Thrive as a Financial Advisor
This is an exciting moment to be an ambitious, growth-minded financial advisor. Nearly one in five U.S. adults surveyed by Northwestern Mutual said they recently began working with an advisor—or plan to—and 66% agreed that their financial planning needs improvement.
Overcoming Plateaus: Five Ways to Excel
Even in good times, an advisor’s career trajectory is seldom a smooth journey upward. Many successful financial planners have faced periods of stagnation or navigated major career pivots. The key to weathering a career plateau and emerging stronger than ever is being able to recognize a difficult moment for what it is—a moment. If you feel like your practice is treading water, here are five ways to accelerate:
- Articulate a Vision for Your Future and Make a Plan to Get There
When times are good, it’s easy to let the momentum of your career carry you without setting clear goals. The most successful advisors have a clear vision of where they want to go and a plan for how to get there. Your vision might include how you deliver outcomes for clients, the number of households you serve, the size of your team, and the value of your practice. Other visions could include industry accolades or the future of your market presence. The more specific, the better! It’s fine if your vision evolves or if your plan gets rewritten in the future. The process of thinking through your journey will guide you in a more intentional direction.
- Sharpen Your Value Proposition
What is the distinct value your practice aims to provide clients? What do your best clients value most about you? Clients respond less to advisors who focus on financial performance and more to those who emphasize what financial advice can do for them holistically. Advice is about more than financial success—it’s about helping people protect their families, achieve their dreams, reveal blind spots, and look at life in a different way. Use a career plateau as a moment to reflect on your value proposition and sharpen how you convey it to clients and prospects.
3. Enhance your expertise
In a recent Northwestern Mutual study, it was revealed that nearly half of high-net-worth Americans with financial advisors expressed interest in finding a planner who can offer more comprehensive financial guidance. Expanding your skill set and knowledge can open doors to new opportunities with diverse clients. Acquiring advanced certifications not only enhances your professional capabilities but also ensures your career remains relevant and secure in an era where technology is revolutionizing financial management.
4. Strengthen your team
It’s common for financial advisors to experience a plateau in their practice when there’s a gap within their team structure. This gap could be in the form of a paraplanner or an operations specialist who can oversee various aspects from technology to marketing. Utilize downtime in your business to strategize your future organizational chart and identify key roles you need to fill. Take this opportunity to recruit and train new talent, empowering them to make a meaningful impact on your practice.
5. Build your support system
Just as advisors provide guidance and support to their clients, it’s invaluable to have a network of mentors and peers who can offer advice and encouragement during times of career stagnation. If you don’t already have a professional support network, consider attending industry conferences, joining study groups, or seeking out a mentor. Cultivating relationships with fellow colleagues in the industry not only enriches your professional journey but also makes it more gratifying.
Investing in your continuous learning and expanding your professional connections is essential for long-term success in the ever-evolving financial landscape. Join forces with like-minded individuals to propel your career forward and embrace growth opportunities.
