If you believe every individual deserves access to quality financial advice, you’re probably already on the lookout for a great team of financial advisors. But how do you go about finding and building such a team? There are a few key things to look for when choosing financial advisors. Here are a few of the most important:
1. A Focus on a Client’s Individual Needs
Every financial situation is unique, so it’s crucial to find an advisor who takes the time to understand the potential client’s specific goals and needs. Look for an advisor who asks questions and listens to their client’s answers because otherwise, the advisor won’t be able to provide the best possible advice.
Suppose there’s a 24-year-old client who wants to achieve financial stability and independence by age 35. In that case, the advisor would need to know about the client’s current financial situation, employment status, and other factors to develop an appropriate plan.
A good financial advisor would also know to personalize the investment recommendations based on the client’s age, risk tolerance, and goals. For example, a younger investor would likely be advised to take more risks than an older investor closer to retirement.
2. Credentials and Professional Memberships
When you’re looking for a financial advisor for your team, you want to ensure they have the necessary credentials and professional memberships. These can vary from advisor to advisor, but they typically include certifications such as a Certified Financial Planner (CFP) designation.
In addition to credentials, you should also look for an advisor who is a member of professional organizations such as the Financial Planning Association or the National Association of Personal Financial Advisors. These memberships demonstrate a commitment to continued education and ethical standards.
A financial advisor who belongs to a community of like-minded professionals, such as Magellan Mastermind, can also be a good choice. This type of organization provides its members with resources and networking opportunities to continuously improve their craft.
3. A Comprehensive Approach
No financial advisor can know everything about every financial topic, so it’s essential to find an advisor who takes a comprehensive approach to financial planning. This means they should be familiar with and have experience in a wide range of financial topics, including investment planning, insurance, retirement planning, taxes, and estate planning.
A comprehensive approach also means that the advisor should be willing to work with other professionals, such as accountants and attorneys, to coordinate their efforts and provide the best possible advice to their clients.
Of course, not every financial advisor will possess all of these qualities. However, if you can find an advisor who has most of them, you’ll be well on your way to building a great team of financial advisors who put your clients’ best interests first.
4. A Willingness to Continuously Learn and Improve
It would be great if you could find financial advisors who are already credible and established to include in your team, but not everyone has that luxury. That’s why you should consider hiring less experienced advisors — or those who are entirely inexperienced — but are willing to learn and improve continuously.
One way to gauge a financial advisor’s willingness to learn and improve is by asking about professional development goals. Do they have a plan to attend conferences or get additional certifications? Are they constantly reading industry news and research?
A willingness to learn and improve shows that an advisor is committed to providing the best possible advice to their clients. So, if you’re considering hiring a less experienced advisor, ask about their professional development goals.
5. A Good Fit for Your Firm’s Culture
Lastly, you want to ensure that the financial advisors you hire are a good fit for your firm’s culture. After all, they’ll be representing your company and working with your clients, so you want to ensure they share your values.
To get a sense of whether an advisor is a good fit for your firm, schedule a meeting with them and ask about their background and experience. Find out what made them want to become a financial advisor, and see if their goals align with your firm’s mission and values.
You should also pay attention to how well they communicate and whether they have a similar communication style to your own. For example, if you’re looking for a more hands-on approach, you’ll want to ensure that the advisor you hire is comfortable with that.
Why You Need a Great Team to Run a Successful Business
As the owner or manager of a financial consultancy business, you must have a great team to succeed. After all, no one can do everything on their own, and a group of financial advisors can offer a variety of skills and perspectives that can help your business grow.
That’s why you should keep the qualities listed above in mind when you’re looking to hire advisors for your team. With the right financial advisors on your side, you’ll be able to reach your business goals and help your clients achieve their financial goals simultaneously.
