Tag Archives: Referrals

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Episode #52 Using Curiosity to Ignite Your Prospecting & Client Acquisition with Chris Ridgway

Education, Finance, Marketing, Speaking, Uncategorized, , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

While curiosity may have killed the cat, it didn’t hurt this advisor!

How about you?  Have you developed a strong Curiosity Muscle?  Do you exercise it often as you endeavor to bring more ideal clients into your business?

Curiosity will serve you well in this business:

  • You will meet new people.
  • You will serve your clients better by knowing more about them.
  • You will learn about other’s in your clients’ lives who could be candidates for your important work.

Today’s featured guest, Chris Ridgway, has attained rapid success in this business through personal observation, curiosity, and a strong belief in his value.

In this episode, Referral Coach Bill Cates interviews Chris Ridgway, Growth and Development Director & Financial Advisor with Northwestern Mutual. They explore the power of curiosity in the financial advisory industry, emphasizing the importance of being genuinely interested in people and their stories. Additionally, Chris shares his unique approach to client acquisition through observation and connection, finding common interests, and aligning values.

Bill and Chris discuss: 

  • Curiosity as a valuable trait for financial advisors.
  • How Chris implements personal observation in daily interactions.
  • How to obtain the contact information of prospects, and the reason for follow-up after a conversation.
  • Chris’ unique “Pillar of the Community” approach to meeting CEOs and other high-level prospects.
  • How laying out your entire process and philosophy to Centers of Influence can help build trust and referability while creating productive COI relationships. 
  • The power of nesting in a company to turbo-charge prospecting opportunities. 
  • …And more!

Resources: 

Connect With Bill Cates:

Connect With Chris Ridgway:

About Chris Ridgway:

Chris Ridgway is the Growth and Development Director & Financial Advisor at Northwestern Mutual.

Chris believes the starting point of any financial conversation should be with you — your life, your family, your priorities, and your goals. He will listen to what’s important to you and design a financial plan from multiple strategies specifically designed to help get you where you want to be.

Chris is committed to helping you get closer to your dreams. When you partner with him, you can expect a judgment-free, pressure-free environment with conversations that will be jargon-free. Chris strives to provide you with the best experience possible

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Episode #45 How to Revolutionize Digital Marketing for Financial Advisors with Stephen Beach

Education, Finance, Marketing, Speaking, Uncategorized, , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

Digital marketing for financial advisors can be an overwhelming and/or confusing topic for many.

Financial advisors are often challenged by what marketing strategy is right for them, how to communicate their value, and what outside resources might be right for them.

Can you relate? 

While Bill Cates is the recognized expert and supreme advocate for growing through referrals and personal introductions, there are certain tactics and strategies in the world of digital marketing for financial advisors that shouldn’t be ignored.

This is a Case Study Episode of Top Advisor Podcast.

In this unique episode, Referral Coach Bill Cates interviews Stephen Beach, Co-Founder of Craft Impact, about their work with Burney Wealth Management. They discuss Burney Wealth’s marketing struggles prior to working with Stephen, and how he and his firm helped them develop effective messaging, a results-generating website, and greater overall clarity in their marketing. All of this work has served as a turbo charger to the referral culture Bill had already helped Burney Wealth develop and implement.

Bill and Stephen discuss: 

  • Why a website can be a financial firm’s most important digital asset along with some specific, implementable strategies.
  • Why Burney Wealth decided to offer a sample financial plan template to visitors of their website and how this strategy has exceeded their expectations.
  • Craft Impact’s approach to messaging, including internal workshops using the StoryBrand framework and external interviews with clients.
  • The importance of messaging on a website, specifically the banner, and how it should be emotionally appealing to potential clients.
  • The definition of cognitive fluency and Stephen’s method of helping advisors explain their process in a visual manner.
  • The importance of providing relevant information, checklists, or other tools valuable enough that potential clients are willing to submit their contact information on the website in order to receive them. (Often called, “Lead Magnets.”)
  • …And more!

 

Resources: 

Connect With Bill Cates:

Connect With Stephen Beach: 

About Stephen Beach:

Stephen Beach co-founded a growth and communications agency for a few reasons, among them: to create a successful company that offers employment opportunities, to be a role model to his son, to grow from the challenges of creating a sustainable business, and to help other small and medium size businesses grow their revenue and teams through inbound marketing. 

After graduating from the University of Notre Dame and working for a large pharmaceutical advertising agency, Stephen knew he wanted to create a new kind of marketing agency- one with fresh ideas, personalized support, and proven ROI without the big agency prices and overhead. 

