The Perfect RIA

Do you want to be a hero to your clients? If you answered yes to that question, then ask to see their tax returns. One of the biggest expenses in retirement is taxes—and paying more than your fair share does not make you more patriotic. So today Matt and Micah are delving into taxes and breaking down how you can use tax returns to deliver massive value to your clients. You can find show notes and more information by clicking here: https://bit.ly/2Y6hgrj

We've all heard the phrase "dressing for success," but do you really believe that how you dress matters? If your answer is no—or if you're on the fence—then you need to listen to this episode and find out why the way you dress can have a huge effect on your success. You can find show notes and more information by clicking here: https://bit.ly/2M9dVSZ

Hearing rejection time and time again can be a soul-crushing experience. In today's episode, business coach John Barron stops by to share his approach to the sales process that will have you never again questioning whether you're likable or trustworthy—and have you closing more sales. You can find show notes and more information by clicking here: https://bit.ly/2ZqIEmq

When you look at successful people, do you feel malice or anger toward them? Or do you ask yourself what did they do to get themselves to that place? Today Micah and Matthew are discussing jealousy and how to overcome this mental block so that you can achieve the success you deserve. You can find show notes and more information by clicking here: https://bit.ly/2T6JhNN

Is now an advisable time to start surge meetings in the midst of all this COVID-19 craziness? Micah and Matthew recently received this question from a Backstage Pass member, and today they explain their reasoning behind their response to this query, as well as why there is always a good reason to switch to surge. You can find show notes and more information by clicking here: https://bit.ly/2SSx0wx

Today's topic is one that can be a bit of a hot button, but it's something that needs to be discussed: long-term care. In this episode, Matthew and Micah sit down to chat about how you can really help your clients when it comes to making the right long-term care decisions well before it becomes necessary, as well as how to mitigate the risks of retirement and guide clients through the maze of long-term care planning and insurance. You can find show notes and more information by clicking here: https://bit.ly/2SrtRTW

There's a lot of misinformation and confusion circulating right now, and Matthew and Micah are here to set the record straight. They are pretty fired up about this thing called fee compression and how giving valuable advice seems to have gone out the window, so today they're talking about why many people are focusing on the wrong issues and what to focus on instead. You can find show notes and more information by clicking here: https://bit.ly/2Kz56AT

Sitting down with a potential client who is reluctant or doesn't see your value from the start is something that can mess with you if you don't have a plan. So today Matt and Micah will be answering a question they got on this subject and breaking down how to address a situation like this, including how to demonstrate value and ask the right questions. You can find show notes and more information by clicking here: https://bit.ly/2VypE1J

Today Matt and Micah are addressing a topic they receive lots of questions about: income buckets. In light of the current bear market, the guys will share how best to communicate with your clients about their "war chests" throughout the good times and even now, during the current crisis. You can find show notes and more information by clicking here: https://bit.ly/2UUeNAb

Benjamin Brandt is the founder and president of Capital City Wealth Management, as well as the host of Retirement Starts Today Radio. Through his podcast, Benjamin inspires people to be financially independent and properly prepared to retire. Today he joins this podcast to discuss his background and how he started his incredibly successful show. You can find show notes and more information by clicking here: https://bit.ly/2W9B26f

This is a special episode because Coach Joe Lukacs joins the show to discuss how to make sure you're in a good headspace that will allow you to effectively help your family, business, and clients through difficult times. Whether you're an advisor who has been through a recession before or this is your first rodeo, you'll gain some great insights and tips on how to handle unexpected challenges. You can find show notes and more information by clicking here: https://bit.ly/33NSDT0

Having just returned from their mastermind ski trip, Matt and Micah have a ton of inspiration and lessons to share that came out of that experience. For a few years now, they have been hosting a mastermind session with a core group to break through mental barriers and create extreme accountability. There was so much value they were able to bring out of the experience that they're bringing it to the podcast for you to benefit from as well. You can find show notes and more information by clicking here: https://bit.ly/2TwJ99V

