The one constant in financial services, as in many other industries, is change. And with change comes opportunity. Right now, for example, we’re seeing a record number of advisors participating in some form of a business transition. Whether it’s acquiring a book of business or preparing for the eventual sale of their own practice, M&A activity is something that continues to be a hot topic across all channels of the industry. So, how do you go about finding the right acquisition partner for your financial services firm while continuing to grow your own book of business?

Yogi Berra put it best when he said, “If you don’t know where you’re going, you might end up somewhere else!” The business planning process is a necessary part of managing a firm, as it helps you create a vision and foundation for your practice’s growth and provides an avenue for continuing to elevate your firm over time. In fact, firms that have a written plan may grow up to 30-percent faster than those that don’t have one. Still, many tend to overcomplicate the process. Here, I’ll share strategies to help you create and stick to a plan that works for you.

We’ve all heard the old adage that you never get a second chance to make a good first impression. We base our expectations for the future on that encounter, so starting off on the right foot is essential to creating the ultimate five-star experience.

As an advisor, you know the importance of building personal connections with clients, but does your office space mirror the top-notch service you provide? Have you ever viewed your office through the eyes of your visitors? Here are some tips for creating a welcoming office environment that sets the scene for great first impressions with clients.