The Way Forward: interviews with top wealth management professionals about topics including compensation, hiring, marketing, next-gen, and more.
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The Financial Advisor Marketing Playbook is a podcast/video series for high-performing financial planning professionals that are committed to improving their craft, helping their clients, and growing their business. Hosted by Mark Mersman, this series contains a wide variety of content – from quick win ideas to long-form interviews, each episode provides actionable marketing ideas and insights that can be implemented easily into your practice. From digital marketing to traditional direct-res ...
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Hosted by Financial Advisor Coach, Ray Sclafani, "Building The Billion Dollar Business" is the ultimate podcast for financial advisors seeking to elevate their practice. Each episode features deep dives into actionable advice and exclusive interviews with top professionals in the financial services industry. Tune in to unlock your potential and build a successful, enduring financial advisory practice.
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Financial and retirement planning guidance with Mark Howard of the Howard Financial Group in Savannah. Mark has almost three decades of experience in the financial industry, has been published in the Wall Street Journal, Barron's, South Magazine and several other publications. He has also been featured on the Savannah Morning News. In addition to clients in Savannah, Mark also serves Hilton Head, Bluffton, Statesboro, and the rest of the Low Country. To get your own Financial Game Plan, cont ...
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Welcome to the Educators Among Us Podcast! We are devoted to walking the journey with those who heed the call to teach, coach, lead, and serve at all levels of education. We speak your language and understand the challenges you face because we’ve been there too. We get it and we got you! This podcast is uniquely designed to share inspiring messages that connect with the heart of your life's work. This includes candid conversations with and about unusually impactful educators, exploring their ...
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Kinda back to it a wee bit.
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Ric Edelman is the nation’s most acclaimed financial advisor, the #1 New York Times bestselling author of 11 books on personal finance with more than one million copies in print in seven languages, and founder of the nation’s largest financial planning firm, ranked #1 for quality by Consumer Reports. Every weekday, Ric gives you the information you need about the five personal finance topics that matter most today: longevity, retirement security, exponential technologies, digital assets, and ...
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Raj Bhatia: Don’t Shy Away From Hiring Your Own Child
19:39
19:39
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19:39The long-time Merrill Private Wealth Management advisor explains why his daughter joined his firm and offers his best advice for advisors considering hiring their offspring. Host: Greg Bartalos. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoicesBy Barron's Advisor
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Retaining Top-Tier Advisors Through Career Pathing and Compensation
11:34
11:34
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11:34In this episode, Ray Sclafani discusses the critical importance of retaining top talent in financial advisory firms. He emphasizes the need for structured career pathing and professional development to enhance employee engagement and retention. The episode also explores how firms can invest in their future leaders, create clear pathways to partners…
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Episode 111 - Doing the Hard Things: A Conversation with Rob Bridges
29:43
29:43
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29:43Almost by definition, doing the hard things is not easy. It’s a choice. When you do hard things, you make yourself better. You show others what you’re willing to do in pursuit of excellence. And you make a difference that needs to be made, even when others are not as willing to try. All of these things are key in the role of educators, and for the …
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With our nation mired in so much political conflict and dissent lately, Memorial Day offers a rare opportunity for all of us to come together in a shared national pride and gratitude, pausing to honor and remember the brave men and women who have sacrificed to serve our country. This solemn day serves as a poignant reminder of the courage, dedicati…
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Kaden Bernstein: Key Ingredients for Success | Next Gen
19:09
19:09
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19:09The Morgan Stanley financial advisor discusses the importance of knowing your limits, ways to avoid burnout, and the benefits of surrounding yourself with kindred spirits. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoicesBy Barron's Advisor
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Peter Wilken: The Biggest Branding Mistake Financial Advisors Make
48:15
48:15
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48:15Top marketer behind Coca Cola, Disney, and McDonald’s delivers a masterclass in brand strategy for growing your advisory firm. Host: Steve Sanduski, CFP. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoicesBy Barron's Advisor
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Enhance Your Client Experience and Grow Your Practice with This Simple Tool
8:43
8:43
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8:43How well do you really know your clients? In this inaugural episode of the Financial Advisor Marketing Playbook Mark Mersman, Chief Marketing Officer at USA Financial, shares a really simple idea to leverage your clients’ interests and turn them into a marketing opportunity for you. The Financial Advisor Marketing Playbook is a podcast/video series…
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In this episode of Building The Billion Dollar Business, Ray Sclafani discusses the evolving landscape of advisory firms, emphasizing the importance of clarity in defining ideal clients, innovative pricing strategies, and the adoption of collaborative team models. He highlights the significance of developing talent from within and integrating techn…
