9 Steps for Advisors to Rebuild Goodwill

Many advisors have found themselves in a situation in which they join a club or nonprofit for all the right reasons, then find several members who act as if the only reason you joined was to prospect for business. You sense the atmosphere is sometimes hostile, yet you are determined to take the high road, helping where you can. What do you do? Here is the problem: You are not the first financial advisor or insurance professional to join the group; at least one person has preceded you. Whatever they did, the impression that others convey is they could have starred in an "Advisors Behaving Badly" reality show. It might have happened decades ago, but tales are told as if it were yesterday. You cannot erase history but can position yourself as genuine and generous. This earns you respect and should draw you closer to the center of power and influence. Here are nine steps you can take to clear the air and build goodwill for yourself.