When panic starts rolling through, clients become uneasy and more likely to question your plans. So how do we settle their uneasiness and make them feel comfortable with the plans we have set in place for their financial goals? Today Micah and Matthew are talking about global pandemics and sharing tips on how to properly address panic with your clients. You can find show notes and more information by clicking here: https://bit.ly/2VUtUud

Matthew and Micah are big proponents of working with coaches and calling in reinforcements who can truly add value to your work and business. Colleen from Q2 consulting is taking the place of Micah this episode because she has some really helpful insight on building great teams. Matthew and Colleen discuss how business owners should work and particularly how to work with your team. You can find show notes and more information by clicking here: https://bit.ly/32mBezX

Following on the heels of the last episode where Matt and Micah started talking about the prospect meeting and how the lead-up should be handled, today's episode will be continuing where they left off. The guys will discuss what should be happening in that first meeting and what to do after you have vetted a potential client enough to know they are a solid prospect. You can find show notes and more information by clicking here: https://bit.ly/2SFIsvR

Finding the right clients and making sure they are the right fit for your business can be a confusing process. So in this episode, Matt and Micah talk about ways you can set yourself up to receive only the people you can truly serve well. You will also find out what they do personally to vet clients and get through the first prospect meeting with clarity and purpose. You can find show notes and more information by clicking here: https://bit.ly/37lVrqu

Rentals can easily go wrong, and the data you get from other renters and realtors is often questionable. But today, Matt and Micah will share a simple solution that helps everyone make the best, informed decision on whether or not to go forward with the property rental, and they'll shed light on what you need to know about the Secure Act. You can find show notes and more information by clicking here: https://bit.ly/2GVl72k

Many advisors see one thing in particular as more of a nuisance than an opportunity to add value. What thing is that? Required minimum distributions, or RMDs. But the truth is that RMDs are often an overlooked opportunity, and today Matt and Micah will explain why this is one of those little areas where you can potentially deliver massive value. You can find show notes and more information by clicking here: https://bit.ly/2tSqkoO

Advisors get stuck on great ideas all the time. What's so bad about great ideas? Today Matt and Micah are going to share why these so-called "million dollar" ideas are worthless and how to dial into what really matters: implementation. You can find show notes and more information by clicking here: https://bit.ly/375KFFn

Coming off of 2019, when the market has had another phenomenal year, Micah and Matt want to discuss a topic they have not covered much before: investments and "outperforming" the markets. They'll share how you can be prepared for conversations about investments and how to handle it when clients have doubts. You can find show notes and more information by clicking here: https://bit.ly/2FFfUeD

When you are out of the office and you want to unplug, how do you handle distributions? This question comes from a loyal listener and member of the TPR nation, and today Matt and Micah will be sharing the answer. You can find show notes and more information by clicking here: https://bit.ly/2FlZZBN

As we head into 2020, it is important to set goals and challenges for the year ahead. So in this episode, Matt and Micah are going to be setting a challenge for you and explaining what it takes to make it happen. You can find show notes and more information by clicking HERE

Being an RIA owner is not just about numbers—it also has a lot to do with emotions and helping your clients make huge transitions in their lives. So how do you make that deeper connection and help your clients achieve their goals? Matt and Micah break it down in today's episode. You can find show notes and more information by clicking here: https://bit.ly/2rfx6Un

Many business owners seem to be overwhelmed when trying to choose which program they should be doing or which coach they should be using. So in this episode, Micah and Matt are going to be sharing their opinions on this subject and describing the things you need to be looking at to find the perfect program for you and your firm. You can find show notes and more information by clicking here: http://bit.ly/2qQtRCD

The challenge of managing distractions is something that every office and every worker deals with. In fact, on average, workers spend just 2 hours and 48 minutes per day on productive tasks. So today, Matt and Micah will be working through common distractions and ways to handle them to help you ensure you're making the most of your day. You can find show notes and more information by clicking here: https://bit.ly/2qop8aS

