The Perfect RIA

It's summer, and you're outside of surge. Did you forget about your goals and your routine and that you still need to be intentional? In today's episode, Jamie talks about the three tenets of The Perfect RIA and how to make sure you're hyper-focused so you can create and maintain your lifestyle practice. https://bit.ly/3NHfuYF

Advisors who are at the top of their game didn't get there by accident. It's through constant learning, improvement, and putting in the reps that you get to that next level. In today's episode, Matt is joined by Brady Bassford from the Mid-Atlantic Financial Group to share his journey as an advisor and director and how through mentorship and guidance, he quickly improved his skills and the value he was delivering to clients. https://bit.ly/3JksAbJ

Most advisors would never say that they're bored; instead, the most common reason they claim they're unable to change or improve is that they're too busy. In today's episode, Matt and Micah talk through why you're not too busy; you're just playing office. Listen in as they discuss areas where advisors get into trouble by choosing to do the easy things instead of the hard things and how taking the easy way won't help you get closer to the success you want. https://theperfectria.com/podcast/211

Are you setting up limiting beliefs in your practice with how many clients you can serve? Do you maintain a set of values that help guide your business decisions? Do you want to be a liked leader or a great leader? Listen in as we recap this week's highlights and action items. Listen to this week's episodes: Why Are 50 Clients Too Many? [Episode 210] Core Values With Guest Ross Welte Leaders You Shouldn't Follow https://bit.ly/3qM7T2c

Are you the type of leader who wants to be liked, and you'll do everything to make that a reality? What if, by doing that, you're destroying your organization? In today's episode, Jamie shares the worst type of leader and the consequences of creating an environment where your team has no accountability. https://bit.ly/46mMLzY

Striving for perfection is wonderful, but is it stopping you from moving forward in your business? In today's episode, Matt is joined by Ross Welte from 5 Stone Financial Group to talk about why choosing to take action helps you to keep improving. Ross will also share how he and his business partner use core values as a filter for every business decision that they make, including which clients they choose to work with. https://bit.ly/43IcS2E

If an advisor says that it's only possible to serve a certain number of clients, would you believe them? Instead, you should consider where that and any other limiting beliefs come from. On today's episode, Matt and Micah shut down the idea that advisors can only have a certain number of clients in order to provide more service than others. Listen in as they share what numbers you need to be looking at and why it comes down to what you're solving for and being intentional. https://theperfectria.com/podcast/210

How much and what are you doing to create and prepare for sharing content? Discussing tax strategies can be hugely beneficial for your clients, but are you simplifying explanations? How much weight do you give to the words that you're using? Listen in as we recap this week's highlights and action items. Listen to this week's episodes: Creating Valuable Content [Episode 209] Making Taxes Easy with Guest Steven Jarvis Words Matter https://bit.ly/3P31k5e

Do your clients need financial credentials to understand what you're saying because it's all industry jargon? And if you think that hitting a certain number of words per minute equals a great client meeting, you may want to adjust your goals. In today's episode, Jamie explains why what you say is so important, especially when responding to clients' questions about not outliving their income in retirement. https://bit.ly/3CdABeK

When explaining taxes to your clients, it should be as detailed and in-depth as possible to make sure they understand it as well as you, right? How about instead, you simplify something that is complex and, in turn, empower your clients to take action? In today's episode, Matt is joined by Steven Jarvis from Retirement Tax Services to discuss why you need to focus on certain areas of tax planning and why explaining tax strategies as simple as possible and being proactive leads to a better understanding and a higher level of trust. https://bit.ly/42tNagP

Creating content is easy, right? You hit record or start typing, and then it's magic! What typically happens is you forget your ABCs as soon as you hit that record button, or the words just don't flow when you need them to. In today's episode, Matt and Micah talk through how the process of creating content, like most things, requires being intentional and putting in the reps. https://theperfectria.com/podcast/209

