So, here we still are. After sheltering in place and coping with weeks of volatility, we’re able to get out a bit more often as the economy has started to open. But we’re still social distancing to keep our communities safer. Many advisors are still working from home, as are many clients, which means less in-person communication than you’re used to. How, then, can you maintain and even deepen client relationships? Perhaps it’s time to try something new.

For most advisors, referrals are more than just a part of doing business—they’re vital to growth. Even so, many advisors feel uncomfortable broaching the topic with clients in the best of times. The idea of approaching referrals in challenging times like these feels out of the question.

Networking with other advisors is undoubtedly a great way to improve your practice. After all, no one has a lock on all the good ideas. And it can be surprising—even humbling—to learn how others approach managing the many facets of their business. But in today’s socially distant environment, chances are you won’t be introducing yourself to people at live conferences any time soon, or even meeting over coffee with as much regularity. So, embracing networking in a virtual world, despite its challenges, is essential.

The coronavirus pandemic has created unprecedented challenges for just about all of us. And communicating with clients in changing times like those we’re living through—marked by fear, economic uncertainty, and potential market volatility—can be downright daunting for financial advisors. But, of course, that’s exactly what you need to do. In fact, an effective approach to keeping the lines of communication open between you and your clients may be the single most important way to make a difference and ensure the long-term health of your practice. This doesn’t mean you have to come up with all the answers. It does mean you should do everything you can to be that much-needed voice of stability to provide reassurance and solidify trust.

What if something happens to you? We all know that unexpected events—such as accidents, serious health problems, or even death—happen every day. The global coronavirus pandemic has certainly driven home this sobering lesson. Eventually the question “What if?” will become “What now?” when a crisis occurs.