In my blogs over the past few weeks we've discussed how unmet expectations lead to client departures (see my Oct. 8 blog, Matching Client Expectations With What You Offer: the Portfolio). In this post, I'd like to highlight a few things advisors can do to help retain clients.
Most advisors understand that when a client leaves, the client feels their actions are justified. However, the actual reason may or may not be rational. This is because human beings are not always rational. Also, people make decisions based on the information they possess at a given point and time. However, as people age, their views change, which changes their perspective and hopefully improves their decisions. Enter: unsatisfied client.
When a client leaves an advisor they do so based on the information they possess. In short, they believe they would be better served elsewhere. Consider this. To make an optimal decision about their current advisor, the client must understand the nuances of the financial markets and the economy, the strategy of their advisor (and decide if it's a good strategy), and how they would fare with a different advisor. At best, it's an educated guess. At worst, the client may end up buying into the sales tactics or salesmanship of a less-qualified advisor (i.e.; sizzle over substance).
One problem is that there are a number of quality strategies pertaining to money management. While some may disagree, the truth is that no single manager o one has a lock on the "one and only best method" of managing money. However, if you listen to some, you might be convinced otherwise.