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Mixing families into the emotional ecosystem of a school yields predictable struggle. Schools, like families, are places where learning, growth, failure, creativity, and maturity occur. Schools are difficult by design! They contain all of the ideal ingredients needed for adversity, rumbling, and strife. It’s no wonder they, like family, are messy a…
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Most people approach retirement planning with a list of questions in hand, but what if you're asking the wrong questions? In this episode, Mark unpacks why traditional thinking about retirement often leads people astray. If you’ve ever fixated on your “magic number” for retirement or chased high returns, Mark will show you how those concerns might …
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Joe McLean: Winning Strategies for Advisors Who Serve Athletes
24:06
24:06
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24:06The managing partner at MAI Capital Management discusses his time as a professional basketball player and how that experience helps him connect with and create successful outcomes for clients. Host: Greg Bartalos. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoicesBy Barron's Advisor
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Scaling Smart in Revolutionary Times feat. Matt Barthel of Barron's
33:31
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33:31In this conversation, Ray Sclafani and Matt Barthel, Editor-at-Large for Barron’s Advisor, discuss the evolution of advisory teams, focusing on the importance of value propositions, growth strategies, and the generational challenges faced by financial advisors. They emphasize the need for a human touch in advisory services, especially in the face o…
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Client Event Marketing Secrets: How This Financial Advisor Builds Relationships
1:11:28
1:11:28
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1:11:28Want to create client events that are more than just a meet-and-greet? In this episode of the Financial Advisor Marketing Playbook, Mark Mersman sits down with Jeff Bush, founder of WellSpring Financial, to uncover the secrets of successful client event marketing. Jeff shares real-world examples of events that have worked wonders for his firm, and …
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Life is a quest in pain. It is an unavoidable journey, and it is inevitable. But how we respond to pain is elective. Suffering is a choice. When we go through the pain of learning, we can grow in ways we had never thought possible before. As an educator, that growth allows us to teach what we’ve learned and to share the pain with others as they see…
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Dane Burkholder: 3 Key Skills for Advisors | Next Gen
23:22
23:22
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23:22The ability to communicate effectively, build relationships, and execute with a sense of urgency are "three of the best skills" that an advisor can focus on, says the managing partner of Roseville Wealth Management. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoicesBy Barron's Advisor
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Samantha Russell: What Works Right Now in Financial Advisor Marketing
48:34
48:34
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48:34The FMG Suite marketing expert provides a blueprint for building a scalable marketing machine that drives qualified leads. Host: Steve Sanduski, CFP. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoicesBy Barron's Advisor
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In this episode, Ray Sclafani discusses the common pitfalls of growth in advisory firms, emphasizing that not all growth is beneficial. He introduces the concept of the ensemble model, which promotes teamwork over individual heroics, and highlights the importance of technology as a supportive tool rather than a crutch. The episode concludes with a …
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Life is impossible without placing our faith and trust in people, in principles, in practices, in possibilities, in plausibility, and in promises. The things we would hold onto the most are the things that require faith to let go. Faith is personal. However, the discipline of faith is very public and shows others a glimpse into our character. In th…
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Mailbag: Federal Job Uncertainty & The Travel Bug
10:34
10:34
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10:34In this mailbag episode, Mark tackles two listener questions from opposite ends of the retirement spectrum. One faces a potential layoff, and the other dreams of seeing the world. Different situations, same goal: a secure, flexible retirement. Mark shares clear, practical strategies for both, including how to build financial resilience, strengthen …
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10 Time-Tested Investment Principles for Volatile Markets
19:09
19:09
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19:09Schaffer Private Wealth Group president Michael Schaffer, Sr. and managing partner Michael Schaffer, Jr. discuss how investors can stay calm and stick with their investment plans amid whipsawing markets. Host: Greg Bartalos. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoicesBy Barron's Advisor
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In this episode, Ray Sclafani discusses the complexity capacity gap that many financial advisory firms face when trying to expand their client base. He emphasizes the importance of understanding client expectations, the need for customization, and the challenges that arise when firms are not structured to handle complex relationships. Sclafani advo…
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Episode 107 - Collective Impact: A Conversation with Dr. Rudy Ruiz
30:33
30:33
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30:33What is Collective Impact? It’s a term used to describe aligning community efforts around shared educational goals. It means that teachers who work together, lifting each other up, and focus on common outcomes of excellence in education can make the strongest impact on others. Transparency, shared accountability and collaboration are things we can …
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Eric Sontag: Solving for Intergenerational Challenges | Next Gen
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24:39
