In this episode, we explore the VITAL framework, a powerful tool developed by Amanda C. Watts for building a thriving business. The VITAL acronym stands for Value, Impact, Trust, Agility, and Lucrative. In this episode, we'll delve into each of these components and explore how you can apply them to your business, life and beyond.Key Takeaways:The Pareto Principle: Understand how the 80/20 rule impacts your business and focus on the vital few areas that drive significant results.The VITAL Fram...

In this episode, we delve into the common fears and doubts that hold many financial professionals back from transitioning to advisory services. We'll discuss the importance of embracing failure as a stepping stone to success and the power of consistent action in overcoming obstacles.Key Takeaways:Failure Is Inevitable: Every successful advisor has failed. It's about learning from those failures and refining your approach.Fear Is A Sign Of Growth: Don't let fear paralyze you. Resistance is a s...

In this episode, Amanda explores the importance of marketing for business advisors, and advisory services. Discover how clearly defining your ideal client, understanding their needs, and communicating your value proposition can lead to more effective marketing and attract high-value clientsKey Takeaways:Define Your Ideal Client: Clearly identify the specific type of client you want to attract and develop and an understanding of their unique needs and challenges.Articulate Your Value Propositi...

In this episode, we explore how to handle rejection in the world of business advisory. Leads don’t always turn into clients, and that can be hard. But, it also presents you with a great opportunity. Discover strategies for understanding the reasons behind rejection, responding gracefully, and using rejections for growth.Key Takeaways:Understand the Reasons: Seek to understand the underlying reasons for rejection, whether it's timing, budget, or a mismatch in needs. Understanding them could le...

When developing your business advisory skills and practice, 80% of success is showing up consistently, even when facing challenges. Discover how the simple act of showing up can create opportunities and build a strong foundation for your business.Key Takeaways:Consistency is Key:Showing up consistently, even when it's difficult, is essential for building momentum and achieving long-term success.Motivation is Fickle:Rely on discipline and commitment rather than motivation to drive your actions...

In this episode, we explore the concept of Platinum Clients and how to attract them to your advisory practice. Discover the key characteristics of Platinum Clients, the strategies to identify and attract them, and the importance of delivering exceptional value to retain these high-value clients.Key Takeaways:Define Platinum Clients: Understand the characteristics of Platinum Clients, including their willingness to invest in high-value services, their desire for growth and innovation, and thei...

In this episode, we explore the two distinct roles within business advisory: Visionaries and Integrators. Discover how understanding and leveraging your own strengths, or partnering with those who complement your skills, can create a powerful and successful advisory practice.Key Takeaways:Understand Your Role: Identify whether you're a Visionary or Integrator to better understand your natural strengths and weaknesses.Leverage Your Strengths: Play to your strengths and focus on the areas where...

In this episode, we explore the concept of Liminal Thinking and its application to the accounting and finance profession. Discover how this mindset can help you break free from traditional thinking, embrace new perspectives, and transition into higher-value advisory roles.Key Takeaways:Challenge Your Beliefs: Question your assumptions about your role, your clients' needs, and the possibilities within your industry.Unlearn and Relearn: Be willing to let go of outdated beliefs and embrace new w...

In this episode, we explore the concept of seasonal work, emphasizing the importance of understanding and embracing the natural ebb and flow of your workload. Discover how working in seasons can improve your productivity, work-life balance, and overall well-being.Key Takeaways:Identify Your Seasons: Recognize the busy and quiet periods within your industry and your specific role.Plan and Prepare: Prepare for busy seasons by streamlining processes, delegating tasks, and setting clear expectati...

In this episode, we explore the concept of tolerations, those seemingly small annoyances that can have a significant negative impact on your life and business. Discover how addressing tolerations can free up mental and emotional energy, improve productivity, and reduce stress.Key Takeaways:Identify Your Tolerations: Become aware of the small irritations and annoyances that you've learned to live with.Understand the Impact: Tolerations drain your energy, reduce focus, and lower your overall sa...

In this episode, we explore the concept of a freedom-based business practice for financial advisors. Discover how to achieve greater control over your time, choose ideal clients, scale your impact, and align your work with your personal values. Learn the importance of setting boundaries to protect your well-being and create a sustainable business.Key Takeaways:Define Your Freedom: A freedom-based practice allows you to control your time, choose your clients, scale your impact, and align your ...

In this episode, we delve into defining your advisor DNA, exploring the three key components that shape your individual identity and professional value: Essence, Education, and Experience. Discover how understanding and leveraging your Uniqueness can transform your advisory practice, attract ideal clients, and find fulfillment in your work.Key Takeaways:Clarity is Key: Understanding your Uniqueness provides clarity in a chaotic world, leading to better decision-making and reduced stress.The P...