As 2020 approaches, it's important to start putting systems in place to ensure a successful year ahead. So in this episode, Matt and Micah sit down to discuss how to be winners with systems—not losers with goals. As provocative as that may sound, it is the mindset you need to adopt in order to succeed. You can find show notes and more information by clicking here: https://bit.ly/366w7on

As the new year approaches, it's easy to leave a lot of valuable lessons on the table by not taking a close look at 2019. So today, Matt and Micah will be discussing the importance of evaluating your past year in order to find out what worked well and what didn't. In short, they're sharing how to evaluate properly by making sure you measure the right stuff. You can find show notes and more information by clicking here: https://bit.ly/2QOuas5

Today on the show, Matt is joined by a very special guest, executive coach Adam Silberstein. Adam helps CEOs around the country (including Matt, himself!) to find the perfect work-life balance so they can leave work with more energy than when they arrived, and he's here to break down how you can do the same. You can find show notes and more information by clicking here: http://bit.ly/2O41pWB

Often we are told to work on our businesses, but what does that entail? And what is the difference between working on your business and working in your business? Today Matt and Micah will explain the distinction between the two, as well as what it means to be "playing office." You can find show notes and more information by clicking here: https://bit.ly/2rjviZZ

A lot of advisors see investments as a sore spot in their practices, but it doesn't have to be that way. Today Micah and Matt are going to talk about how to use investments to deliver massive value to your clients and how to ensure your clients feel confident as you help them achieve their goals. You can find show notes and more information by clicking here: https://bit.ly/2p7578m

All entrepreneurs make mistakes sometimes, so today Micah and Matt are discussing what to do if you make an error in your practice. They will share examples of what they have done when they've made mistakes in the past, as well as the benefits of taking extreme ownership in those situations. You can find show notes and more information by clicking here: http://bit.ly/2r3BDJb

There's a big difference between advisors who do between $200,000 and $500,000 and those who do north of $1 million. Can you guess what that difference might be? The answer is delegation. And though delegation is challenging for many entrepreneurs, Matt and Micah are going to break down why it's necessary and how to do it well. You can find show notes and more information by clicking here: https://bit.ly/2p3OZ7q

How do you run a virtual team? Today Jamie Shilanski (Micah's sister) joins the show to share how she does such a phenomenal job managing a virtual office and how the team dynamics work when half the team is in the office and the other is spread across the country. You can find show notes and more information by clicking here: https://bit.ly/35wPbwm

Are you being your most productive self in your meetings? Today Matt and Micah discuss how to add massive value to your meetings, and therefore your clients. They will share what their teams do to maximize efficiency during a surge week and ensure things run smoothly. You can find show notes and more information by clicking here: http://bit.ly/2AXDhgU

Are you marketing—or are you avoiding work? Today Micah and Matthew discuss what it means to market with purpose, and not just for the heck of it. They will be evaluating different marketing techniques and weighing in on their value, who has success with them, and whether or not you should be using similar tactics. You can find show notes and more information by clicking here: https://bit.ly/2nsEav1

Many people look at the way others run big businesses and think, "I can do that, it looks so easy!" Is it truly that easy to start up and run your own firm? Today Micah and Matt discuss how they got to where they are in their businesses, including the hard work and mastery that goes on behind the scenes. You can find show notes and more information by clicking here: https://bit.ly/2khMrAj

Micah and Matt frequently talk about two of the core tenets of The Perfect RIA: delivering massive value to your clients and running a highly profitable and efficient practice. In this episode, the guys are going to get a bit more personal and in-depth as they discuss the third tenet: spending time with your family. You can find show notes and more information by clicking here: https://bit.ly/2lGYoQf

Micah and Matt are back with another mailbag episode answering your questions! Today they share tips and tricks for building your firm and providing massive value to your clients. You can find show notes and more information by clicking here: https://bit.ly/2m6eP92

