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In an effort to help advisors achieve their 2019 goals, the Financial Planning Association produced a white paper that incorporates best tactics from their top business coaches. The paper, "Business and Career Ideas for 2019," covers key areas of advisor interest that include marketing, team development, compliance and cybersecurity.
With the help of seven FPA coaches, common themes emerged:
The importance of assessment: This means being honest about where you currently are in the business and how you got there, which will provide a basis for where you want to go.
Considering your clients point of view: Coach Mike Byrnes recommends advisors put themselves in their clients' shoes and ask, "What's in it for me?" Understanding what you do and how it benefits your clients is important to success.
Define your larger vision: Day-to-day minutiae can bog down the most organized advisor. Instead, write down your vision and refer to it often to keep making progress toward it.
Plan for productivity: Force yourself to be proactive, instead of always reacting.
Don't set it and forget it: Everyone makes resolutions and stops there. Don't fall into that trap. Schedule time to review your goals and made adjustments throughout the year to achieve them.
Getting One-on-One Advice
Each of the seven coaches have their own guidance tips. Here are a few from the paper, which goes into detail on their recommendations:
Growth: Mike Byrnes, Byrnes Consulting
Some core business growth strategies include taking these five steps, Byrnes says:
1) Think differently. How will you differentiate you/your firm in the future?
2) Set layers of goals. Break big goals into parts that are easier to achieve.
3) Define owners. Everyone should understand their role.
4) Define metrics for success. Determine performance indicators and keep regular tabs.
