September Blog

As we approach the Autumn Equinox on Sept 22nd, Summer will be over, and fall will begin. This summer, I have tried to address the concept on being the best that you can be. If you are a financial advisor (FA) or wealth manager (WM), I would suggest that you take an inventory of 5 disciplines, and if you haven’t mastered them yet, I would suggest you use the fall to finish sharpening your skill sets in these areas. This will allow you to head into 2025 with everything you need to make it your most productive year ever.

Is your asset growth keeping pace with your ambitions? For financial advisors and wealth managers, having a strategic plan for growing and retaining assets is paramount. Over the years, I've identified six proven methods for opening substantial accounts—methods that have become industry standards. If you're not already familiar with my approach, it could be the key to unlocking the growth you've been striving for. In addition, several critical strategies are essential for retaining these valuable accounts. With my guidance, you can transform your business and achieve the growth you've been aiming for.

Are your communication skills where you want them to be? Communication is arguably the most vital skill to master, and it's one that can have a profound impact on every aspect of your life. Warren Buffett once said that if there’s one skill you should focus on improving, it’s communication.

Yet, many overlook that effective communication isn’t just about speaking clearly or persuasively—it's equally about listening. Truly listening is crucial, as it allows you to understand the needs and perspectives of others. Additionally, the ability to convey key information in a way that captures the listener's attention is essential.

Mastering these aspects of communication can set you apart and lead to greater success in both personal and professional endeavors. I have created a 2-hour consultation module that addresses how to attain excellence in your communication skills.

Do you still hold onto beliefs that may not serve you well? Understanding whether you're harboring harmful beliefs is crucial for personal growth. To truly assess your beliefs, it's essential to consider two natural laws introduced by Hyrum Smith.

The First Natural Law states: “If the results of your behavior do not meet your needs over time, then you have an incorrect belief.”The Second Natural Law reminds us: “Results take time to measure.”

If you consistently find yourself falling short of your desired outcomes despite giving your actions ample time to bear fruit, it's likely that a faulty belief underpins your efforts. However, evaluating your beliefs can be tricky, especially when addictive behaviors are involved.

Addictions are compulsive behaviors that offer short-term gratification but lead to long-term harm. They can deceive you into believing that your needs are being met, while in reality, they’re causing significant damage. When we think of addiction, we often picture substance abuse, like drugs or alcohol. Yet, many addictions are behavioral—such as overeating, procrastination, or even negative thought patterns.

Breaking free from limiting beliefs and creating a more positive, fulfilling life requires self-awareness, critical thinking, and perseverance. It often involves seeking the guidance of a mentor or coach who can help you navigate this journey.

By confronting your beliefs and recognizing the influence of addictive behaviors, you can free yourself from the constraints that hold you back, paving the way for lasting personal growth and a more fulfilling life.

Are you building repeatable processes? As William Foster once said, “Quality is never an accident, it is always the result of high intention, sincere effort, intelligent direction and skillful execution.”

This definition of quality dovetails nicely into creating repeatable processes. Don Connelly and I have always stressed the importance of creating repeatable processes for every aspect of your business life (and probably for your personal life as well.) You should create them for opening accounts, retaining accounts, servicing accounts, managing assets, managing your staff, and creating the best customer service experience in the industry and everything else.

It is when it really matters most that the importance of repeatable processes kick in.

Someone once said that excellence is doing ordinary things in an extraordinary way. Think of the best meal. It was the result of creating a recipe, and a lot of trial and error. Once the chef realized he had it perfect, he wrote it down precisely and then repeated the process over and over again. The food presentation wasn’t an accident either. It was the result of skillful execution and repetition.

“Getting it right,” is the pursuit of perfection, with a path marked by continuous practice, iterative adjustments and a relentless refinement until excellence is achieved. To execute all these things yourself from scratch is quite an undertaking. This process mirrors the journey of the chef refining a recipe, starting with a foundation, honing it through practice and embracing feedback to elevate it to new heights. That is possibly why 20 million cookbooks fly off the shelves each year in the United States alone.

Where do you find your cookbook to serve as a starting point for how you are going to run your business? Look not only to the shelves of wisdom but also to the guiding voices of those who have traversed the path before. 

FA’S OR WM’S you can greatly reduce the time it takes to putting more effective repeatable processes into effect by having a refined pair of eyes examine your activity so that you can be sure you are “Getting it Right” and illuminating the way to a future defined by excellence.  

Do you have a blueprint for personal growth?

Remember, personal growth is not a destination but a continuous journey, a practice that requires ongoing dedication. It begins with self-reflection, often enhanced by meditation or therapy, as these tools help you gain deeper insight into your thoughts, emotions, and behaviors. Setting and refining goals is crucial, as is understanding your weaknesses and committing to building upon your strengths.

Continuous learning is a cornerstone of personal growth. This means reading books, taking courses, attending workshops, and engaging in experiences that push you beyond your comfort zone, expanding your knowledge and perspective. Healthy habits, such as a balanced diet, regular exercise, and adequate sleep, are powerful catalysts in this process, fueling your mind and body for the challenges ahead.

Persistence is key, but so is flexibility—adapting to the ever-changing conditions of life is essential. Personal growth doesn’t happen by accident; it requires deliberate effort and a structured plan. Commit to building your personal growth blueprint today and take control of your journey toward becoming the best version of yourself.

RJC