Many people call themselves “coaches” without any proven results, while some offer programs that are very generic and do not understand the challenges financial advisors face. Meanwhile, the right program will coach you on areas you need to improve and give you extensive industry knowledge and excellent networking opportunities. Advisors who participate in these programs often see improved results across many different areas.
For this reason, financial advisor coaching programs are one of the most invaluable investments you can make for yourself and for your business, but choosing the best one is a challenge in itself. This article will help you with that. This is a guideline on how to pick the best coaching program, the different areas that it must cover, the “red flags” you want to watch out for, and what you should expect from the program.
A good coaching program teaches you invaluable skills and business knowledge such as:
- great lead generation strategies (digital marketing strategies, tools, software and applications) to help you get and manage clients and your business
- writing an awesome cold-calling script
- perfecting your elevator pitch without sounding sales-y
- how to get great prospects and reach high-net-worth individuals
- creating a winning business plan to help you get investors
- approaching family and friends for your business
and a lot more!
What is a Coaching Program for Financial Advisors?
A Financial Advisor Coaching Program is a series of coaching sessions specifically designed to address areas that someone in the industry faces and provides support and education to advisors to help them grow their businesses. Often, the program includes modules on topics such as marketing, operations and management, and effective ways of coaching clients. Advisors can also receive one-on-one support from a coach, which can help you overcome any unique challenges you may be facing.
The program offers you valuable opportunities to learn from experienced professionals and industry experts. It also gives you access to resources that can help you improve your practice. It is specifically designed for people in the financial advisory service fields, mainly:
- Financial advisors
- Financial planners
- Wealth managers
- Wealth and financial advisory firms
- Portfolio Manager
- Financial Advisory Practice
Benefits of Getting a Coaching Program
Technical skills and industry knowledge are not enough to be competitive. Financial advisors need coaching and guidance to effectively coach and guide their clients. Additionally, these programs allow you to learn from industry leaders and successful advisors in areas such as business development, market penetration and expansion, and client acquisition and retention.
There are many benefits of coaching seminars, including:
- Improved client retention rates
- Increased sales and new business development opportunities
- Greater leadership and management skills
- Enhanced marketing and communication abilities
- Better time management skills
- Improved problem-solving abilities
Not all advisors have the same training and skill-set, and usually, those who did not undergo proper training and coaching programs see their businesses dive even before getting off the ground. Successful financial advisors are not only data-driven but are also people-person – they are leaders in their own right.
Areas a Financial Advisor Needs Improvement
Financial Advisory is a system and a good coaching program helps you tackle your weak points, but also gives you advice on how to improve your system.
There are many areas financial advisors can improve on, and some seem to be more commonly addressed in coaching courses. The three main ones are client management, investment planning, and marketing. Other key areas include communication, time management, and problem-solving abilities.
Client Management
Serving clients effectively is one of the main aspects of being a financial or wealth advisor. It means having a good working and professional relationship with your clients and involves having excellent communication, managing their expectations, and keeping them updated on their investments, regardless of how easy or difficult a client is.
Just like in any other coaching program, it is best to identify the strengths and weaknesses of you and your team and have a program that will best reach your goals. Talk to a coach today to learn more about how they can help you.
Investment Planning
Investment planning is a complex process that can be difficult to navigate without proper guidance. Coaching can help advisors learn how to create investment portfolios that best suit clients’ needs and rebalance and adjust those portfolios over time.
Improvement in this area will help you provide better service to your clients, increase your credibility, and grow your business.
Marketing
You can be a great financial advisor, but it will take a long time for your client base to grow without a good complementing marketing strategy. Coaching helps advisors reach prospective clients, build their custom brand and create effective marketing materials.
With the proper guidance, you can use various methods to market your services, from networking and referrals to online advertising and social media. It is crucial to find the right mix of marketing activities that fit your business and target clients you want to work with. Here are some of the areas you need to focus on to run a successful marketing campaign.
Networking
The phrase, “it’s not what you know, it’s who you know?” can’t be any more accurate. While it may seem a bit unfair, the reality is that your network can give your career the boost that it needs.
Networking is one of the most effective ways to attract new clients. Get involved in your local community and attend industry events to meet other professionals. Be sure to have a strong elevator pitch prepared to quickly introduce yourself and your services.
Related Read: 11 Financial Planning Questions to Ask Clients and Why They Are Relevant
Referrals and Word-of-Mouth
Referrals are another great way to attract new business. Ask your current clients for referrals and offer incentives for referrals that result in new business. Make it easy for clients to refer you by providing referral cards or links to your website.
More than referrals, good word-of-mouth is another way to market yourself. When a client puts out a good word about you, it enhances your brand and improves your credibility, and studies have shown that Word-of-Mouth is one of the best marketing tools out there.
Online Advertising
Everybody is on their phones nowadays. This is where people go to look for information. Why not use it to your advantage? Online advertising can be a great way to reach prospective clients. Advertise your services on websites and social media platforms. Be sure to create compelling ads that stand out from the competition.
