I've been having some difficulty in the values conversation with clients not going "higher" than basic needs. It almost seems like I need to cue them that it's OK to go beyond money and that I want to hear about the things that are really important to them. They seem to not understand that and there's nothing in the script to let them know that. To be honest, I’ve deviated from the WIA__TY and the associated framing/bridging framework in order to have clients understand what the exercise is really about...I found it frustrating to keep hearing that money is important to pay bills without anything deeper or more important. Please share your thoughts on these several issues.

Article ID: 583
Last updated: 20 Nov, 2019

Try projecting them into the future w/ this language, “Let’s say you in a place where paying your bills is completely taken care of…. what’s important about being in that position… to you?”

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folder Values Conversation™ -> What's Important About...To You?
folder Values Conversation™ -> Values Conversation™ Misc.


Others in this category
b What are your suggestions for clients that are having trouble even getting started up the Values Staircase™? I have had a couple clients that answer the "What’s Important About Money... To You" question with answers like “growth” or “retirement”. Even after I try to get them to take a step back and look at the question more broadly, they are still answering with very specific answers that seem more like goals.
b How do I get my clients to continue on to the level 3 values during the Values Staircase™?
b How can an Advisor make sure that what is captured in the "What’s Important About…To You" is positive and inspirational if the answer is phrased as moving away from a negative feeling or situation?
b In a recent Phone Consultation™ I had the referral go all the way up the Values Staircase™ after which we continued halfway up the other one. While this was one of the more extreme number of steps, I do run out every now and then while on level 3. The Financial Road Map® tends to get a little messy as I draw additional steps to the staircase. What would be a practical way with finesse to continue without losing the flow of the conversation?
b Why do you start with the person who doesn't volunteer first for the Values Conversation™?
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