Blog subscribers, we thought you'd be interested in this interview conducted by Rob Shore of Wholesaler Masterminds. Rob interviews Bill on his "New Wholesalers Mastermind Radio" program. The 25 minute conversation addresses the topic of how to differentiate yourself from the rest of the crowd in order to take your business to the next level. In addition to the podcast, Bill was a guest blogger on Rob's website with his post "You Can't Fool The Players." Click here to listen to the interview and to read Bill's post: "If You Don't Differentiate, You Don't Resonate" Take this quick 10 question…
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The #1 thing affluent clients want from their Advisor is a high ECQ (Empathy & Competence Quotient). Do you have it? Before launching my consulting and practice management coaching business, I served as a Director/Market Executive with Merrill Lynch, where I had responsibility of leading Financial Advisors in one of our Southeastern markets. A couple of times a year I would take groups of twelve or so Advisors on an "EC field trip" to visit one of the top Advisors in our firm, Jeff Erdmann. Jeff grew up in modest surroundings, attending Ohio Wesleyan University where he earned his bachelor’s degree…
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Where do you draw your line? A few years back my wife noticed a persistent beeping noise coming from the garage. Upon further investigation she realized that it was originating from the control panel of Buddy’s invisible fence. Buddy was our family pet at the time, a high-energy yellow lab. The beep is a warning signal that is transmitted whenever the electronic fence has been compromised. When the boundary was broken, Buddy’s shock collar no longer worked, and he had the ability to escape the confines of his half-acre playground, without a sharp pain to his neck. But here’s the…
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Do you find yourself with no time to think? Running at an unsustainable pace? Need a retreat? You're not alone! General Oliver P. Smith was a highly decorated combat veteran and Commander of the 1st Marine Division in the Korean War. In November of 1950, he was given orders to go as fast as he could north to the Yalu River, the border of China and North Korea. Rather than move at the pace commanded, he continuously slowed his division's march to the point of near insubordination. But he didn't just drag his feet. All along the way he established…
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Want to help your clients retire with a great ROL (return on life)? Then help them with something other than their money. Help them with the things money can’t buy; purpose. An article from Inc., states that 91% of happy retirees are either "very" or "extremely" comfortable with their sense of purpose. On the other hand, 89% of unhappy retirees are either "slightly" or "not" comfortable with their sense of purpose. The Advisor of the future will help people attain their financial goals and their life goals. If Stephen Covey was right when he said, “Start with the end in mind”,…
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A recent Eaton Vance survey of 1,000 FAs, released in February of this year, shows that 71% don’t understand the Department of Labor Fiduciary Rule. If you’re a Financial Advisor, it’s time you understand it. Yesterday the Obama Administration released its fact sheet on the DOL's Fiduciary Rule that “cracks down on conflicts of interest in retirement savings plans, ensuring that retirement savers get investment advice in their best interest” (their words not mine). The rule is supposed to help Americans save more for retirement and reduce fees and commissions. Opponents say the rule is altogether unnecessary, a death sentence…
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"Hold the pickles, hold the lettuce. Special orders don't upset us. All we ask is that you let us serve it your way!" These lyrics to the catchy Burger King jingle said to the world in 1974, "Forget McDonalds and their rigidity...we'll make your burger just like you want it." This resulted in a healthy increase in gross sales and profits for Burger King. McDonalds soon followed suit, becoming more flexible with their orders. Do your clients get it "their way" or "your way"? With so many choices out there, it's a question more relevant today than ever before. When…
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What can a Financial Advisor learn from a first grader in a bear market? Empathy! I was a Financial Advisor for over twenty years. I can tell you there are few things worse than the feeling you get when markets begin to tank. You’re reminded that you’re not in control, a fact that brings no comfort in the midst of your slip-sliding circumstances. It just feels terrible. Blair Walsh is one of the best place kickers in the NFL. In his four year career, the former Georgia Bulldog has missed only one time from 29 yards or less. Well, not…
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“Talent isn't enough. You need common sense and good advice. Don't let what happened to me happen to you.” These are the words spoken by Lewis "Hack" Wilson, a week before his death in an interview given to CBS Radio. The baseball great who made his Major League debut in 1923, went on to play twelve seasons in the big leagues. In his prime, he was the highest paid player of his day, yet he died penniless. Hack Wilson didn’t say, “You just need advice.” He said, “You need good advice.” I have several advisors in my life – my financial advisor for…
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I'm an executive...and I'm scared! These aren’t words you’re going to hear uttered by executives in the C-Suite, or anyone in leadership for that matter, yet according to Roger Jones, CEO of Vantage Hill Partners, they are common words you would hear if you could peer into the inner thoughts and emotions of those occupying Corporate America’s corner offices. Jones says, "While few executives talk about them, deep and uncontrolled private fears can spur defensive behaviors that undermine how they and their colleagues set and execute company strategy." Fear is here to stay, deal with it! The question is, how? For some help on the subject,…
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