It’s usually about filling in the gaps…

When I’m asked what kind of work I do with advisors, I say “it’s usually about filling in the gaps”.  Here is what I mean by that.

Nine times out of 10, when an advisor calls me, they  have already built a pretty good firm.  They’re making money (usually not enough but they’re hanging in there) and they usually know exactly where they want to go but they’re not sure how to get there.  Sound familiar?

So, that’s when I come in.  I use a process that examines every aspect of your practice and I benchmark it against where you want to be or what is generally accepted practice management within the industry.  Then, together, we come up with a plan for “filling in the gaps”.  I am a little different from other coaches in that I am also a hands on implementor.  What does that mean?  I’ve done everything from interviewing potential employees, writing their position agreements and confidentiality agreements, writing drafts of newsletters, providing document templates, reviewing compliance manuals…well, I think you get the picture.  See, I believe it’s not enough just to  hand you a plan…you guys are busy and you need someone to actually help you implement it. 

In my opinion, filling in the gaps is what a good business coach does.  They are also the person always looking at the big picture so you can focus on the day-to-day activities of the firm because let’s face it, as a small business owner, this is where most of your energy is spent.  But there is a difference in spending your energy on planned activities that take you toward your goals and just putting out fires.

Bob Veres recently published a coaching report which is free to download on his website at www.bobveres.com.  In it, Bob says “As you can see, the planning profession is fortunate to have a rich and diverse group of people whose business mission is to help you, the planning practitioner, move forward, get over the success hump, and/or achieve your full business potential.”  That pretty much says it all…the folks in this report have a real drive to see you succeed.  That’s where we receive our satisfaction much in the same way you get satisfaction when a client reaches their financial goals.

I would highly recommend you look at hiring a coach to help you get to the next level or wherever you want to go.  After all, why not hire someone who has done this before and can bring ideas and enthusiasm to the table.

Please give me a call if you’d like to talk about how I might be able to assist you (225-751-8009).  Take care, Ginny