duncan MacPherson, driven by a deep passion for unlocking potential, steers Pareto Systems in his role as CEO. Together with financial professionals and visionary firms, he is committed to designing businesses that achieve both profitability and purpose.

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#78 Maximize Your Referrals: The Secret to Becoming a Highly Referable Financial Advisor with Jeff Jackel

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

Creating a memorable client experience is key to standing out in the competitive world of financial advising.

How can you automate thoughtfulness and build emotional connections to boost referrals?

In this episode, Referral Coach Bill Cates interviews Jeff Jackel, Chief Strategy Officer and Co-founder of Client Giant, to share his expertise on how financial advisors can enhance their referability through personalized client experiences. 

By tuning in, you’ll discover the power of “automated thoughtfulness” and how it can lead to exponential growth in client engagement and referrals.

Bill and Jeff discuss: 

  • The core mission of Client Giant and how it aims to foster personal relationships over transactional ones
  • The principles of creating remarkable and memorable client experiences
  • Success stories of financial advisors who have significantly increased their referrals and revenue by investing in personalized client touches
  • The innovative technology and strategies used by Client Giant to automate thoughtful gestures, leaving a lasting impact on clients
  • …And more!

Resources: 

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About Jeff Jackel:

Jeff Jackel is Co-Founder and Chief Strategy Officer of Client Giant, a tech-enabled client care and concierge service helping business owners and operators in the USA and Canada drive unparalleled repeat and referral business. 

Prior to this, Jeff was Co-Founder and CEO of Chatter Inc., a mobile technology company whose flagship product, BuzzMob (now Appletree) is a leading communication platform in education technology. 

With 15+ years creating and building businesses across a spectrum of competitive industries, Jeff has experience with every aspect from ideation to product development, capitalization, strategic planning, management, content marketing, social media and brand building.

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