Are you connected with others who have the same mindset as you that can help you understand what's really happening in your practice? Are you open to delegating to team members so that you can increase your productivity? Are you open to criticism, and are you surrounding yourself with people who push you toward success? Listen in as we recap this week's highlights and action items. Listen to this week's episodes: Why Financial Undressing Matters [Episode 208] Team Building For Financial Advisors With Guest Christine Timms Taking Criticism https://bit.ly/3qj1onb

Are you a keyboard warrior or the one calling the shots from the cheap seats? Or are you constantly praising others or expecting the same in return? Criticizing from a place of judgment or for the sake of starting a fight leads you to the same place when you deliver nothing but praise…nowhere. In today's episode, Jamie explains that there's a right way and a wrong way to deliver criticism when the end goal is to focus on success. https://bit.ly/43mA1aG

Understanding your highest and best use so you can focus on the things you most enjoy are key to helping your growth. On today's episode, Matt is joined by former Financial Advisor Christine Timms, who is a consultant and creator of handbooks and templates to help other Financial Advisors better serve their clients. Christine shares how she grew and structured her team in a way that helped lead her to the success that she achieved and how other advisors can do the same. https://bit.ly/3IP662s

If your idea of a mastermind means sharing numbers in your head and cheering on another advisor who vaguely remembers their number of client meetings or guesses at their gross revenue, then you're doing a disservice to yourself and to others. On today's episode, Matt and Micah explain that to be impactful and help your growth; masterminds require openness, honesty, and vulnerability from everyone. https://theperfectria.com/podcast/208

Do you take everything into consideration when meeting with a prospect, from your handshake to how your office smells? Have you thought about the impact of writing a meaningful letter to those you care about? What does training look like for your team, and do you lead with the end result in mind? Listen in as we recap this week's highlights and action items. Listen to this week's episodes: Stacking The Odds In Your Favor [Episode 207] The Value Of Writing A Legacy Letter With Guest Blake Brewer You Didn't Hire Idiots https://bit.ly/3qfZu6G

Have you ever experienced an outcome from your team that didn't exactly match up to your expectations or the feeling that you're on your own episode of 'Nailed It', but for Financial Advisors? On today's episode, Jamie explains why training your team doesn't end after the first few months. She'll walk through how structured and consistent trainings can help with professional development, client communication, and credibility within your organization. https://bit.ly/3MVEY4k

If you had the chance, would you take the time to write a letter to those who you love? One that could help them throughout their lives or bring them peace during difficult moments? On today's episode, Matt is joined by Blake Brewer from Legacy Letter Challenge to share how a tragic experience turned into a moment that created his life passion to help 1 million moms, and dads write a letter to their children. https://bit.ly/433Yykl

Picture this: You have a new prospect meeting, they step into your office, you go to shake their hand and are met with yours, which feels as though it just came out of an ice bath. Do they now assume you are just a cold-hearted advisor or are you prepared for just about anything and address this with humor and confidence? On today's episode, Matt and Micah talk through how you communicate, as well as your goal in a prospect meeting can determine whether a prospect and client has a positive experience. You don't have to dread prospect meetings when you realize that they're an opportunity to help change someone's life. https://theperfectria.com/podcast/207

Are you making the most out of the opportunity when meeting with prospects by having a process in place? What type of forcing mechanisms to you have to keep you from playing office? When you're outside of surge, are you doing nothing, or are you still being intentional with your time while offering access to your team to help with client needs? Listen in as we recap this week's highlights and action items. Listen to this week's episodes: Just Cause Your Breath Stinks, Don't Change The Process [Episode 206] Unique Forcing Mechanisms with Guest Dave Zaegel How You Can Offer Unlimited Access https://bit.ly/3BDkmrd

When you bring on clients to your practice, you're looking to set up a lifetime relationship with them. So how do you set expectations on when they can reach out to you or when they have questions? On today's episode, Jamie shares how advisors can structure time during and outside of surge to answer client questions and how to ensure you have an effective communication policy in place that allows clients to always feel that they're taken care of. https://bit.ly/3ofNW2U

