We have one of the best jobs imaginable. I am so fortunate to have the opportunity to create strength and unity within my community and to help people live the future they've planned for and dreamt of.
This is my why, and the driving force behind our firm. And as advisors, there is nothing more powerful than your why.
I've been asked countless times, "What exactly is it that you do?" For too long, I answered with the standard response: "I am a financial advisor who helps clients protect and grow their assets. I offer different investment vehicles and services for those entering or already in retirement." No matter how passionate I sounded, it seemed that all clients heard was, "I want to sell you something." Needless to say, this was not what I wanted clients to hear or think.
I wasn't seeing the kind of success I'd imagined, but I didn't know how to change my pitch. Why couldn't clients understand that I just wanted to help them retire successfully?
My life changed several years ago when I was introduced to a concept that shifted my entire thinking. It started with a book called "Start With Your Why" by Simon Sinek, focusing on helping individuals tap into what moves them to get out of bed in the morning and make a difference in their world. He states that people don't connect to the vision of a company based on what they do, but rather why they choose to exist and do what they do. I went all in and employed the concept into my professional and personal life and things started to change in a radical way. Success came at me from so many different directions that I never expected!
The framework Simon proposed, The Golden Circle, is what every great leader and communicator does to pass their vision on to others. It all begins with your "why" and ends with your "what."
The Golden Circle = Why + How + What
• Why: What is your purpose, cause or belief?
• How: Systems and process within your organization
• What: Result of your actions— products or services
First, build your "why statement." Reflect on your business and write down your thoughts. Ask yourself hard questions and get to the core of your purpose/mission for your business. Second, think about how you plan to support that purpose in your operations. Include every step in your practice, from whom you hire, to the environment of your office, and the investment vehicles you use.