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24:39“Having next-gen advisors and listening to their perspectives and understanding how they would approach members of their generation is a key place to start,” says the president of Wealthspire Advisors. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoicesBy Barron's Advisor
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Rachel Elson: How I Became a Lead Advisor at an $8B RIA in 5 Years
38:24
38:24
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38:24Elson discusses the mindset, methods, and mentorship that fueled her quick rise from intern to lead advisor at Perigon Wealth. Host: Steve Sanduski, CFP. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoicesBy Barron's Advisor
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In this episode, Ray Sclafani explores the evolving landscape of financial advisory services, emphasizing the importance of understanding and communicating true value to clients. He discusses the limitations of traditional AUM-based revenue models and highlights the need for advisors to adapt their fee structures to reflect the comprehensive value …
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What we say matters. Our words are important and when well-intended, they can make a tremendous difference to those who will listen. But timing is also crucial. There is a time to provide an opinion, and a time to let it go. Difficult moments, emotional days, and stressful situations may not be the best time to share our words of wisdom. Weddings a…
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Mailbag: RMD Strategy, Emergency Funds and Long-Term Healthcare
12:12
12:12
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12:12In this listener Q&A episode, Mark answers some of the questions that keep people up at night, from long-term healthcare without the monthly drain to how much to actually have in your emergency fund. We walk through strategies like Roth conversions, qualified charitable distributions, and alternative ways to cover long-term care costs, all with the…
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Market Volatility Conversations: What Your Clients Need to Hear
49:03
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49:03In this episode of Financial Advisor Marketing Playbook, I’m joined by Senior Advisory Business Consultant Kevin Roskam to discuss navigating market volatility with clients. With markets experiencing recent fluctuations, we’ll dive into understanding investor sentiment, differentiating between working and retired clients, and addressing common advi…
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Jennifer Wallace: Resilience and the Importance of Mattering at Work
25:28
25:28
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25:28“We talk a lot in the workplace about belonging and connection,” says the author. “Mattering goes deeper because you can belong to a group and not know how much you really matter to that group.” Host: Greg Bartalos. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoicesBy Barron's Advisor
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Calculating Your Client Acquisition Costs
19:19
19:19
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19:19In this episode, Ray Sclafani discusses the critical importance of client acquisition for financial advisory firms, emphasizing the need to understand and optimize client acquisition costs (CAC). He explores the significance of organic growth, the calculation of CAC, and the evaluation of the lifetime value of clients. The conversation highlights s…
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Things happen. School happens! Changes will take place. Our path is a curvy one, with unending surprises. We have choices to make. Because we are responsible for the outcome, no matter what caused the change. How we handle the unexpected is the most accurate revelation of our true character. In this episode of the Educators Among Us podcast, host S…
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James Taylor: The Power of Process | Next Gen
22:59
22:59
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22:59“I always tell our team that what we can get done in a day most people can’t get done in a couple weeks,” says the founding member of The Taylor Group at Morgan Stanley. “That’s because every single aspect of our business has a process around it.” Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices…
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The Best Defense Is A Good Offense During Market Volatility
15:11
15:11
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15:11In this bonus episode of Building the Billion Dollar Business, Ray Sclafani discusses strategies for financial advisors to navigate market volatility and strengthen client relationships. He emphasizes the importance of proactive communication during uncertain times, assessing client satisfaction, and identifying at-risk clients. Sclafani also highl…
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Bill Keen/Matt Wilson: How a Hyper-Local Niche Fueled a $1 Billion RIA
43:30
43:30
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43:30Inside Keen Wealth Advisor’s “ACE” niche strategy and advisor development program that powered the RIA’s rise. Host: Steve Sanduski, CFP. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoicesBy Barron's Advisor
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12 Considerations for Building an Enduring Firm
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11:08
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11:08In this episode of Building the Billion Dollar Business, Ray Sclafani discusses the essential considerations for financial advisors and leaders aiming to build enduring firms. He emphasizes the importance of strategic thinking, culture, leadership, value creation, competition, growth, focus, listening, technology, branding, financial security, and …
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Being wrong happens to all of us, especially as we work towards excellence in education. But are we always willing to hear “the truth”? Can we handle the truth? As educators, we must be skilled at giving and receiving feedback—even when it's hard. Because heeding advice is on the pathway to wisdom. In this episode of the Educators Among Us podcast,…
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Want to Retire Early? Here’s What You Really Need to Know
8:55
8:55
