Blog
1440 Minutes
By Julie Littlechild | September 22, 2011
We spend a great deal of time talking to advisors about how they can drive engagement within their businesses. And while heads nod, one obstacle continues to surface. "I just don't have enough time." The reality is, of course, that each of us has the same 1440 minutes in a day. Some of us just use that time to greater effect.
Read more...Facing Your Fears: Asking for feedback in a turbulent market
By Julie Littlechild | August 10, 2011
In the last week, more than a few people have suggested that our corporate mission to encourage every advisor to gather feedback from clients must fall on deaf ears during a downturn. I don't agree. The idea that an advisor wouldn't (or shouldn't) ask for feedback in a challenging market is not only short-sighted, it's dangerous. If there ever a time to ask clients for feedback...this is it.
Read more...Follow the Leader
By Julie Littlechild | May 18, 2011
Every now and then a statistic jumps up and slaps me in the face. Today, I came across such a statistic in our own research, one that reminded me of the critical leadership role that advisors play in the lives of their clients. We talk a great deal about improving client communication, however leadership speaks to a very specific form of communication - a process that guides a client through often difficult decisions and nurtures confidence in the future, even in the face of personal or financial turmoil.
Read more...Practice Management Trends to Watch
By Julie Littlechild | May 3, 2011
I was recently asked about the trends I was seeing among advisors as part of Investment Advisor's IA25 issue in May. Of course, a trend is not necessarily a positive thing, but if we can isolate what some of the most successful firms are focusing on, then it has a chance of being instructive. So with that in mind, here are the top three things I believe we need to think about (be open to), whether we like it or not.
Read more...Client Engagement: What it is and why it matters
By Julie Littlechild | Jan 10, 2011
Client engagement is at the junction of what matters most to clients and to advisors. It is about building deep and meaningful relationships with clients and then leveraging that commitment to increase your revenue and referrals.
I want this blog to start a conversation about client engagement - what it means, why it matters and how you can achieve it. We'll look at how you manage and grow your business through the eyes of your clients. To that end, I'll share our research, strategies and stories and, like any good conversation, I'll ask for your advice too.
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