“Blind Spot Removal”™
FINANCIAL ADVISORS…
Do you suffer from “Blind Spots” in your business?
Are you frustrated by a persistent problem in your financial practice and
- your efforts so far to correct it haven’t worked well,
- you cannot see another viable solution, and
- you believe fixing this problem would make a big difference to your success?
The more persistent the problem and the more concerned you are about it, the bigger the blind spot! Exactly what does that mean, and why should you care?
Media critic and writer, Marshall McLuhan noted: “I don’t know who discovered water, but I’m pretty sure it wasn’t a fish.” Like a fish swimming in water, we are generally unaware of our surroundings. In fact, the only time a fish IS aware of water is the moment it is taken out.
Similarly, we first become aware of what’s missing in our financial practice when it things aren’t working as well as before.
The Downside of Success?
Top advisors and other successful entrepreneurs know that sometimes being successful can work against you. Why? Because years in business have probably led you to strong opinions about how things “are” in the financial services industry and in your practice.
These preconceptions may be assets, or they may be “blind spots.” They may have made you jaded and less able to take advantage of fresh ideas and solutions.
Ever felt like, “I’ve seen it all before?”
A Real World Blind Spot Example…
John, a successful Financial Advisor once told me, “I have a file full of ideas on Client Management Systems, and even one that I can get at a discount through my company. I know a better CMS would really help my practice grow and I wish someone would just tell me which one is best.” I just have not found the time to decide.”
Rather than give John yet another idea to file, I asked him about the change in his tone of voice I heard as he was explaining his concerns. After thinking for a second, he realized with some surprise that he was really thinking that he did not like dealing with CMS, and that he would probably make a mistake in the decision.
Although he was very effective in managing his business, he realized his self-assessment was causing him to procrastinate. A common Blind Spot.
Insight, then Action
Once he noticed how this Blind Spot was getting in his way, he made a few adjustments in his approach and was able to finally choose the right system for his practice.
If this sounds somewhat simplistic, it is…and it isn’t.
On the one hand, once a person sees an ongoing problem with “new eyes,” it often allows for flashes of insight that seem to come from nowhere. These insights create new energy and motivation to change. On the other hand, it can take time for new habits to replace outmoded ones. This is where practice, follow-up and accountability are crucial for lasting success.
It is the difference between “understanding” and “execution.”
Been There. Done That. If you been in practice for a while it is likely you have already encountered many difficult issues.- Maybe you’ve purchased courses, books, DVDs or CDs on the topics.
- Maybe you’ve paid expensive fees to a consultant promising “immediate, guaranteed results!”
- Maybe you have even decided to implement specific ideas for your practice – and yet, for various reasons, you have not yet taken action.
- Maybe you’re jaded…Bottom line is, nothing you have done so far has worked.
If any of these are true, then chances are that you have a few “blind spots” keeping you from taking the actions you know will help.
The Forest and the Trees
Try this:
- Sit down with a sharp person from another industry.
- Describe the details of a goal or a problem you are working on.
- Ask them to point out opportunities you might be missing.
- Switch it up and do the same thing for them.
- Did you notice that “fresh eyes” can recognize opportunities and challenges much easier than the person n the trenches?
Want to see if you have a Blind Spot?
Take our free Blind Spot Assessment and get your own custom results!
Return to Masterful Advisor Home Page
Check Out Services for Financial Advisors
Masterful Advisor ©
