Episodios

  • Mid-Year Strategies to Strengthen Your Advisory Practice

    Mid-Year Strategies to Strengthen Your Advisory Practice
    Jul 11 2024

    In this episode, Rob takes the hot seat as he and Phil dive deep into what financial advisors should be focusing on as we head into the second half of the year. They discuss practical strategies for managing client relationships, growing business more intentionally, handling the stress brought on by current news cycles, and staying proactive in your advisory practice.

    Rob and Phil cover:

    • Handling the stresses that cannot be controlled and focusing on what can be controlled.
    • The importance of reviewing your Truest Fan Action Plan during mid-year evaluations.
    • Being proactive, not just reactive, during your mid-year review.
    • Common pitfalls to avoid during a mid-year review.


    Key Takeaways:

    • Review your big dreams and vision to ensure your strategy for the second half of the year aligns with what truly matters to you.
    • Have a coach or mentor review your strategy to keep you accountable for your commitments.
    • Continue with what’s working, eliminate what isn’t, and maintain your plan to ensure steady progress.
    • Break your plans down into manageable action steps. Avoid taking on more than you can handle.

    “When you have an action plan, and you look at it every day, and as you're planning your day, you're saying, ‘Have I set aside time to work on those things that I said I was going to work on that are going to lead me to my most important goals?’ it allows you to say no to the other stuff and allows you to put those other distractions aside.” – Rob Brown


    Episode References:

    • The Truest Fan Mastermind



    Connect with Rob Brown & Phil Calandra:

    Website: http://truestfan.com/

    Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/truestfan

    LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/truestfan/

    YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@truestfancoaching

    LinkedIn Group: https://www.linkedin.com/groups/8496989/

    Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/truestfan
    Más Menos
    19 m
  • The Lasting Impact of Professional Financial Planning

    The Lasting Impact of Professional Financial Planning
    Jul 4 2024

    Today, Rob and Phil explore how financial advisors make significant, lasting impacts on their clients' lives and in their communities. They discuss the importance of developing signature processes, prioritizing client needs, fostering trust, and truly valuing each client to enhance both the positive influence on clients and the growth of their practice.

    In this episode, Rob and Phil delve into:

    • The value of implementing a signature solution that demonstrates how you serve clients.
    • Treating each client as unique, even while following a consistent process.
    • Regularly evaluating and refining your process to ensure it works effectively.
    • Eliminating distractions to stay focused on your core mission.


    Key Takeaways:

    • Success comes from working with clients who are the right fit for you, rather than trying to fit every client.
    • While clients may share similarities, each one should feel seen and understood as an individual.
    • Proper financial planning focuses on understanding a client’s lifestyle and goals, not just prediction and forecasting.
    • Never take for granted the impact you have on your clients' lives.
    • Root for your client’s success—they need your support now more than ever.

    “We are in a business of doing and a business of learning. I've always believed that. And the advisors that can continue to learn and continue to explore, are ultimately going to have a much more elegant life, they're going to enjoy and have that passion fueled for them.” – Phil Calandra


    Episode References:

    • The Truest Fan Mastermind



    Connect with Rob Brown & Phil Calandra:

    Website: http://truestfan.com/

    Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/truestfan

    LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/truestfan/

    YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@truestfancoaching

    LinkedIn Group: https://www.linkedin.com/groups/8496989/

    Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/truestfan
    Más Menos
    22 m
  • John Stadtmueller: Why Purpose-Focused Advisors Finish First

