I recently completed the Planning Process and Implementation for a new client. This process was a 7-step process that culminated in a comprehensive plan and the client implementing all of our recommendations (life, disability, P/C, Investment Management, etc.). The planning process and implementation have taken 6 months to complete. While I want to respect the client's time, he is also advocating for our services under our old model. What is the best time to move forward with conducting the Financial Road Map® Interview. Should I schedule it as soon as possible or try and conduct it at the first Renewal Meeting in about 4 months?

Article ID: 520

Last updated: 20 Nov, 2019

First of all, even if refers people based on the old process you can still begin with the Financial Road Map® interview. Most people will just assume that's what you've always done. That being said, you might want to get the existing client in to experience the Financial Road Map® because of the value of having the Financial Road Map®. The side benefit being that they would have even more on which to base an enthusiastic recommendation. Keep up the great work!

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Does the Financial Road Map® differentiate between the resources used to fund Goals vs. those used to fund Lifestyle?

I have had a number of Financial Road Map® Appointments recently where the time of the appointment has gone to two hours. By the time I have thoroughly gone through the values of each partner and then cover their goals (in both instances this has been around 5 goals) and completed the All the Money Conversation™ and the Commitment to Hire Conversation™, it is going on close to 90-120 mins. I cannot see where there is time that we are wasting. There is little chit chat, however, at times, clients discuss some of their goals and that may take a little longer. I am not sure whether I am going too far with this. Can you please provide some comments around this or strategies I can use to reduce the time I spend on each Financial Road Map® Interview?

I had a great Financial Road Map® this week however the length of the meeting was way too long. I went through four goals and on one goal the clients had a disagreement on what that goal would be; a retirement date or the option to work or not. We took some time to come up with an agreement on what that goal would be. Effectively, we created one date/goal for each partner. How many goals are ideal and what do you do when they disagree on a goal?

I love the notion of, "Showing up ready to be no place else," and thought it was tremendously effective during the Academy. Would you ever consider asking clients and prospects to do the same? E.g., asking them to leave their cell phones with the receptionist? Or maybe a softer approach like, "We find clients get the most benefit from these meetings when they are able to completely focus on the discussion. If you'd like, our receptionist would be happy to keep your cell phones for you and can let you know if you get a call or text from a specific person (e.g. your kids)."

When making the calls to schedule Financial Road Map® interviews with current clients, I've received the same reply numerous times. The client will often say something to the effect that he/she needs to check scheduling with their spouse and will get back to me with a time that works for the two of them. I reply that it is fine and confirm when I can check back in. I then send an email to the client I spoke with to serve as a reminder. Is there anything else I should be doing? I imagine that pressing to set an appointment on the phone, with language like, “Let's set a time that works for you, you'll check with your spouse and we can reschedule if necessary” is too “salesy”?

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