The 2022 markets presented formidable pressures and challenges, and as we enter 2023, it is clear that this pace of change is not slowing down anytime soon. From financial markets to technologies and changing business models, the industry is undergoing a transformation. Now more than ever, you need to ensure that you have the infrastructure and support to thrive in this challenging landscape. To help you position your business for success in 2023, we’ve compiled a list of 12 key questions to ask yourself.
An Improved Client Experience
1. Is your firm delivering new tools to help your practice keep up with the experience of direct models?
To assess whether your firm is providing the necessary tools and resources to compete with direct models in terms of client experience, conduct a comparison of the tools and resources currently available to you and those offered by direct models. You could also seek input from your team on their interactions with the tools and resources and gather insights on what additional resources would improve the overall client experience.
2. Do you have easy access to data and analytics to gain insights and service your clients?
Start by taking stock of the data and analytics tools currently available to you and see if the insights provided by these tools meet your needs. You could also ask your clients and colleagues for feedback on their experiences with these tools provided by your firm, and gather insights on what additional resources they would find helpful.
3. Are key processes (account opening, performance reporting, tax reporting) set up to create a great client experience or are they negatively impacting your client relationship?
Review the current onboarding and client experience management processes and gather feedback from customers and colleagues on their experiences with your firm’s key processes. Let this feedback guide the implementation of changes or improvements to these processes. The goal is to enhance the client experience and collecting feedback is the first step toward improving it.
An Improved Advisor Experience
4. How is your and your team’s time being spent; Is bureaucracy and process stifling your growth?
To assess the efficiency of your team’s workflow and whether bureaucracy or processes are hindering growth, you must review your current time management practices and encourage your team to share their honest experiences with bureaucracy and processes. Use this information to identify areas for improvement to streamline and simplify your practice.
5. Is your firm quickly innovating its CRM, client engagement and portfolio management software to simplify and streamline your practice?
A comparison between the current software and newer options available on the market is a good way to determine the level of innovation in your firm’s CRM, client engagement and portfolio management software. You can also gather feedback from team members and clients on their experiences with the current software and use this information to identify areas for improvement.
6. Are legacy systems slowing down innovation? If they are, is there a timeline for when those issues will be addressed?
If you feel that legacy systems are slowing down innovation, try to identify the specific issues that are causing delays and gather information on the timeline for addressing these issues. Consider alternative solutions that are more agile and able to keep up with the needs of your practice.
A Better Relationship With The Firm
7. Is your management team actively responding to the things you need to succeed?
To determine if your firm’s leadership is setting you up for success, consider reaching out to your management with specific requests or concerns and see how they respond. Engage with your colleagues and gather feedback on their experiences with receiving support from the management. This information should help you assess the level of support you are receiving and plan your next steps.
8. Is management helping you optimize your business, not only for revenue growth but also for operational efficiency and net income?
To assess whether management is helping you optimize your business for both revenue growth and operational efficiency and net income, review the current strategies and initiatives being implemented by your firm and measure their effectiveness. Discuss your specific business goals with management and work with them to identify ways in which they can offer support and guidance to help you achieve these goals.
9. How are you increasing equity in your practice? Do you have the support and access to capital you need to build your business?
Review the current ownership structure of your practice and explore options for increasing your stake in the business. Discuss your growth plans with your firm’s management team and seek their support or resources to help you build your business.
A Better Business Proposition
10. Can you structure your team to best serve your clients and grow your business?
To structure your team to best serve your clients and grow your business, you could review the current composition of your team and gather feedback from your clients and colleagues on their needs and preferences. You could then use this information to make changes or adjustments to your team as needed to better meet the needs of your clients and support the growth of your business.
11. Are expenses and processes being loaded onto your team, or is the firm reducing administrative burdens?
To determine whether expenses and processes are being loaded onto your team, or if the firm is reducing administrative burdens, you could review the current workload and responsibilities of your team and compare them to previous periods. Speak to your team about their experiences with administrative tasks and burdens, and use this information to identify areas where improvements could be made to reduce these burdens.
12. Can you structure your business in the best way to reward your investments from a tax and income perspective?
To optimize your business’s tax and income strategy, you could review the current structure of your business and consult with a financial advisor or tax professional to assess the tax implications of different options. You may also want to consider implementing changes to your business structure, such as incorporating or forming a partnership, in order to maximize the rewards of your investments from a tax and income perspective.
By actively addressing these issues, you can position your business for success in the coming year and beyond. If you aren’t sure about the answers or want to learn more about how others are dealing with it, we would welcome the opportunity to share our perspective and these questions are at the core of why we built Purpose Advisor Solutions.
Visit us at www.purposeadvisorsolutions.com and learn how we can help take your business to the next level.