As entrepreneurs and business owners, we often try to squeeze too much into a day. So how do you free up your time for the important things? Today the master of delegation, Gina Cotner, joins the show to explain how to delegate tasks to your team and train your assistant to think like you. You can find show notes and more information by clicking here: https://bit.ly/2Pi4QLQ

When a firm goes through any major strategic shift, it is always a concern that the team will not want to comply. So how do you get your team on board through important changes? Today Micah and Matt will share advice on how to address your team's fears and questions, while also sticking to your convictions. You can find show notes and more information by clicking here: https://bit.ly/2Zu3gX8

Today Micah and Matt are breaking down fees and how much you should be charging your clients. While there is no perfect way to set a fee and no ideal structure for every firm, the guys will teach you how to be confident in the value you are providing for your clients. You can find show notes and more information by clicking here: https://bit.ly/2TPkBbO

There's a lot of advice out there about how to network effectively, and the truth is that while some of it is solid stuff, plenty of it is just plain bad. So in this episode, Matt and Micah will help you sift through the tips that are totally off-base and find where networking can be a powerful marketing tool. You can find show notes and more information by clicking here: https://bit.ly/2OVMY9k

Matt and Micah are frequently asked about how they have set up their practices, what it takes to manage a successful business, and how to make sure you still have time to do the things you love. They will be answering those questions and plenty more in today's mailbag episode. You can find show notes and more information by clicking here: http://bit.ly/2YGbnzo

Clients come in and express all kinds of ideas, such as buying gold, purchasing property, getting in on a timeshare, and more. But what do you do when something seems like a bad idea? In this episode, Matt and Micah break down how to use caution and strategy to help lead clients to a good decision that fits with their goals—without shooting down their ideas right away. You can find show notes and more information by clicking here: https://bit.ly/2Ysv1Tt

Although many people complain about compliance and see it as a burden, this episode is all about changing your attitude so you start to see it as an opportunity. Compliance and audits exist to get the bad guys out of the market, so as long as you're not one of those bad guys, Matt and Micah have some great tips and insight into how you can prepare, communicate, and stay ahead of the game. You can find show notes and more information by clicking here: https://bit.ly/2xZ01eZ

Today Matt and Micah discuss the importance of tracking your numbers. While doing his mid-year review, Matt found that he had come in lower in hours than he expected, which got the guys thinking about the value of owning where you have slacked off or messed up in order to improve and get back on track with your goals. You can find show notes and more information by clicking here: https://bit.ly/2XBWB1e

How do you know if it's time to hire a new employee? And how can you be sure that employee will fit in and become a valuable part of your team instead of just being an unnecessary extra expense? Today Matt and Micah discuss staffing and how to hire the right person for your business. You can find show notes and more information by clicking here: http://bit.ly/2Ja7sqf

It can be really hard to know where to begin when you're building your practice from the ground up, so today's episode covers the basics on how to start your practice from scratch. Matt and Micah dive into the key pieces that will make a big difference in how well you do from the beginning so you get up on your feet faster. You can find show notes and more information by clicking here: https://bit.ly/31V8QnI

This episode is dedicated to opening up that mailbag and answering your questions. Many listeners asked about how Matt and Micah set up calls, meetings, and planning, so they will lay out how they handle these things from their different strategies to the policies they have in place. You can find show notes and more information by clicking here: http://bit.ly/2XdBH7p

If you think Matt and Micah's journeys to building successful practices were easy, think again. They made just about every mistake along the way, and today they discuss where they went wrong and what they learned in order to give you the insight and guidelines you need to avoid making these same mistakes in your own practice. Listen in to hear some of their biggest marketing flops and what they could've—and probably should've—done differently. You'll also get to hear some of the successful marketing choices they have made that will make it easier for you to gauge and ensure success for yourself. You can find show notes and more information by clicking here: https://bit.ly/2Z9GwMd