Our weekly insights for advisors: Articles authored by our team designed to broaden your perspective and arm you with knowledge—because knowledge is power.
By Allison Brunwasser – An advisor’s choice to go independent is typically driven by a strong desire for greater freedom, flexibility and ownership. Yet with that desire comes what is for many the biggest hurdle in making the leap: Choosing between building your own firm with complete control and 100% equity, or joining an established firm with turnkey operations, infrastructure and an opportunity to gain an equity stake in a more mature business.
April 2, 2019 – By Mindy Diamond – I just returned from an amazing trip to Southeast Asia with my husband Howard and two very good friends of ours. But, admittedly, we embarked upon the journey with some trepidation.
March 19, 2019 – By Mindy Diamond – In a landscape with more opportunity than ever before, some advisors still find themselves chasing a perfect option that doesn’t exist. Here’s how to escape that trap.
By Deborah Aronson – While some may argue that the importance of culture is overrated, it’s hard to deny its significance when it comes to attracting, developing and retaining talent. Culture embodies the ideology of a firm—it’s the organizational glue that binds together leadership and employees. It can also make some companies fantastic places to work at while others, unfortunately, toxic.
By Mindy Diamond – While you don’t need to have Jeff Bezos’ or Mark Zuckerberg’s level of entrepreneurial spirit, there are some key characteristics that most successful independent firm owners possess. The reality is that many independent firm owners will tell you that they weren’t compelled to leave their brokerage firm by some burning desire to be entrepreneurs.
By Wendy Leung – It’s interesting how some of the most basic principles of business planning often end up at the bottom of so many advisors’ lists. No doubt, the hectic day-to-day schedule of working on “Plan A” can make it difficult to carve out the time to even consider an alternate plan for the future—that is, a “Plan B”.
By Barbara Herman – Most people, when facing a life choice, approach the decision-making process by weighing the pros and cons. But the process can often be sidetracked by concerns or objections—that is, distractions that quickly become time wasters. This is especially true when advisors are considering a change. How do they identify the true heart of the matter, so they can be strategic and thoughtful in the due diligence process and avoid getting stuck, focused on a “red herring” – that is, a thought that diverts attention from the real issue or concern
By Mindy Diamond – The prodigious momentum towards independence has created a whole new generation of entrepreneurs who are attracted to more than just the freedom and flexibility of the space. They’re eschewing short-term payouts of brokerage recruitment deals for the long-term potential of building an enterprise with maximum value that will be appealing to buyers in the future.
By Cathy Nichols – For many people, the process of “change” can be difficult. And this is especially true for financial advisors who are thinking about switching firms or models. Surely, those who feel well-served by the status quo should stay put. But what of the advisors who believe that their business and clients may be better served elsewhere, yet allow others (such as a partner or even an assistant) to trap them in a situation that may be less than ideal?
By Mindy Diamond – The first days back to work at the beginning of a new year are busy for everyone, for sure. Yet I’ve learned that it’s an important starting point for us all—the perfect “excuse” to hit the reset button on every aspect of our lives, both personally and professionally.
