How to Deliver White-Glove Service Without Burning Out or Hiring Up
Amid elevated client expectations for personalized service, innovative solutions and holistic planning, the impetus to “work smarter, not harder” is greater than ever. For independent financial professionals – who are business owners as well as advisors – the stresses are compounded.
But high-impact service doesn’t have to come at the expense of your wellbeing or your bottom line. Here are some ways to create more value for clients, keep your sanity and save time.
✔ Put tech to work. Fully leverage your technology. Advisors sometimes lament not having the capability to do something, only to find out they do – they just haven’t been using it. Work with your home office/manager to ensure you understand all the resources available to you, and you are up-to-speed on best practices. Using all the productivity-boosting tools at your disposal will put hours back in your week.
✔ Remember Pareto. The Pareto Principle (i.e., the 80/20 rule) says 80% of your business results are driven by 20% of your clients. Use your CRM to identify and segment your high-value clients and create a tiered service model to help you streamline your service offerings and utilize your time effectively.
✔ Delegate strategically. Don’t do everything yourself. Offload tasks related to marketing or research to Berthel Fisher-vetted third parties. And in a world where portfolio construction is becoming highly commoditized, consider outsourcing. All of this is a cost-effective way to scale without adding staff, and it lets you focus on your highest-value work: meeting with current and would-be clients.
✔ Take real breaks and take care of yourself. Work-life balance is essential to long-term success and good for mental and physical health. Create boundaries and maintain them. Focus on self-care from multiple angles: exercise weekly, eat a balanced diet and prioritize sleep. Equally important, take time to step away, really disconnect and come back reinvigorated. You can’t provide the guidance and support your clients deserve if you don’t take care of yourself first.
✔ Remember your “why.” Why did you become an advisor? Reconnecting with your purpose can be a powerful motivator, not to mention a buffer against burnout. Indeed, serving others, guiding them toward their goals and making a difference is meaningful work. Always keep your ‘why’ at the forefront of your mind.
Being an advisor means managing complexity and delivering value every day. But you can’t pour from an empty cup. By optimizing your systems and protecting your energy, you can build a more sustainable business and deliver the high-touch experience your clients count on.