Playing office is a hard habit to break. We all do it, but have you taken the time to look at where you're wasting your time and the impact it's having on your practice? On today's episode, Matt is joined by Dave Zaegel from CWOs for Hire to share how running both a tax practice and financial planning firm forced him to be hyper-intentional with his time and how his tax background has added to the value he's able to provide his clients. https://bit.ly/3MtbTNt

When you meet with a prospect, are you solely focused on how you close the deal, or are you changing your prospect process depending on who walks through the door? On today's episode, Matt and Micah discuss why you not only need a prospecting process that works, but you need to stick to it! Trying to oversell yourself, creating new reports, or offering services that don't fit with your process doesn't benefit you or the prospect. https://theperfectria.com/podcast/206

Do you believe that there is a capacity wall that requires you to hire another advisor? Or that this is just a self-limiting belief and you can push past that? What processes do you have in place to make sure that not only is a prospect the right fit for you, but that you're setting expectations from the beginning and understanding exactly what your client needs? Does your team understand what will get them fired and are you being intentional about investing your time outside of surge? Listen in as we recap this week's highlights and action items. Listen to this week's episodes: https://theperfectria.com/podcast/205 The Right Value And The Right Clients with Guest Jason Speciner What Gets You Fired https://bit.ly/3Bp7Dbj

Finding the right people for your organization is a challenge, but once you do, how do you make sure they're living up to their potential, and how do they embrace the expectations that you set for them? On today's episode, Jamie talks through ground rules for your team for not only what could get them fired but the framework for moving forward in their career. She'll also share why you need to take a deep look into the investment that you're making outside of surge to those who are most important in your life. https://bit.ly/41qWtgL

An introductory call with a prospect is an incredible opportunity to understand their initial needs, whether they're the right fit for your firm, and who is the right fit for them. On today's episode, Matt is joined by Jason Speciner from Financial Planning Fort Collins to share his experience and process for meeting with prospects, bringing his whole team together to help strategize for clients, and how tax planning has helped him better serve his clients. https://bit.ly/44QEP9s

Have you ever experienced someone telling you that your growth plans are wrong or not achievable? If so, then you've had the unfortunate experience of dealing with someone else placing their head trash on you. On today's episode, Matt and Micah talk through this idea of a capacity wall and why under no circumstances should you believe that it exists! They'll share why you need to look past your self-limiting beliefs and instead focus on where you may need to shift or pivot to continue your growth. https://theperfectria.com/podcast/205

Would you run a marathon the day you decide to start running? If not, then you'll understand that jumping from zero surge meetings to 30 in a week is not a recipe for success. Are you interested in content marketing and using social media to gain clients? What are you doing to prepare for presentations that are in less-than-ideal conditions? Listen in as we recap this week's highlights and action items. Listen to this week's episodes: Did Surge Abandon You? [Episode 204] Content Marketing With Guest Dave Zoller Amateur Hour https://bit.ly/3VyHK2j

When it comes to presentations, whether in front of a large audience or with a client, are you winging it? If you don't take the time to practice, how do you know how to handle scenarios such as phones ringing or side talk? On today's Worlds To Conquer, Jamie walks through a recent rehearsal in her office for a client event and why you always need to be prepared for imperfect conditions. https://bit.ly/3padZZz

Do you think that social media is an instant way to get referrals and clients? Do you just post anything that comes to mind and sit and wait for someone to knock on your door? On this episode of What Works Wednesday, Matt is joined by Dave Zoller of Streamline Financial Planning, who has created a successful system and process for attracting clients and referrals through social media and content marketing. Dave will share how he started creating content and the importance of being intentional about educating others and about your time. https://bit.ly/3pcJbHh

If you're new to skiing and it's your first day on the bunny slope, would you move to a double diamond on day two? No way! The same idea goes for surge. You can't go from zero meetings to thirty and expect that it'll go well and that you won't burn out. On today's episode, Matt and Micah talk through some of the most common myths and illusions about surge and why you want to live your ideal practice now. https://theperfectria.com/podcast/204

