The environment we are in now

How do you retain your clients? How do you grow your business? What do you want?

Background
I am crazy about our Industry. Despite perceived uncertainty there is still so much to do. I am passionate about financial planning. If ever I am selling anything, then that is it. I believe that the client is paramount and our job is not to decide for the client but to offer informed choices and balance the needs with appropriate solutions (product only kicking in as the last component once we are in agreement of the solution). I say the above over and over to all, day in and day out.

We live in uncertain times...................

-243 277 investment forecasts to advise clients resulted in 515 average absolute error; -George Soros and Warren Buffet=victims of systematic investment risks (Lehman/housing bubble); -lower returns=new normal with possible higher fees; -lower expectation iro. real rate of returns; -increased regulation=increased costs (offset by less risk?); and -both spouses/partners working-children, education, health care, leveraged, lifestyle-muddling through a maze.

So, what is certain?

-clients need advice and guidance by a professional; -aside from risk events, longevity is also a real concern; -growth for your business not necessarily from new, but from existing clients; -cross sell/up sell is a win-win for both parties: example 1: if balance need of wealth protection for business continuity with appropriate risk solution then what about wealth creation and succession planning?; example 2: if key person identified then surely the retention of such a person implicit? And, if the key person is temporarily disabled, what is the impact on him/her personally as well as the business entity? -by participating as a strategic planner in your clients personal/business estate you will strengthen and ring fence the relationship; and -the increased retention of existing clients will be profitable and advantageous to your practice.

How plan with certainty?

-by conducting holistic financial planning -estate-retirement-business financial planning-(with the appropriate software tools); -by relying on support from your preferred specialists; -by adhering to all required compliance/regulation; -by continuously furthering your education by virtue of workshops/presentations, etc.; -by not practicing single need solutions; -by not deciding for your clients but rather with your clients (simplified=art of sophistication); -by not allowing your vision to be clouded by personal short-term gain/remuneration/targets vs, substantive growth and profitability.

The result?
At Momentum we strive to enhance the experience of the financial planner. As a financial planner practicing holistic FAIS compliant financial planning, and balancing the needs with appropriate solutions, you strive to enhance the experience for your clients. You will achieve this by creating certainty in an uncertain environment and growing your client base from green shoots into beanstalks

The bottom line?

- clients peace of mind. -a loyal profitable client base with sustainable growth; and -a successful, ethical, profitable and professional business.

What do you want?

The quality of your life depends on making important, meaningful choices. The key question you need to ask yourself is: What do I want? Sometimes the answer is a subconscious reflex and at other times simply calculated to buy time. Sometimes its even I dont know!. Where you are today is the sum total of all the choices made on your behalf and by you. Just as those choices got you where you are today, the choices you make from now on will determine where you go tomorrow. You can settle for survival, or you can pursue your dreams. Identify what You really Want.

*When you opt for your dreams, you open yourself up to a whole new world of possibilities. Youll grow and learn in ways you probably never have imagined. Any hope of achieving your dreams is virtually impossible if youre holding back and choosing to settle for things as you may have done in the past. *Michael Kerrigan - What Choice Do I Have