Stephen continues to be a Notre Dame college football fan despite attending the university during the underwhelming Charlie Weis era and the more recent years of disappointment. He loves golf, craft beer (of course) and traveling with his wife, and being a father to his children Auggie, Lola, and Oakley.

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

Education, Finance, Marketing, Speaking, Uncategorized, , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

“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.

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

Education, Finance, Marketing, Speaking, Uncategorized, , , , , , , , , ,

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.

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Ep. #40 Explosive Growth and Getting Referrals Without Asking with Warren Brooks and Terry Parham Jr.

Education, Finance, Marketing, Speaking, Uncategorized, , , , , , , , , ,

Imagine that you are getting so many unsolicited referrals that your new prospective clients are willing to be placed on a 4-month waiting list to see you. A pipe dream?  Not necessarily. Our featured guests on today’s show are experiencing this right now.  

How are they getting so many referrals without asking?  With strategic relationship building, minor celebrity status in their target market, and a dash of effective social media.

In this episode, Bill Cates interviews Warren Brooks and Terry Parham – Co-Founders of Innovative Wealth Building. They explain how they’ve built a steady flow of referrals without asking with a strong emphasis on building personal relationships with clients by going the extra mile. 

Bill, Warren, and Terry discuss:

  • The success resulting from their rapid growth – $100M in assets in their first year of going independent.
  • Their focus on building relationships with the extended family members of their clients.
  • How going above and beyond for clients and building personal relationships is the reason behind their explosion of referrals without asking.
  • How giving back to the community through sponsorships and participation in events can help build “celebrity status” that generates continual interest. 
  • How social media and their website actually converts prospects into clients.
  • …And more!

Resources: 

Connect With Bill Cates:

Connect With Warren Brooks: 

Connect With Terry Parham: 

About Warren Brooks:

Warren Brooks is the President, Chief Executive Officer (CEO), and one of the co-founders of Innovative Wealth Building In a world of tough financial choices, Warren has been a beacon of knowledge for his clients since 1999. 

​Warren has started over 1,000 new clients in his career and has amassed an impressive amount of knowledge over the years. As a result, Warren has become locally renowned as the go-to planner for Federal Employees and widows/ widowers that are navigating one of life’s biggest challenges.

What’s possibly most impressive is the relentless dedication that Warren has shown his clients over the years. When Warren says he will be there you know that he will, even if that means driving across the country or hopping on an airplane.

​Prior to becoming a financial planner, Warren honorably served 24 years in the United States Navy and retired as a Senior Chief Petty Officer. Additionally, Warren graduated from the University of Maryland University College with a Bachelor’s degree in Business Management.

About Terry Parham:

Terry is the Chief Financial Officer (CFO) and one of the co-founders of Innovative Wealth Building. Terry joined the financial services industry in 2011 and has held positions as a: Financial Planner, Corporate Trainer, and District Manager. Terry loves to talk about investments and also enjoys diving into the weeds of retirement income planning. When he’s not working directly with clients, Terry spends time mentoring other advisors and presenting financial education to individuals and organizations.

​Terry graduated from St. Lawrence University with a double major in Economics and Psychology and a minor in Mathematics. Always on the quest for knowledge, Terry has earned the following certifications: Certified Financial Planner (CFP), Chartered Financial Consultant (ChFC), Wealth Management Certified Professional (WMCP), Retirement Income Certified Professional (RICP), and Chartered Life Underwriter (CLU).

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Ep. #32: 5 Brilliant Steps to an Effective Client Acquisition Process with Sandro Forte, FCII, FPFS, FPSA, CSP

Education, Finance, Marketing, Speaking, Uncategorized, , , , , , , , , , ,

Sandro Forte serves as a financial advisor to the Royal Family in the United Kingdom. But that’s not why we interviewed him.

We interviewed Sandro because of the insight and wisdom he brings to the client acquisition process.  

In this episode of The Top Advisor Podcast, Referral Coach Bill Cates sits down with Sandro Forte, CEO of Forte Financial Group, a financial planning firm in the U.K.

Sandro is all about using the right processes AND the right words to move prospects along to becoming clients.

Bill and Sandro discuss:

  • Why you should schedule meetings with your prospects and clients and not appointments. 
  • The importance of not positioning yourself as subservient with prospects and clients.
  • The 2 most critical rules to follow when approaching prospects in your client acquisition process.
  • His 3-step approach to dealing with objection. 
  • The mindset needed to create sustained success and profitability.
  • How to maximize your productivity and profitability over time.
  • ….And more!