    John Stadtmueller: Why Purpose-Focused Advisors Finish First
    Jun 27 2024
    Today we talk with John Stadtmueller, the Founder of Good Advisors Finish First, an independent network of financial advisors committed to pursuing better client outcomes as a community. John shares with us the four core values of the community, highlights the need for innovative thinking, open-mindedness, and a more collaborative approach in addressing industry needs, and gives an example of how a community approach to solving problems helps everyone grow and succeed. In this episode, Rob, Phil, and John delve into:Focusing on being better for your clients. Why you should be radically open-minded. Communicating your value and your value proposition to your clients and potential clients. Pursuing better client outcomes as part of an advisor community. The two biggest mistakes that prevent advisors from being a great advisor. Key Takeaways: Keep your focus on the good. Your business is about more than just apologizing for the industry, it is about delivering value to your clients. Share openly with your peers. As an advisor, drive the conversation and bring in third parties when it makes sense. Advisors make huge differences in the communities they serve and in the causes they care about. Purpose-focused advisors give back. Learn from everyone, follow no one. There is no one right way to do things. You don’t have to give a choice - you can give your best advice. “A huge miss that a lot of advisors have is just being open to saying ‘I don't know,’ because you're probably not going to know everything. You're not going to be an expert. A big thing that we all talk about is finding your niche and really owning who you are, and what you can deliver in terms of value, and then being open and willing to take help. Rather you're finding those resources that can help you deliver that better result for the clients rather than trying to scramble and pretend that you know everything.” – John StadtmuellerAbout John Stadtmueller: After a 20 year career in the financial services industry, predominantly in roles supporting financial advisors, John Stadtmueller created a movement to demonstrate “Good Advisors Finish First." Two years later, John doubled down on his passion to pursue this cause by leaving a comfortable job in Corporate America and began building the Good Advisors Finish First (GAFF) Community. GAFF now boasts over 150 members, from over 20 different B/Ds and RIAs, all committed to Pursuing Better Client Outcomes as a Community. EVERYONE is Invited however Seating is Limited to those who adhere to 4 Core Values: 1. Humility, 2. Abundance, 3. Reciprocity, 4. Pass the Torch.Connect with John Stadtmueller: Website: https://goodadvisorsfinishfirst.com/ Website: https://www.goodpeoplefinishfirst.com/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/johnstadtmueller/ Episode References:The Truest Fan MastermindConnect with Rob Brown & Phil Calandra:Website: http://truestfan.com/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/truestfan LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/truestfan/ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@truestfancoachingLinkedIn Group: https://www.linkedin.com/groups/8496989/ Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/truestfan
    Más Menos
    32 m
  • Zack Hubbard: Making Financial Planning Accessible for Everyone

    Zack Hubbard: Making Financial Planning Accessible for Everyone
    Jun 20 2024

    Today, Rob sits down with Zack Hubbard, Director of Financial Planning & Participant Engagement with Greenspring Advisors, to explore how to make financial planning more accessible for everyone. They discuss the importance of offering high-quality advice to all clients, tailored to their specific needs and circumstances. Zack shares how his firm maintains valuable communication with clients through age-based advice delivered via email, short videos, and other relationship-building touchpoints. This episode is packed with actionable advice you can start implementing right away. Don't miss this insightful conversation that can help you enhance your client relationships and service delivery.

    In this episode, Rob and Zack delve into:

    • The importance of financial planning for everyone, not just the super-wealthy.
    • The time commitment required for effective financial planning.
    • How to grow your practice without eliminating smaller client relationships.
    • Prioritizing the most significant areas of concern for clients.
    • Connecting with clients in ways that are most meaningful and effective for them.


    Key Takeaways:

    • Building client relationships isn't always immediately profitable due to the initial effort required for comprehensive planning. Break the process into manageable pieces and prioritize the client's most pressing needs first.
    • Many clients lack a complete understanding of their financial situation. Presenting their financial plan in stages can reduce overwhelm and strengthen your long-term relationship.
    • Utilize age-based communication with your clients. Age-related triggers often provide easy, actionable advice that clients will likely find relevant and helpful.

    “People want to be served the way that they want to be served and we can adjust our businesses to do that and serve more people.” – Zack Hubbard


    About Zack Hubbard: Zack is the Director of Financial Planning and Participant Engagement at Greenspring Advisors. As Director, Zack leads a team of financial planners that help our Private Wealth advisors deliver comprehensive financial plans to their clients and also deliver personalized planning and advice to the participants in the retirement plans that our corporate retirement advisors work with. Zack is focused on expanding access to financial planning to the masses.


    Connect with Zack Hubbard:

    Website: https://greenspringadvisors.com/

    Email: zack.hubbard@greenspringadvisors.com

    LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/zack-hubbard/


    Episode References:

    • The Truest Fan Mastermind



    Connect with Rob Brown & Phil Calandra:

    Website: http://truestfan.com/

    Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/truestfan

    LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/truestfan/

    YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@truestfancoaching

    LinkedIn Group: https://www.linkedin.com/groups/8496989/

    Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/truestfan
    Más Menos
    36 m
  • David Strege: Building Your Firm and Your Retirement with Purpose and Intentionality

    David Strege: Building Your Firm and Your Retirement with Purpose and Intentionality
    Jun 13 2024

    Today, we sit down with David Strege to explore how he and his partner successfully transitioned their firm to thrive beyond their tenure. David delves into the importance of letting go, serving others, and engaging in industry organizations. His insights offer invaluable takeaways for purpose-focused advisors at every career stage.

