In this episode, I’m discussing risk mitigation. More specifically, I’m going to look at the insurance coverages you need to have as an RIA owner. Now, I know insurance may not be the most fun topic, but it is important and it could significantly impact the value of your business. So, don’t tune out!  I’ll be covering increases to your required coverages and the core coverages you should have. However, I’ll also discuss how your firm’s legal entity could work to mitigate potential risks to...

As a financial advisor, it can be easy to forget that sales and marketing are part of what we do. We understand that we have to attract new clients in order to grow our book of business. However, we may not always realize that we’re selling our firm and our services when we engage in an initial “getting to know you” phone call. The truth is, as RIA owners (and business owners in general), we don’t always see ourselves as salespeople. Likewise, we don’t always have a strong grasp of how...

Sales projections are important to your organization’s goal identification and planning. But have you ever considered what your sales projections can tell you about the health of your Registered Investment Adviser (RIA) firm?  In this episode, I discuss the significance of the data that informs your sales projections. Likewise, I explore how you can use your sales projections to measure your firm’s performance against industry benchmarks, determine future hiring needs, and more! This week...

In the early stages of your Registered Investment Adviser (RIA) firm, it made sense to work with anyone who could fog a mirror. But as your firm grows, many of the clients that you served in the beginning may not offer your business the same value they once did. As a result, these clients can chip away at your firm’s efficiencies, preventing you from gaining ground on your journey toward the eight-figure exit. In this episode, I discuss the power of saying, “No” to clients who are the wrong...

If you’re working toward the eight-figure exit, you can no longer be the top producer in your firm. This means “firing” yourself. But how can you step away if doing so will cause a decline in your sales production? In the previous episode, I gave you some homework. After digging into your firm’s data points, did your company align with the industry averages? Were you surprised by what you found? In this episode, I’m picking up where I left off, and giving you four tools to help you create...

Sales is the lifeblood of every business. In order to grow, you must attract new clients and gain new revenue. As the owner of your RIA, you’re likely the top producer in your firm. However, this is anathema to the eight-figure exit.  In this episode, I discuss why you must fire yourself, making way for new top producers to emerge. In doing so, you can decentralize and reduce your company-specific risk. I’ll explain the metrics you need to monitor to ensure continuity once you’re no longer...

Over the past few years, business owners have been through the wringer. From lockdowns to the Great Resignation, simply going to work has presented a much larger challenge than it did in the past. As a result, attracting and retaining great talent has become more important than ever. So how can you achieve this in your RIA? In this episode, I talk about the importance of employee incentive programs and the many different ways to show your team that you appreciate their loyalty and hard work....

For many of us, compliance can seem like a dirty word. Too often, this necessary aspect of your RIA is seen as “anti-sales” or as being against advisors. However, compliance plays a vital role in protecting you and your clients. So, how can you develop a compliance department that is both effective and efficient? In today’s episode, I discuss how you can integrate compliance practices with your daily operations. Additionally, I will look at the risks associated with non-compliance. Finally,...

Have you ever considered that you could drive greater profitability in your RIA (or any other business) through policies and procedures? Think about it... Your firm's governing documents such as the employee handbook, compliance manual, or company policy are meant to communicate policies and contingencies that can reduce risk and drive efficiency.   In today's episode, I'm going to discuss these important documents. As I do, I will explain which documents you should have in your RIA, and...

The idea of a flat organizational structure has gained steam in recent years. On its surface, it may seem like a good idea. However, without a clear leader, people often become confused about which direction to follow. In this episode, I take a close look at some of the most common types of organizational structures. Join me as I explain why the flat org chart might prevent you from achieving the eight-figure exit you desire!   This week on The Financially Simple Podcast:    (0:40) My...

Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) can provide you with invaluable data to determine the health and direction of your RIA. However, with a seemingly endless number of KPIs to choose from, how can you know which ones to track in your organization? In this episode, I will uncover some of the mystique around KPIs, as well as explore which ones I believe every RIA should be tracking on their way to the eight-figure exit.     This week on The Financially Simple Podcast:    (0:37) What is a...

One of the most challenging aspects of owning any business is building a cohesive and committed team. Different personalities and skill sets have very different needs. On top of this, you must also know which personality types are suited for each role and put people in the correct seats. In this episode, I continue looking at how to build a committed team for your eight-figure exit. I also discuss the difference between the technician, the manager, and the executive, and putting yourself and...

Have you ever considered what goes into building a team committed to working through an eight-figure exit with you? The phrasing of that question is significant. You see, building a team requires a great deal of forethought because it is a tactical movement. Likewise, you want to build a team that will work through an exit and not just to one. But why?   In this episode, I take a deep dive into this subject. I'll discuss the strategies of developing your team while driving toward your...

