Archive for November, 2010

All women bring “baggage” to their business which impedes their ability to grow and succeed (yep that includes ME).  BUT I must admit that Female financial advisors working in a male dominated environment often bring more baggage than most.  For most women the baggage comes from our childhood and/or life experiences but for female financial advisors we add more baggage based on the training we receive from our industry. 

The reality is we all have baggage and when you think you have just eliminated some, new baggage pops up impacting us in a different way.  As women we must be vigilant in our defense and desire to shed this baggage,  eliminating these self induced hurdles to achieving success.

 As a female financial advisor our baggage shows up in a number of ways.  Based on last week’s presentation to 50 female financial advisors here are some real life indications of the baggage that prevents growth. As you read through this list mark down the ones that resonate with you:

1. You hesitate to ask your assistant to do anything more for fear you will be branded a “bitch” – Oh yeah ladies that is real.
2. Your Prospect ALWAYS comes first;  you will totally disrupt your schedule and your life in order to accommodate a prospects life and schedule.
3. You may go all day without eating as you’re so focused on giving everyone else the attention they deserve.
4. You never get to the gym to exercise because you are too tired with too much on your plate – even though going to the gym will give you more energy and make you more productive.
5. You are constantly late and rushing as something always comes up at the last minute
6. There is always a “crisis” going on in your life that you must react to (often self induced)
7. You hesitate to speak out at branch meetings for fear of not fitting in.
8. You try to work more hours than most so that you will be perceived in a positive manner even when you know you could be working a lot more efficiently.
9. There is never enough time to prospect as you are too busy answering your own phone and doing administrative tasks. So much for delegation!
10. You tend to spend more time in the office being seen rather than spending your time out networking which is your strength.

If you identified with any of these 10 issues perhaps it’s time to start shedding the baggage in your business and your life.  Finding a business coach or life coach can truly expedite your process and accelerate your progress.  Getting rid of the baggage can do more for your success than any new idea, process or marketing strategy.  So let’s start cleaning house.

The moment we stated that this workshop was NOT about business practice management and we would NOT be sharing “Best Prospecting Strategies” they came close to applauding.  The last thing we wanted to do was present the “same old stuff” with just a different twist.  We wanted to take these women to a place that was “edgy” defying the standard methods and traditional approach and that’s exactly what they wanted.  

This past week I gave my Breaking the Mold workshop to a fabulous group of 50 female financial advisors.  From the moment we started the presentation these women were participating.  They knew this conference was going to be different but they didn’t know how and yet there was no hesitation to jump right in.  Much of what we talked about the first day was the benefits that come when you move out of your comfort zone.  It is when we are uncomfortable that change happens, growth happens, success happens.  It was obvious from the start that these women were ready and anxious for growth and success.

After 1 ½ days of great participation, lot’s of laughter and even sharing tears and stories these women left the workshop refreshed and reinvigorated. They left with a new perspective as to how to leverage their strengths as a woman to accomplish more as a financial advisor.  These women left the conference ready to step out of their comfort zone in order to achieve the success they deserve.   

Over my next few blogs I will share some of the key points of the workshop with tips as to how you too can “Break the Mold” and accomplish more as a female financial advisor.

Seminar Tip #5:  How to Engage, Educate and Close for the business

Every event must incorporate 3 components:  Engage, Educate and Elevate.  Whether you are hosting an appreciation or educational event these 3 components are essential to your success.  While Financial Advisors tend to be strong in the “educational” aspect of the event they tend to neglect the Engaging and Elevating aspects which have EVERYTHING to do with generating immediate results.  

Your introduction must immediately engage the audience causing them to sit up anxious to hear more.  Your closing must be designed to elevate and motivate the participants desire to make a change and make that change with you. Without a strong and engaging introduction, without a compelling and elevating closing you have denied yourself the opportunity to get the results you want. 

If you are ready to get serious about your seminars click here to learn more about Adri’s 6 Week Seminar Jump Start program which starts Nov. 16^th.  Visit my website to learn more

Seminar Tip #4:  How to Elevate the Commitment

While your RSVP rates may be high your turn out rate may be less than expected.  It’s not enough to know they have agreed to come, in today’s market you must incorporate a process to elevate that commitment.  By incorporating pre-work, enthusiastic confirm calls even logistical calls leading up to the event you can enhance the commitment and increase the anticipation and receptivity in your audience.

A successful event starts even before the guests arrive, understanding how to set the stage, create a welcoming environment and inspire the participant to want to know more all starts before they walk through the door.  Each contact leading up to the event creates an opportunity to build a relationship, better connect and establish rapport elevating the receptivity and comfort of your audience.  

Just 3 days left to sign up for the 6 week Seminar Jump Start Teleclass.  Visit the website to learn more.

Seminar Tip #3:  Marketing the Plan  

Knowing how to market your events and fill the room can be the single most important factor in generating results.  Selecting a process that works can dramatically reduce the stress typically associated with hosting seminars.  Knowing when to use Direct Marketing, Emails, Advertising, Custom Invitations and even Verbal Invites is essential to your success.  Equally important is recognizing how to use your marketing process to help leverage your brand and broaden your reach within your community. 

An effective seminar program is not just about filling the room, understanding the multiple marketing and prospecting benefits to an event program can help you leverage your efforts, enhance results and broaden your own expectations as to the incredible benefits of a good seminar program.

Just 5 days to sign up for the 6 week Seminar Jump Start Teleclass. Class starts Nov. 16th Visit my website for more information