    In this episode, Rob, Phil, and David delve into:

    • The importance of succession planning and determining the ideal time to start crafting your plan… it’s sooner than you think
    • Using a two-advisor strategy for client meetings
    • Philanthropy as part of the retirement planning conversation
    • How to “practice” your retirement before you actually retire
    • An insider's view of the future growth of the financial planning industry
    • Fostering increased public trust and confidence in financial professionals


    Key Takeaways:

    • Build your firm from the beginning with the end in mind. Understand what you want your firm to accomplish and work towards that every step of the way.
    • You will get out of industry associations what you put into them.
    • You should understand your client’s estate plan in order to appropriately compile a comprehensive financial plan.
    • Part of wisdom comes from making decisions, letting go, and seeing how those decisions play out.
    • Know what you’re going to do in retirement before you retire. You need to know what your purpose will be and what makes you come alive.

    “We spend a lot of time on philanthropic giving, because life's not about things. You try to satisfy your soul or your personality with things, but it's really when you find using your gifts to serve others, that's when you come alive.” – David Strege


    About David Strege: David Strege serves clients as a Senior CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER™ practitioner at Syverson Strege in West Des Moines, Iowa.


    David earned a degree in finance from Drake University. He earned his CFP® certification in 1982 and in 2008 served as Chairman of the Board of Directors for the CFP Board. In 1987, he received the Chartered Financial Analyst® certification and earned the Certified Kingdom Advisor® designation in 2017.


    He has also served on the National Boards of the Financial Planning Association and of the National Endowment for Financial Education® (NEFE®), serving as Chairman in 2018.


    David still competes nationally and internationally in Men’s indoor volleyball.


    Connect with David Strege:

    Website: https://www.onlyworkforyou.com/

    LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/david-strege-planner/


    Episode References:

    • The Truest Fan Mastermind


    Connect with Rob Brown & Phil Calandra:

    Website: http://truestfan.com/

    Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/truestfan

    LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/truestfan/

    YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@truestfancoaching

    LinkedIn Group: https://www.linkedin.com/groups/8496989/

    Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/truestfan
    Más Menos
    34 m
  • Joe Bertilson: Sharing Generosity with Your Clients

    Joe Bertilson: Sharing Generosity with Your Clients
    Jun 6 2024

    In this episode, Joe Bertilson shares his journey from his affiliation with a major investment firm to founding Cedrus Wealth Group. Discover how Joe has integrated faith, generosity, and mentorship to build a purpose-driven advisory firm. Learn about the importance of asking clients about their charitable inclinations, fostering a culture of giving, and creating a lasting impact in the community. Joe's story is an inspiring example of how financial advisors can blend personal values with professional success.

    In this episode, Rob, Phil, and Joe delve into:

    • The importance of integrating generosity into financial planning.
    • Strategies for asking clients about their charitable inclinations.
    • Building a firm culture focused on mentorship and community impact.
    • Creating a ripple effect of generosity through client engagement and community involvement.
    • How to leverage personal values to enhance client relationships and business growth.


    Key Takeaways:

    • It’s great to listen to other’s feedback, but you can accomplish so much more by staying in your lane with what you uniquely do best.
    • Ask all of your clients “Are you charitably inclined?” Regardless of the answer, it opens the conversation.
    • People hate taxes but love their charities. Many want to give more but don’t know the best way to go about it in their financial plans.
    • Generosity has a way of rippling out, spreading widely, and affecting more people. Keep the conversation going.

    “My challenge to advisors was, if your vision is to provide for your family, then your vision is too small. We have the capacity and the capability to bless a lot more people if we put in the effort.” – Joe Bertilson


    Connect with Joe Bertilson:

    Website: https://cedruswealthgroup.com/

    Email: joe@cedruswg.com

    LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/joe-bertilson-a578881b


    Episode References:

    • The Truest Fan Mastermind



    Connect with Rob Brown & Phil Calandra:

    Website: http://truestfan.com/

    Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/truestfan

    LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/truestfan/

    YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@truestfancoaching

    LinkedIn Group: https://www.linkedin.com/groups/8496989/

    Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/truestfan
    Más Menos
    32 m
  • Michael DeLon: Build Your Credibility by Telling Your Authentic Story