Have you considered that your productivity may be stagnant because you never leave the office, you're constantly working, and therefore never NOT working? Have you taken time to think about what you get out of your work other than money and financial stability and how you would replace that if you were no longer working? How do you handle mistakes, and do you listen to your gut when you think things may be off track? Listen in as we recap this week's highlights and action items. Listen to this week's episodes: The Office Will Burn Down If You Go On Vacation [Episode 203] What Works Wednesday - The Seller's Journey With Guest Denise Logan Worlds to Conquer - When #$@# Goes Wrong https://bit.ly/3Vdoirp

Don't kid yourself. You know that it's not a matter of if things will go wrong, but a matter of when. And when it happens, how are you handling it? Is it full on panic mode and is your team trying to appease a client, and in reality only making it worse? On today's Worlds To Conquer, Jamie goes through the steps of how to handle those situations and how to come together as a team to make sure they don't happen again. https://bit.ly/424abHm

The transition of selling your business involves more than just leaving and walking away with a good deal. Leaving your work, whether through your own plan or unexpectedly, involves so many emotions as so often we equate who we are with what we do. On today's What Works Wednesday, Matt is joined by the author of The Seller's Journey, Denise Logan, to discuss why you should have your own exit strategy, the importance of working through the emotions that come with selling your business, and why planning for your own exit can help you connect and provide more value to your business owner clients. https://bit.ly/3L5t4mm

Is having an office that hasn't been burnt to a crisp the threshold you're working under when you take time out of the office? Or are you operating on the extreme end of having your team handle tasks that only you can do while you're gone? On today's episode, Matt and Micah talk through the process of taking time out of the office and the need to fear set with your team and your family to make your vacation, and the absence in your office, a positive one. https://theperfectria.com/podcast/203

Are you aware of all the little things that can help or hurt your credibility, such as relating to your clients on an emotional level? Do you look at your environment and focus on the barriers, or are you pushing forward and implementing any change to improve your practice and your life? What's your worth? Have you taken the time to look at who you serve and who you want to become? Listen in as we recap this week's highlights and action items. Listen to this week's episodes: Do You Even Have Credibility? [Episode 202] What Works Wednesday - Working Past Limitations With Guest David Edmisten Worlds To Conquer - Chasing Money VS. Delivering Massive Value https://bit.ly/41LIhzN

Are you so focused on money that it's your primary objective in your career as a Financial Advisor? If so, you'll never be satisfied with your goals. On today's episode, Jamie talks through the main questions you need to ask yourself in order to ensure you're focused on delivering so much value that the money starts chasing you. https://bit.ly/40oSXmD

Sometimes advisors may feel limited in what TPR practices they can implement, but is there a way to move past that? On today's What Works Wednesday, Matt is joined by David Edmisten from Next Phase Financial Planning, who, while an employee advisor, took the recommendation of 'Do What Works' and worked past company constraints. David will share how he managed to implement the concepts that Matt and Micah recommend at The Perfect RIA by trying one at a time and how he saw tremendous results with his clients and personal life. https://bit.ly/41AN47a

You know that with your clients, everything you do either helps or it hurts - everything counts! On today's episode, Matt and Micah discuss all things credibility and that when your prospects or clients push back or have objections to you, it's more than likely a lack of credibility. But then what do you do? Top advisors are always looking for ways to demonstrate their credibility, so be sure to communicate and set expectations with your clients and do what you say you're going to do. https://theperfectria.com/podcast/202

Bringing on a high-caliber assistant can mean the difference between someone who knows how they can help you versus someone who just responds to a task, but how do you find the right person? How does working with an agency help create a successful match in which you truly get back time in your life to focus on other things? How are you communicating with your executive assistant, and are they problem solvers as well as someone who values privacy? Listen in as we recap this week's highlights and action items. Listen to this week's episodes: Why Aren't You Delegating To A Virtual Assistant? [Episode 201] What Works Wednesday - Hiring An Assistant With Guest Tricia Sciortino Worlds to Conquer - Client Events and Executive Assistants http://bit.ly/3o4mxAp

Do you have someone in charge of expected and unexpected needs when planning a client event? On today's Worlds To Conquer, Jamie shares some of the questions we've received on hiring an Executive or Virtual Assistant, as well as how having someone dedicated to handling logistics and representing you and your brand can further allow you to focus on only the things you can do. http://bit.ly/406EMTh