In this episode, we challenge the conventional perception of procrastination as a negative trait. Discover how strategic procrastination can be a valuable tool for business advisors, providing insights into personal growth, client relationships, and professional development. Learn how to harness the power of procrastination to enhance your advisory practice.Key Takeaways:Procrastination as a Signal: View procrastination as a warning sign indicating areas where you need to focus or seek additi...

In this episode, we challenge the notion of a one-size-fits-all approach to business advisory. Discover how to move beyond generic advice and become a truly valuable partner to your clients. Amanda also shares the 3 Core Pillars that make one an amazing business advisor, and are needed for building a successful advisory practice.Key Takeaways:Focus on Progress: Prioritize helping clients achieve tangible results rather than simply providing theoretical advice.Cultivate Curiosity: Embrace a qu...

In this episode, we explore the definition and role of effective 'pitching' in shaping your business advisory career. Discover how your self-presentation can significantly impact the opportunities that come your way. Learn how to craft a compelling pitch that aligns with your goals and avoid the pitfalls of misalignment.Key Takeaways:Your Pitch Defines Your Opportunities: The way you present yourself influences the clients and projects you attract.The Power of Consistent Messaging: Building a...

Many aspiring business advisors jump straight into group programs or courses, overlooking the immense value of starting with one-on-one advisory services. In this episode, we debunk the myths surrounding one-on-one work and explore the numerous benefits it offers for building a successful advisory practice. Discover how honing your craft through individual client interactions can provide a solid foundation for scaling your business and achieving long-term success.Key Takeaways:Master Your Cra...

Are you hesitant to niche down in your business advisory practice? Many advisors struggle with the fear of limiting their client base or losing their identity. In this episode, we explore the common challenges and misconceptions surrounding niching down, and provide strategies to overcome them. Discover how focusing on a specific niche can actually open doors to new opportunities and create a more fulfilling and successful business.Key Takeaways:Overcome the Fear of Exclusion: Niching down do...

This episode of the Business Advisors Podcast dives deep into the importance of empathy for building successful business advisor-client relationships. Host Amanda C. Watts explains how empathy is more than just sympathy, but a skill that allows you to truly understand your client's perspective and emotions. By mastering empathy, you can create a safe space for open communication, build trust, and ultimately deliver more impactful advice that drives client success.Key Takeaways:Empathy is the ...

In this episode Amanda C. Watts tackles a crucial topic for CPA, accounting and bookkeeping professionals: raising prices. She explores the dangers of "quicksand pricing," and delves into six effective strategies you can use to justify and implement price increases for your current client base, with confidence and integrity.Key TakeawaysEscape the Quicksand: Move away from "quicksand pricing" where low initial prices attract a flood of clients but ultimately strain your resources. Transition ...

Feeling like your clients are running your life? You're not alone. Many advisors struggle to set clear boundaries, leading to burnout and resentment. In this episode of the Business Advisors Podcast, Amanda dives deep into 7 key strategies to help you reclaim your time and build thriving client relationships. Discover how to choose ideal clients, establish clear expectations, and finally, say goodbye to weekend work.Key Takeaways:Select Ideal Clients: Prioritize clients who align with your va...

In this week’s episode, we delve deep into what a £2,000-a-month business advisory service entails, particularly when transitioning from compliance to a hybrid or solely advisory focus. Amanda unpacks the 500:200:10 model, exploring how to effectively manage and serve clients to generate £500,000 in revenue by advising just 21 clients for 10 hours a week. She also discuss essential elements like client selection, service structuring, and the utilization of different tools and delive...

Key Takeaways from the PodcastUtilize Meetup.com: It's an excellent resource for finding industry-specific groups or general meetups in your area that align with your business goals, whether it’s expanding your client base or growing your peer network.Host Your Own Meetups: Leverage spaces like co-working locations to host events. These can significantly boost your visibility and reputation in your industry, as I experienced with the Corporate Escape Club in London.The Dinner Club Format: Cre...

Join Amanda C. Watts in today's episode as she explores the seven essential beliefs that your prospects need to hold true to say 'YES' to working with you. Amanda explores practical strategies to address each belief, from cultivating pain/problem awareness to building unshakeable trust. Whether you're selling high-value advisory services or seeking to enhance your sales skills, aligning your marketing efforts will make your sales process seamless and stress-free. Key takeaways:Learn the...

Embrace the Shift Back to In-Person Networking and Relationship Building. Find out how Amanda transitioned from valuing digital networking to advocating the profound impact of in-person interactions, especially post-pandemic. Discover why, even in a digital age, face-to-face connections create deeper relationships.Navigating Post-Covid Networking Challenges: Get clear on the lingering hesitations and the slow, yet steady, return to normalcy in networking spaces. Learn how our host and o...