    Michael DeLon: Build Your Credibility by Telling Your Authentic Story
    May 30 2024
    Today, we dive into a fascinating conversation with Michael DeLon, The Credibility Coach. Discover how he empowers financial advisors to share their impact and their stories. You grasp your significance. You comprehend the value of your work for your clients. Yet, finding the right words to resonate with your audience, especially new connections, can be a challenge. Michael reveals the secrets to writing a book that accelerates your marketing, referrals, and business growth - all by staying true to yourself! In this episode, Rob and Michael delve into:How writing a book can help you create credibility in your business. The ties between books, marketing, and business growth. Creating a book in under 24 hours of your time. Speaking your book and developing the intellectual property behind the book. Key Takeaways: Mail potential clients and connections a copy of your book before your scheduled meeting. It builds trust and helps to lower barriers. Books are a one-on-one connection between you, as the author, and the reader.You have your signature solution, your signature message, that is clear and compelling. That is what you write your book about and what draws people to you. Your best referrals run in the same circles as your best clients. Using a book as a handout for your clients to give to those friends is a great way of bringing in referrals from your existing clients. “When you create a book and you put your story and your thoughts and your successes in that book, people bond with you, they get to trust you, and they're willing to take that next step of finally meeting with you.” – Michael DeLonAbout Michael DeLon: Michael DeLon creates credibility. As the president of Paperback Expert, he helps business owners publish a book that positions them as the expert in their field.Business owners seek out Michael to clarify their brand strategy, make them bestselling authors, and set up their profitable podcast. They use his Credibility Marketing strategies to gain more clients, get more referrals, and grow their revenue.Michael is the author of On Marketing, a #1 Amazon Best-Selling author, and the Creator of The Credibility Game Plan. Since 2013, he has worked with business owners across the United States and internationally to establish and market their credibility.Michael is the husband of one and father of four. He’s a committed follower of Jesus Christ who is deeply involved in his church. You can normally find Michael investing time with his family, reading a great book, or facilitating growth in the lives of those around him.Connect with Michael DeLon: Website: https://paperbackexpert.com/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/michaeldelon/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/PaperbackExpert On Marketing Book: https://paperbackexpert.com/onmarketing/ Experts Speak Podcast: https://paperbackexpert.com/interviews/# Episode References:The Truest Fan MastermindRetire on Purpose by Alynn GodfroyConnect with Rob Brown & Phil Calandra:Website: http://truestfan.com/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/truestfan LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/truestfan/ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@truestfancoachingLinkedIn Group: https://www.linkedin.com/groups/8496989/ Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/truestfan
    Más Menos
    36 m
  • Eric Brotman: Building Your Firm for Success Beyond You

    Eric Brotman: Building Your Firm for Success Beyond You
    May 23 2024
    This episode explores some of the intricacies of succession planning and the idea of graduating rather than retiring. Our guest, Eric Brotman, CEO of BFG Financial Advisors in Baltimore, sheds light on intentionally structuring his firm uniquely from the start. By recruiting the right talent and creating plans for equity partnerships, the firm has surpassed expectations in its market reach and achievements. In this episode, Rob, Phil, and Eric delve into:Building your firm successfully with young advisors. Selling equity to your team to help with your succession planning. Why most financial advisors are not planning for the future. A peek into the new edition of Eric’s Book, Don’t Retire…Graduate!.Key Takeaways: It’s better to educate and invest in your team and have them leave than to not educate them and have them stay.Bring in junior advisors who are much younger than you. Your team should be staggered over ages for a successful transition and for your future retirement to be successful. You need the right mentors and coaches, in any industry, to know the right tools for the right job. This is no different in the financial advising and planning industry. Retirement should not be the absence of work, but rather, the absence of the need to work. Retirement is not the end of your life, it’s the start of a different chapter. “What I am doing in every conceivable way is trying to take care of everyone here whose skin is in the game. And if I do that, and it doesn't require private equity, everyone here will not only benefit, but it will feather their nest for a generation.” – Eric BrotmanAbout Eric Brotman: Eric D. Brotman, CEO of BFG Financial Advisors, started his financial planning career in 1994 in Baltimore. He holds a BA from the University of Pennsylvania, a Master's in Financial Services, and multiple financial certifications. Eric founded Brotman Financial Group, Brotman Consulting Group, and Brotman Media Group. He's served on numerous boards, including the Maryland State Retirement & Pension System, hosted the Don’t Retire… Graduate! podcast, authored the award-winning book, Don’t Retire… Graduate!, and has contributed regularly to Forbes.com and WBAL TV.Connect with Eric Brotman: Website: https://bfgfa.com/ Website: https://brotmanconsultinggroup.com/Website: https://brotmanmedia.com/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ebrotman/ X: https://x.com/brotmanplanning Book: https://brotmanmedia.com/books/ Podcast: https://brotmanmedia.com/podcasts/ Episode References:The Truest Fan MastermindConnect with Rob Brown & Phil Calandra:Website: http://truestfan.com/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/truestfan LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/truestfan/ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@truestfancoachingLinkedIn Group: https://www.linkedin.com/groups/8496989/ Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/truestfan
    Más Menos
    36 m