As you work to prepare your business for the eight-figure exit, change is inevitable. What got you here won't necessarily get you there. This is true whether you own an RIA or an auto repair shop. Because of the disruptive nature of change, you must be prepared to enact proper change management within your team.   In this episode, I discuss why change is necessary for the eight-figure exit, and how proper change management can help you maintain your positive momentum even through periods...

Client attrition can be devastating to your goal of achieving the eight-figure exit. We work hard to acquire each client and it can feel deeply personal when they decide to leave. But what causes clients to leave an RIA?   In this episode, I look at the top reasons clients leave their advisors. By understanding why clients leave, you can take proactive measures to ensure that your book of business continues to grow and thrive, driving your toward the eight-figure exit.   This week on The...

As business owners, we understand the importance of operational efficiency. But did you know your RIA's operational efficiencies could be the difference between making your eight-figure exit and missing the mark? Knowing that the efficiency of your operations has a direct correlation to your firm's valuation is one thing. However, understanding the biggest drivers could position you to take control of your practice and steer it toward the exit you desire.   In this episode, I take a look...

If you want to make the eight-figure exit, you need to begin planning for it right now. Too many people fail to realize the complexity of proper succession planning and the time required to do it correctly. As a result, many business owners reach their exit, receiving only a fraction of what they could have or worse, nothing at all!   In this episode, I look back at the relay race and what it can teach us about proper succession planning in your RIA. I also discuss the ways you can begin...

Leadership is one of those things that can make or break any business. Great leaders inspire others to become the best possible versions of themselves. In turn, this could lead your RIA to become best-in-class. But how do you inspire your leadership team to exhibit the authority, responsibility, and accountability that can permeate your entire organization?   In this episode, I'll talk about what it means to have a culture of authority, responsibility, and accountability. Similarly, I'll...

Working toward the eight-figure exit is challenging under normal circumstances. However, attempting to drive real and lasting growth is nearly impossible when your senior management team is operating under a silo mentality. When your team is siloed, it can cost you valuable time and resources as you work toward your objectives. So, what can you do to break down the silos that stand in your way, as an RIA? In this episode, I discuss the hazards a silo mentality presents to your firm. I also...

As RIA owners, we often make the mistake of thinking that the only way to drive greater profitability is to cut costs. While managing expenses is certainly a factor, company culture is one of the greatest drivers of profitability.  In this episode, I explain how your RIA's culture could be the key to an eight-figure exit. I also look at some of the signs of a toxic company culture. Likewise, I'll discuss the importance of identifying the culture a buyer will want, and provide tips for...

As a financial advisor, does it ever feel like you're trudging through mud? You work, and push, and drive to try to reach your goals but no matter what you do, you just end up exhausted and frustrated at your results. If this is you, strategic planning might be the key to start seeing real movement in your RIA. In this episode, I explore strategic planning in the RIA space. I discuss some interesting statistics surrounding planning and breakdown how you can predictably plan to reach your...

Technology has come a long way in a very short time. With all of the advancements, financial advisors have access to tools that can help drive operational efficiency, improved client experience, and many other desirable outcomes. Unfortunately, many of us are still thinking about tech the wrong way, and failing to use it to its full potential.   In this episode, I take a look at technology in each of the eight key areas of business. I'll also provide some insights into how you could...

Defining the ideal client for your RIA is an important step toward the growth you desire. But what if the ideal client you've identified turns out to be more of a hindrance to your success? In this episode, I discuss seven reasons your perfect client persona may be holding you back. I'll also take a look at some of the ways you can refine your client persona to better fit the direction you want to go.   This week on The Financially Simple Podcast:    (1:18) What Is the Ideal Client? ...

Growing your RIA in a highly competitive market can be a difficult task. Not only do you have to monitor the health and scalability of your own firm, but you must also keep your finger on the pulse of your competitors. Yet, competitive research is often met with a series of roadblocks.   In this episode, I look at the significant role that competitive research plays in the growth and direction of your RIA. Likewise, I discuss how to examine and evaluate your practice through the eyes of...

As a financial advisor, it is possible to set your firm up in such a way that the eight-figure exit is possible. But simply trying to take on more clients as a primary means of growth could be a recipe for disaster. Instead, developing and implementing a system of KPIs could be the answer. KPIs or Key Performance Indicators can provide important insights into the health and direction of your firm.   In this episode, I discuss some of the many KPIs you could choose to explore within your...