Keep your 'elevator pitch' at the ready

OCT 10, 2013
When casual conversations ultimately turn to “What do you do for a living?” advisers had better have a quick and descriptive spiel at hand — or risk losing a potential prospect. Reporter Liz Skinner asked seasoned and newer advisers to share their short “elevator pitches” and found that most highlight a client-first approach focused on delivering the financial goals that can yield a better life. [More: 8 best elevator pitches] Harold Evensky Founder and president of Evensky & Katz Wealth Management “We're smart, we care, we're professional and we place your interest first. So, working together, we can help you plan for a terrific retirement.” Cheryl Holland Founder of Abacus Planning Group Inc. “My entire firm is passionate about helping people like you make smart financial decisions. For example, you mentioned your granddaughter is going to college. I am curious if you have explored the best ways to pay for her education — there are so many interesting options.” Armond Dinverno Founder of Balasa Dinverno Foltz LLC “We help people make sound decisions to enjoy a full life!” Geri Pell President of Pell Wealth Partners, an Ameriprise Financial Inc. practice “If I do my job right, you will feel confident in the financial decisions you make and your retirement. When done right, wealth planning should be a healing modality that reduces, not adds, stress.” Ron Carson Founder and CEO of Carson Wealth Management Group “Can I first ask you a question? If you could change, develop or improve anything as it relates to management of your wealth, what would it be?” When they respond, I say, “That is what we do!” if it is, which is the case 95% of the time. Jim Harris Founder and president of Financial Practice Management “I'm a professional wealth manager who provides custom financial solutions for your unique financial challenges and goals. My expertise is in the development, implementation and ongoing management of a customized portfolio builder and diversification strategy created just for you. Personally, my mission is to help you build wealth and successfully maintain your financial security every step of the way.” Jeffrey Cutter Founder of Cutter Financial Group LLC “We believe that while it is important to choose investments and financial strategies with a history of good rates of return, it is just as important to look at an investment's performance in a year with a market downturn. We teach clients that to get the best return, their portfolios cannot go backwards. We only recommend investments with well-defined sell strategies that we believe will weather market downturns efficiently. The bottom line: We try to avoid loss whenever possible.” Brittney Castro Founder and CEO of Financially Wise Women, an LPL Financial LLC affiliate “I'm a certified financial planner and the founder and CEO of Financially Wise Women, a Los Angeles-based financial planning firm for women. I specialize in working with busy professional and entrepreneurial women who are passionate about life and want to gain clarity around their money.”

Latest News

LPL building out alts, banking services to chase wirehouse advisors, new CEO says
LPL building out alts, banking services to chase wirehouse advisors, new CEO says

New chief executive Rich Steinmeier replaced Dan Arnold on October 1.

Franklin Templeton CEO vows to "do what's right" amid record outflows
Franklin Templeton CEO vows to "do what's right" amid record outflows

The global firm is navigating a crisis of confidence as an SEC and DOJ probe into its Western Asset Management business sparked a historic $37B exodus.

For asset managers, easy experience is key to winning advisors' businesses
For asset managers, easy experience is key to winning advisors' businesses

Beyond returns, asset managers have to elevate their relationship with digital applications and a multichannel strategy, says JD Power.

Why retaining HNW clients ultimately comes down to one basic thing
Why retaining HNW clients ultimately comes down to one basic thing

New survey finds varied levels of loyalty to advisors by generation.

Stocks drop as investors digest Microsoft, Meta earnings
Stocks drop as investors digest Microsoft, Meta earnings

Busy day for results, key data give markets concerns.

SPONSORED Out with the old and in with the new: a 50% private markets portfolio

A great man died recently, but this did not make headlines. In fact, it barely even made the news. Maybe it’s because many have already mourned the departure of his greatest legacy: the 60/40 portfolio.

SPONSORED Destiny Wealth Partners: RIA Team of the Year shares keys to success

Discover the award-winning strategies behind Destiny Wealth Partners' client-centric approach.