It's a lot harder to build a business if you focus on things you won't do. Do you know another advisor or agent who says: "I don't do business with friends?"
It's likely they have their reasons:
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- Things get sticky if something goes wrong and they lose money
- They think I'm on call 24/7.
- They don't want to do business. If they did, they would have asked by now.
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When people need something, many prefer doing business with someone they know. An advisor in New York said it best: "People may want to do business with you for a long time. The thing they haven't figured out is why they need you."
We can think of lots of reasons why they are hesitant. So, why are they eager? Here are seven reasons:
1. They trust you
It's earned slowly over time. Been there, done that. They are your good friend because you have proved yourself to be ethical and reliable. If you married into the family, you have been a good spouse to their relative. You borrowed and returned their lawn mower. You've watched their children while they were away.
2. You understand them
Although financial planning seems to assume everyone fits into one of five risk tolerance models, most people consider their own situation unique. Have you ever seen a financial planning questionnaire that asks: "Are you pleased or disappointed in your children?" Your friends know.
3. You can provide a high level of attention
They know you have some big clients out there. They are not going to be one of them. Yet because of your friendship, you will be elevated to that status anyway. Years ago, people assumed advisors worked from a list. When they had a good idea they called their best clients first. Because they are your friend, they will be toward the top of that imaginary list.
Your friends know you, trust you and feel like they can count on you to tell you the truth. (Photo: iStock)
4. You are a known quantity