Connect With Bill Cates:

Connect With Sandro Forte:

About Our Guest:

Sandro Forte is a dedicated, passionate and highly qualified personal success coach. As one of the most influential and sought-after speakers in the world, Sandro has built up an extensive network of contacts and proven himself to be a popular hit with people from all walks of life. Having spoken to more than 1 million conference and session attendees across 86 countries, Sandro has been all over the world providing his message of empowerment and self-improvement.

As one of the few speakers to hold the prestigious titles of Certified Speaking Professional Fellow of the Professional Speakers Association, and a Global Speaking Fellow, Sandro is well known for not just being able to motivate and inspire but to create positive outcomes for all the clients he works with. All of his solutions and outcomes are tailored, focusing on the unique needs of the individual to guarantee something actionable.

With such an extensive list of clients and a proven success rate, it’s not surprising that all the speaking work he does is actively endorsed by the clients from his past projects.

Sandro is a man who has come from a challenging background but has used that as a way to thrive. His unending optimism and enthusiasm are some of the things that his clients love about him because even in the face of challenges, he doesn’t give up.



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Ep. #28: Building a Referral Only Practice on a Powerful Story With Tyson Vines

Education, Finance, Marketing, Speaking, Uncategorized, , , , , , ,

When it comes to building a referral only practice, you want to attract prospects and build client relationships by making two intertwined connections. You want to make a value connection and you want to make a personal connection. Both are necessary, though the mix of the two may vary from client to client.

In this episode, Referral Coach Bill Cates is joined by Tyson Vines, Founder & Financial Advisor of V Financial Partners, to talk about his process for attracting and winning new clients and building highly referable relationships with them. 

Tyson and Bill discuss: 

  • Tyson’s commitment to a referral only practice – and how he nets an average of 3.5 referral prospects per week!
  • Two tragic events of Tyson’s life, and how he connects these stories to his client acquisition process.
  • His “secret sauce” for creating advocates that provide great unsolicited referrals.
  • Tyson’s mission to change the wealth management industry.
  • The core values that guide his referral only business. 
  • How he tackles the “dreaded” conversation around fees & commissions.
  • …And more!

Resources: 

Connect With Bill Cates:

Connect With Tyson Vines:

About Our Guest:

After a strong Wall Street career helping sovereign wealth funds, pensions and private banks globally, Tyson Vines wanted to own a financial planning practice. He founded V Financial Partners in 2012 with the mission to care for people and their businesses through personal finance and increase financial literacy in an enjoyable, open and honest way.

Tyson’s father passed away when he was in college. Caring for his widowed mother was the top priority. The moment they met a financial adviser, emotions calmed, and comfort flowed with a sound financial plan of investments and insurance solutions.

Tyson believes everyone deserves an institutional Wall Street experience. Leaning on his global investment experience navigating the world’s largest investors through the Great Recession, V Financial Partners aims to deliver the same heightened experience to everyone. V Financial Partners offers stability and confidence to their clients.

For six years, prior to establishing his practice, Tyson was a Global Consultant Relationship Manager with Victory Capital Management, an investment management subsidiary of KeyCorp. He also worked as a sell-side equity and investment banking associate with KeyBanc Capital Markets.



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Ep. #5: Use The 90-Day Dazzle for Client Onboarding and Win Referrals Fast with Bryan Sweet, CLU, ChFC

Education, Finance, Marketing, Speaking, Uncategorized, , , , , ,

Most advisors have an internal new client onboarding checklist, but few have discovered the value of a comprehensive client onboarding process that creates both a value connection and a personal connection. 

Done well, the client onboarding process will help your new clients feel great about their decision to work with you and make you super referable quickly.

In this episode, Bill Cates is joined by Bryan Sweet CLU®, ChFC®, founder and CEO of Sweet Financial Services, to discuss how he uses his program called The 90 Day Dazzle for client onboarding. He explains how implementing this program has drastically increased his referrals earlier in his new-client relationships.

In this episode, Bill and Bryan discuss: 

  • How The 90 Day Dazzle brings value to both the client and his firm.
  • The three small niches his firm works with that have kept his business thriving for 42 years
  • What other advisors are doing in the client onboarding process.

Resources: 

“Who Not How” by Dan Sullivan and Dr. Benjamin Hardy

Connect With Bill Cates:   

About Our Guest:

Bryan Sweet: Bryan Sweet, is a cultivator of opportunity and that is reflected in his passion for serving the clients of Sweet Financial Services. Beginning his career in 1979, Bryan has done more than create lasting wealth plans for wonderful clients. He has created a movement in this industry to help people realize just how much they are capable of and just how much they can put their money to work for them.

Connect With Bryan Sweet:  

 

 

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