Preparing for My First Client Advisory Board Meeting: Getting Targeted Feedback

Commentary April 25, 2011 at 10:05 AM
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As I mentioned in a previous post, I'm gearing up for my upcoming client roundtable on May 5th, and there's plenty of work to do. Over the next week, I'll keep you posted on the specifics of this meeting including the responses I receive from the group. To begin, I'd like to talk about some of the information I plan to discuss and share my goals for the session.

Why?

Why did you decide to work with me? What, exactly, was your reason for choosing to engage me? I'd like to think it has to do with how my financial planning analysis is unique and very informative. Wouldn't it be interesting if they chose me for non-technical reasons? Maybe they liked my demeanor? I expect this will be very telling! I have some preconceptions, but need to remain open about this.

Questionnaires

I will share my "Priorities Questionnaire" which I used to call, "What's Important to You?" Do they see this as valuable? Does it do a good job at cutting through to the core issues? Core issues—that's something I think we could all use help determining.

Processes

Do they find my processes efficient and effective? Moreover, do they consider them professional and would they be comfortable telling others about them? Do they feel our meetings are time well spent?

Communication

What type of communication do they prefer? In the beginning of the relationship, as trust is being developed, it's natural to require more face time. However, after they have worked with you for a while, would they prefer to  hold two of the four portfolio review meetings online?

Likes & Dislikes

Although slightly dangerous in a group setting, I feel strongly that if there's something I do that they don't like, I need to know about it. Since I can't read minds, I will encourage open, frank discussion.

 Open-Ended

I plan on giving my client advisors time to talk. After spending time on specific issues, and after their brain cells are fully engaged with the business operations of my company, are there any items we need to discuss? Anything at all?

To conclude, the more they talk, the more I'll learn. Therefore, I'm hoping for a talkative group! Any suggestions out there?

Thanks for reading!

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