Our world is becoming more social, more relaxed in it’s appearance and language. Social Media and the Internet are growing up and becoming the fabric of our society and business world rather than the latest new thing.
More and more are building an online presence so they can attract more clients and retain their existing ones but the dilemma many are having now is how do I remain professional in a social world, surely I have my reputation to protect? It’s a valid question!
But not really one I think too many Advisers need to be concerned about. When I survey clients of Financial Advisers they tell me that they consider their Adviser a friend and some go so far as to say a family friend. Why? well, think about how close you get to clients, in most cases you learn more about your clients than any other professional services business because you spend time building the relationship and time learning about their dreams and aspirations, fears and frustrations that you become not only their trusted adviser but also their friend. Of course you act completely professional along the entire process but when you think about it, you know as much about them as perhaps their other friends do but, you’re helping them build their financial independence, their other friends probably aren’t!
I know my family considers their Financial Adviser a friend and I do too.
So, don’t be so concerned about accepting that ‘friend’ request on Facebook because they consider you a friend and would like to introduce you to their other friends (referrals!).
I acknowledge that 20% of your clients probably don’t consider you a friend, don’t focus on them, focus on those that do and connect socially with them, after all, it’s a relationship building business.
