I have had situations where a Financial Road Map Interview™ participant asks for additional time during the Commitment to Hire Conversation™, in which case I mail them a letter with a typed up version of the Values Staircase™ and brief recap of what they would get in a written plan – with an invitation to become a client and the last sentence states that I will call them in a few days to follow-up and answer any additional questions you may have. If they are still noncommittal when I make the follow-up call, what is the best way to handle that?

Article ID: 152
Last updated: 20 Nov, 2019

I wouldn’t do all that. First of all, when someone asks for more time, stand up, walk to the door, and say, “No problem. I’ll just leave you two alone for a few minutes to talk it over.” And exit. Come back in 5 – 8 minutes and don’t be surprised if they are ready to go. They may have just needed a few minutes alone. Don’t assume that “think it over” means they have to leave and get back to you days or weeks later. Often a few minutes alone is all they need.

Secondly, if when you come back and they do, indeed, need more time, fold up the Financial Road Map® and give it to them. Ask, “How much time do you need?” And schedule a phone appointment for them to tell you whether or not they want join your Ideal Client Community.

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folder Commitment to Hire Conversation™ -> Ideal Clients Resisting to Hire/"Let Me Think About It for Awhile."


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b I wondered as an advisor who primarily was operating using asset-based fees if you guys have any templates or samples of the contracts which an advisor might use if he wished to switch to a flat annual retainer, which I know Bill recommends. When I set up my RIA firm the compliance firm drafted all my contracts and ADVs etc. using asset-based fee terminology and language. I just wondered if you might have a sample or template of what a client contract might look like for an annual retainer practice?
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