Did you know that millennials are the largest generation in the workforce? In fact, by 2025, three out of four workers will be a millennial. Their preferences are shaping workplace policies, and they are challenging employers to think differently about employee engagement, loyalty, and satisfaction.

Part of my role as Commonwealth’s chief business development officer is to work with advisors on their firm’s brand strategy—What is your brand? What would you like it to convey?—as well as methods to carry out that strategy—How do you promote your brand to attract ideal clients?

In my last blog post, I wrote about branding and some of the key issues advisors face when choosing a firm name. I also outlined the pros and cons of naming your practice after yourself; the short answer is, we don’t recommend it. Right after that blog article was posted, I received a call from an advisor. He understood why naming his firm after himself was limiting and agreed with all the reasons I laid out—but what, then, should he name his firm? The advisor was at a loss as to how to proceed.

There’s something about a new year that brings out the optimist in many of us. Some try to start fresh by organizing the closets or scrubbing the house clean. Others join a gym, throw out the Doritos, and begin cycling again. Many make financial resolutions to save more and spend less. Of course, personal goals can be hard to achieve. Fortunately, we often have spouses, friends, or coworkers who are willing to help us work toward them. (“I thought you said you were going to run a half-marathon this year? Get your sneakers, and let’s go!”)

“I want to hire an advisor” is something that we hear quite frequently in the Practice Management department at Commonwealth. While it’s a common goal for many advisors, the results for those who have tried their hand at hiring have been mixed. Sound familiar? If this is something you’ve been thinking about (or maybe even tried), the good news is that there are strategies to help you recruit the right advisor for your firm. To get you started down the right path, my colleague, Angela C. Sarver, and I will share these strategies, as well as tips for how to implement them at your firm. The first step we recommend is identifying the problem.

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.