Online advertising varies. The most common forms are Google Ads or banner placements on websites. But it’s not only limited to these two. More and more people are reaching out to influencers, Youtubers, and other online agencies to boost their digital presence. A good coach will give you proper guidance on utilizing these tools effectively.
Related Read: 10 Best Apps for Financial Advisors in 2022
Social Media
Social media is a powerful tool for marketing your financial advisors’ services. Use social media to build relationships with potential clients and share valuable content that helps them make informed financial decisions.
More than sharing content, make sure you audit your social media profiles. It should be professional, polished, but approachable. Content should always be towards building your brand. With a good social media presence, be prepared to engage with potential clients regularly.
Communication
Effective communication is always important, regardless of industry. You need to understand your clients’ needs and be able to explain complex concepts in a way that they can easily understand. Additionally, not all clients are easy to handle, and discussions about money matters are always a sensitive topic.
A well-designed coaching program should help you not only with communicating complex matters easily but also with managing difficult conversations and responding professionally. The program may consist of a series of workshops or a one-on-one session with a coach that involves different communication situations.
Additionally, your coach should train you how to communicate using other mediums such as video calls, text messaging, emails, and social media communication. You will be surprised how different these communication media are with varying sets of rules and etiquettes to follow.
Time Management
Nothing decreases your credibility more than by not delivering what you say you would. And most fail because of poor time management. As such, this is an important skill financial advisors need to have under their belt. Juggling many clients and their needs can be difficult, stressful, and confusing, especially if you don’t have a plan in place.
A coaching program from an experienced financial service advisor can help you develop good time management habits and improve efficiency and productivity. You will learn how to organize your day, set priorities, manage expectations, and stay on track.
Problem Solving Abilities
Financial advisors are problem solvers: your job is to help your client improve their financial condition by giving options and providing solutions to their financial predicaments. This involves a lot of technical and non-technical skills, such as critical thinking, data and environment analysis, and strategy formulation and recalibration.
To help their clients make the best decisions possible, it is paramount for advisors to understand the problem, provide solutions, and coach advisees along the way. This coaching ability is what sets apart a mediocre advisor from a great one.
A good coaching program will not only teach you how to properly coach your client but also let you experience what a good and seasoned coaching experience feels like. These programs teach you how to anticipate potential problems, devise appropriate strategies, and provide the best course of action to either solve the problem or mitigate any risks. Furthermore, a coaching program is a great forum to meet other advisors and share ideas, experiences, and best industry practices.
Prioritize Areas You Need To Improve On
No matter what coaching program you choose, make sure it covers the areas you and your business need to improve. By selecting a program that focuses on the areas you need help in, you can become a better advisor and give your clients greater value by providing the best financial planning services.
How to Choose a Financial Advisor Coach
When looking for a financial advisor coach, there are certain things you should keep in mind. The most important thing is to find someone who has your best interests at heart and will help you reach your goals. Moreover, a good coach will have a series of discussions with you first to identify your goals, skill-sets, strengths, and weaknesses.
Your mentor should have the following characteristics:
Experience and Expertise
How do you know if a coach is an expert in a given area? Check their experience and track record. Ask the coach how long they have been working with clients in the area you seek help in. Also, request references from past or current clients who have had success working with the coach in that area.
Another way is by their expertise. Ask the coach what specific training they have in the area. For example, if you need help in client management, get a coach who has experience working with multiple clients with different backgrounds and circumstances. It is also a significant advantage if they undergo specific training or are certified on topics you want to be good at.
Trustworthiness and Good Reputation
When looking for a coach, you need to find trustworthy and has a good reputation. You don’t want to be taken advantage of or have your money invested in useless programs.
It’s essential to do your intensive research to make an informed decision. Ask around for recommendations and read reviews online. When you find a great coach, you feel comfortable establishing a good working relationship. This means talking openly and honestly about your goals and your budget.
The coach should be willing to work with a program that meets your requirements. If you think you’re not getting the guidance you need, it’s time to find a new one.
Your Best Interests
Some coaches don’t care if you learn something or not. All they’re after is the money you’d be paying. They don’t listen to your needs, they don’t exert effort to understand you, and they use a generalized program for everybody they coach. That is not what an excellent coach does.
Excellent coaches should always have your best interest at heart. This means they make time to understand your goals, areas of difficulty, your skill sets, and your brand.
Other Questions to Ask your Potential Coach
In addition to the three characteristics your financial coach should have, you also need to know the following:
- How much does the program cost
- How often you will meet with the advisor
- What services are included in the program
- What your goals are, and how the coach can help you reach them
Take time to ask these questions. With these answered honestly by the coach, you can make the best decision for your business’s future.
Red Flags to Watch out For
There are several red flags to watch out for when looking for a program. Some programs may be scams, while others may not be reputable or don’t have the best interests of their clients in mind.
#1: A person who doesn’t walk the talk
If a person only does coaching without any reliable track record, or if a coach cannot produce successful advisors, it may be a sign that they are not reputable or have something to hide. A good coaching program will have a list of successful clients and students under its name.
#2: Free consultation without application
It’s worth noting that a free consultation doesn’t necessarily imply that the firm is trustworthy. A good coaching program will require an application to ensure that only those who are serious about getting help will receive it.