Are you being your own assistant and handling things you shouldn't? On today's What Works Wednesday, Matt is joined by Tricia Sciortino, the CEO of BELAY, which provides virtual assistants to clients all over the US. Matt and Tricia discuss common mistakes advisors make when hiring a VA, how to decide what and how to delegate to an assistant, and how taking this step can help transform your life by giving you the time to focus your energy elsewhere and handle the decisions only you can make. http://bit.ly/3GC77tF

Are you capable of booking your own flights? Of course, you are. How about scheduling your own client meetings - sure - but at what cost? Are doing these tasks the highest and best use of your time? On today's episode, Matt and Micah talk about the benefits of hiring a virtual assistant so you can focus your decisions and time that only you can do. Listen in as they share some mistakes people make when bringing on a virtual assistant, as well as how to make this transition successful. https://theperfectria.com/podcast/201

How much time, energy, and practice do you put into preparing for client events or meetings? Do you have a plan for when things will go wrong? How intentional are you when you're presenting to clients? What rules of escalation do you have in place for your team? Listen in as we recap this week's highlights and action items. Listen to this week's episodes: F*ing WORK! [Episode 200] What Works Wednesday - Improving Your Presentations Through Comedy With Guest Cory Michaelis Worlds to Conquer - Executive Assistants And Email Delegation http://bit.ly/41dpgWF

Do you wonder what you could do if you had a little more time? Imagine having someone dedicated to handling everything except for the tasks that only you can do. In this week's Worlds To Conquer, Jamie talks about hiring an Executive Assistant to handle your email. She'll go through her recommendations to set this up so that you only need to focus on what needs your attention as well as walk through the importance of having rules of escalation and a communication policy. http://bit.ly/3mhxxtB

Performers on a broadway show don't just go on stage and decide what they're going to sing that night, they're prepared. Same with a comedian, their performances are practiced and rehearsed over and over again. On today's What Works Wednesday, Matt is joined by comedian Cory Michaelis to talk about opportunities to use comedy in presentations or client meetings as well as why no matter what, practicing and rehearsing is what will make you a higher-level performer and presenter. http://bit.ly/3nR2Dsr

It's important to have efficiency in your practice, doing things faster, but what about the effectiveness of what you're doing? Waving a magic wand won't get you to where you want to go, you have to practice and put in the reps to see the success. In today's episode, Matt and Micah discuss the idea that everything you do counts, whether in a prospect, client meeting, or a presentation. How those meetings and presentations go depends on the work you put in beforehand and how prepared you are. You need to do the work! https://theperfectria.com/podcast/200

Do you feel guilty about the thought of bringing someone on to handle tasks that you could do yourself? Do you also feel guilty about not making your own clothes or the fuel you put in your car? Imagine freeing up your time so that you can focus on those tasks that will help you get to the next level. Also, in your mind, is conflict in your office good or bad, and do you take time to think about your emotions instead of acting on them? Listen in as we recap this week's highlights and action items. Listen to this week's episodes: Delegation 101 [Episode 199] What Works Wednesday - Being Above Or Below The Line With Guest Adam Silberstein Worlds to Conquer - Do You Need An Executive Or Virtual Assistant? http://bit.ly/40QYH9E

Do you feel guilty thinking you don't need someone else doing a task you could do yourself? Imagine having an assistant who could help give back time in your day to do the things you need and want to do. On today's Worlds To Conquer, Jamie walks through bringing on an Executive or Virtual Assistant and how to determine what tasks can be handed over to someone else. http://bit.ly/3KinayQ

Do you sometimes wonder why you act a certain way when you get upset or why you get so emotional sometimes? You want to feel your emotions but also be in command of your mindset, especially as a leader. On today's What Works Wednesday, Matt is joined by Coach Adam Silberstein to talk through the concept of being above the line and below the line and how this awareness can help you personally, professionally, and with your team. http://bit.ly/3G0pckQ