When Clients Think You Only Call When Selling Something

You've got e-mail. Texts, if your firm allows them. Electronic newsletters. Online seminars. Live seminars. And let's not forget face to face meetings.

Desired Result

By seeing your name often and being contacted through multiple channels, they realize you have their interests in mind. You are thinking about them. They are a person, not a number.

2. Initiate non-sales communication.

You likely produce an electronic newsletter, or possibly a print version. It contains educational articles. It might contain lifestyle articles too. You (or the firm) designed it as a compelling read. You hold online webinars and live seminars. Send them invitations.

Desired Result

You are teaching. Communication from you is associated with learning or an opportunity to learn. Perhaps the client who said, "You only call when you want me to buy something," will call you and say: "I read that article in your newsletter. It really intrigued me. I never knew a product like that existed…"

3. Send educational material.

This was touched on above. Here, we aren't talking about product or sales scenarios, but purely educational content.

Even if you sell only life insurance and annuities, you may find that the typical client, including that guy, has homeowners insurance. You and your clients hope they never need to make a claim, but what if they do? How do you prove you owned something that's no longer there? How do you place a value on something you've owned forever? Will photos do? Where should these records be kept?

Desired Result

This information is really valuable for your clients. They will likely print it, save it and act on it. They might even call and thank you for it. Even better, they might share it with a neighbor. Make sure your name, firm and contact information are on the print version.

You started with a mildly adversarial relationship. By increasing the number of communication channels and the content, you've changed the communication landscape. You may have prompted calls from them. Even if nothing happens and they never attend a seminar or webinar, it gives you both something to talk about the next time you make a phone call.

— Read 10 Ways to Tactfully Get Your Point Across, on ThinkAdvisor.

Bryce Sanders is president of Perceptive Business Solutions Inc. He provides HNW client acquisition training for the financial services industry. His book, "Captivating the Wealthy Investor," can be found on Amazon.