#3 Too Expensive or Too Cheap
Coaching programs can be expensive but not too pricey. Otherwise, it will break your bank and make you doubt if you’re getting your money’s worth. A costly coaching program is not economically viable if you’re only starting as a financial advisor.
Likewise, programs with a very low cost could also be a red flag. You might not be getting the appropriate coaching you need for improvement and business development.
#4: No Specialization
You need an expert in the industry or area you want to improve on. Therefore, when a “financial coaching program” is conducted by someone not from the industry, then it is best to look elsewhere. Remember, each industry has its own set of problems, and having a coach who can provide valuable insights can catapult your professional firm.
Also, these coaches should have at least several years of financial planning under their belt. A great coach can’t give you great pieces of advice if they don’t understand the industry. Actual experience is still better than a theoretical one.
Likewise, a coaching program that only focuses on sales acquisition and dealing with a like-minded audience is also a red flag. You want the coaching program to be industry-focused with a well-rounded approach. Remember, financial advisors deal with clients from different industries with unique personalities and set of challenges.
#5: Accessibility only by Phone or Skype
It might indicate that a financial advisor coaching program is not legitimate if it is only accessible over the phone or via video conference.
A good coaching program will offer in-person meetings to ensure that you and the coach build a personal relationship. This also allows for better communication and problem-solving. Otherwise, look for actual reviews from clients to establish the legitimacy of the program
#6: Require Full Payment in Advance
Be wary of any programs that require full payment in advance. It’s possible that the program is a scam, and you won’t get the help you seek. A good coaching program will require payment after services have been rendered.
#7: Group Coaching
These programs are a great way to network as a financial advisor. They offer support, accountability, and networking opportunities with other professionals in the industry.
However, there is one big red flag to watch out for when considering enrolling in such a program: the quality of the coach. Many group coaching courses are led by coaches who are not financial advisors. In fact, some of these coaches may have never even worked in the financial services industry. This can be a huge problem, as they may not be qualified to offer the support and guidance needed for success.
When considering a group coaching program, make sure to do your research on the coach leading the program. Ask for references from past participants and check out their qualifications. If you don’t feel confident in the coach’s ability to help you achieve your goals, it may be best to look elsewhere.
What to Expect from Financial Advisor Coaching Programs
Financial advisor coaching programs can provide you with the tools and resources you need to make sound investment decisions. A good program will offer a variety of services, including:
- Individualized counseling and advice
- Education and training in specialized areas
- Regular reviews of your portfolio and business goals
- Access to exclusive resources
Aside from these services, here are some things to expect from a coaching program:
- The program should have a good reputation and be well-reviewed by successful clients of the coach.
- It should offer a wide range of services, including training, mentoring, and support.
- The program should be affordable and fit within your budget.
- The program should be tailored to your specific needs and goals.
- The coach and the program should have a high success rate by helping advisors achieve their goals.
Medium for Coaching Programs
Different people require different approaches. The same goes for financial advisor coaching programs. Choosing the best one you are most convenient and comfortable with is one of the decisions you have to make. Besides, the coaching program’s success depends on how effective these media are for you.
Online
One of the most popular financial advisor coaching programs is online programs. Online programs are an excellent option for people who want to access their materials from anywhere.
They also tend to be more affordable than other types of programs. However, they can be less personal and may not offer as much support as other options.
In-Person
Another common type of coaching program is the in-person program. In-person programs are great for people who want to meet with their coach face-to-face.
They also tend to offer more support and personalization than online programs. However, they can be more expensive and may not be available in every location.
Blended
Finally, there are hybrid programs that offer a blend of online and in-person coaching. Hybrid programs are a great option for people who want the flexibility of an online program with the personal support of an in-person program. They tend to be more expensive than online programs but less expensive than in-person programs.
In the end, it depends on your needs and budget. If you want the flexibility of an online program, but need more personal support, then a hybrid program may be the best option for you.
Financial Advisor Coaching Programs – Evaluation
During the course of your coaching program, it is always prudent to have a periodical evaluation of the effectiveness and efficiency of the course. You don’t want to continue with a program that does not suit your needs, does not help you reach your goals, or does not improve your current situation.
Evaluation is also important as it gives you and your coach a chance to recalibrate the program to correct the training course or address a new need.
Remember, a coaching program is for your own benefit. If, after evaluation, you conclude that the training course does not add any value to you, you have the right to discontinue and explore other options.
What to Do Next?
After getting immersed in the program, you will find that financial planners and advisors need to cover many aspects, especially when you are dealing with other people’s money. And what better way to help you work effectively and efficiently than by having the right partner to help you succeed. That’s where Peregrine Consulting Group comes in.
We are a team of professional consultants and developers specializing in digital marketing and web and app development for financial advisory firms and businesses. We help your business by
- Improving your brand image and digital presence through effective marketing campaigns and
- Improving business processes by creating applications that manage clerical tasks and make managing a business easier
If you wish to know more about our offerings and services, do give us an email or call and our team of experts will get in contact with you.