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8:55For many, the dream of retiring before the traditional age of 65 is appealing, but it comes with its own set of challenges and considerations. In this episode, Mark explores the nuanced challenges of early retirement, from financial preparedness to managing longevity risk and the often-overlooked emotional aspects of leaving the workforce. Here’s s…
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How AI is Transforming Advisor-Client Relationships and Document Security
50:22
50:22
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50:22Join Mark Mersman as he sits down with Kristian Borghesan, CMO of Future Vault, to discuss the evolution of the modern financial advisor and the challenges Future Vault helps solve in the wealth management industry. Kristian shares insights into Future Vault's AI-powered digital vault technology, designed to streamline document handling, enhance se…
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Wen Nottebohm: A Go-Getter’s Career Tips for Young Financial Advisors
17:48
17:48
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17:48The Barron’s-ranked Cresset wealth advisor discusses her rapid career ascent and the best ways for advisors to win the trust of clients and get ahead. Host: Greg Bartalos. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoicesBy Barron's Advisor
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A Fiduciary Perspective on Organic Growth in a Legacy-Driven Firm
16:26
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16:26In this episode of Building the Billion Dollar Business, Ray Sclafani discusses the critical importance of business development for financial advisors. He shares insights from a conversation with a CEO of a $5 billion RIA who initially resisted the idea of business development. Sclafani emphasizes that growth is not merely a byproduct of market per…
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When we can trust each other as a team, everything improves. Trust enables us to feel safe, to take risks and to solve issues. Together. Education, at it’s best, is a model of teamwork, bringing exponential blessings when we are raised to the “Power of Us” In this episode of the Educators Among Us podcast, host Scott Barron, Chief Reinvention Offic…
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Alanna Morey: Making Content and Connecting With Clients | Next Gen
21:33
21:33
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21:33The Ameriprise Financial managing director shares her best advice for financial advisors interested in boosting their presence on social media. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoicesBy Barron's Advisor
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Morton Brown: Fueling Organic RIA Growth Through Client-Centric Advice
47:20
47:20
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47:20Dennis Morton and Katie Brown discuss how a focus on excellence, client service, and embracing change can spark dynamic growth and reinvigorate your advisory practice. Host: Steve Sanduski, CFP. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoicesBy Barron's Advisor
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How to Leverage PR as a Financial Advisor: Turn Articles into Clients
9:10
9:10
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9:10So, you got published in a newspaper, magazine, or some other publication. Now what? In this episode of Financial Advisor Marketing Playbook, I’ll share 8 easy steps you can take to leverage your newly found fame. The Financial Advisor Marketing Playbook is a podcast/video series for high-performing financial planning professionals that are committ…
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How Financial Advisors Can Get Free PR & Boost Credibility
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10:34Are you a financial advisor who wants to get free publicity? It’s easier to do than you might think. In this episode of the Financial Advisor Marketing Playbook, we’ll share how any financial advisor can get easily published in well-known media outlets without spending a dime. The Financial Advisor Marketing Playbook is a podcast/video series for h…
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AI for Financial Advisors: Tools & Strategies for Growth
54:12
54:12
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54:12Supercharge your financial advisory practice with AI! Join Mark Mersman (USA Financial) and Craig Kirkpatrick (Optimal AdvisorAI) in this episode of Financial Advisor Marketing Playbook as they explore how to use AI compliantly to save time, improve client connections, and drive growth in their practice. Learn practical AI applications and get expe…
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The Proven Blueprint for Building Advisory Career Paths
18:36
18:36
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18:36In this episode, Ray Sclafani discusses the critical importance of structured career paths in advisory firms. He outlines five key reasons why career paths matter, including employee retention, skill development, stronger client relationships, succession planning, and enhanced firm value. Ray then presents seven actionable steps to build effective …
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We typically can’t see the roots of a living thing. They are down deep. But we can see the effects. Strong roots are vital to maturity in the development of our students thus giving them wings to soar. If left unappreciated, and unsupported, those wings will atrophy. This is a great responsibility. In this episode of the Educators Among Us podcast,…
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Game Night: What We Can Learn About Financial Planning From Board Games
9:21
9:21
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9:21Monopoly, Battleship, Risk, and even Candyland. All of these are board games that you may have played with your family or friends at some point or another. But did you know they also hold valuable lessons for your financial life? From avoiding emotional attachment to your investments to managing risk, these games can teach us a lot about making sma…
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Jessica Douieb: How to Get Wealthy Clients the Expert Help They Need
20:35
20:35
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20:35The head of Wealth Partners at J.P. Morgan Wealth Management explains how advisors can respond to the priorities of clients and connect them with experts who “always deliver.” Host: Greg Bartalos. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoicesBy Barron's Advisor
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