The GIVE:  In prior posts, I’ve noted I’m a member of NAIFA-Tampa, a financial advisors professional association. They recently asked for my help at their recent charity golf event for Epilepsy (see picture). I’ve also pinch-hitted as a speaker and moderator for them a couple of times. Not big investments of my time, and a nice way to personally connect with my target market.

The GAIN: In casual conversation with one of the group’s leaders, he suggested linking my free online advisor assessment to their website as a member benefit. But there’s more: here is what he wrote to me after his meeting with the board of directors :

“Your reputation and hard work with the association made it so easy to get approval.  Those who know you simply said this is good and let’s vote.” 

The purpose of my sharing this is not to toot my own horn, but rather, to share an insight that could help you. Here’s the insight” my ”hard work” has been anything but – I’ve enjoyed every minute and see it as “playtime” away from the office! And, talk about free advertising right to my ideal market! It doesn’t get any better than that.

And,here is an excerpt of the intro letter written by the association president-elect – again, you can’t get a better endorsement ”from the horse’s mouth” like this:  

“..  In short,  the “Advisor Blind Spot Assessment”  throws light on some areas of our business we might otherwise want to ignore. Take a few minutes to ….. take the assessment.  The time you devote to this survey and implementing the recommendations will be rewarded by increased effectiveness. ”

The best part for me was that these “gains”  were unexpected and easy, and simply grew out of my willingness to show up and give alittle of my time. I know you will agree that this way of “selling” is much more fun and effective - than the pushy, hard-sell tactics we all hate.

By the way, if you want to shed light on your advisor practice…just click on the link at right for your own, free custom Advisor Blind Spot Assessment. You’ll receive instant results online and via email.

How about you? – What examples can you share of your own” Giver’s Gain” experiences? We all learn from each other’s lessons. Oh, and feel free to pass along this article to your friends to inspire their creative giving!

As a member of the Tampa chapter of NAIFA, I recently moderated a panel of advisors who were honored by their peers. You can read about it here:  http://bit.ly/byYdT1

Which groups do you participate in and support with your time and contributions? How do you benefit from them?

Please share your comments here in the interest of professional development.

Thanks!

As a coach for Advisors, I was delighted to come up with questions for them to answer, introduce them and hear their answers from their perspective of youth. What I did not anticipate were the questions from a completely engaged audience, which reflected a deep desire to learn from these young advisors.

Each member of the panel responded with such great humility, respect and depth, which uplifted their peers and elders alike. The inspiring energy of their message, in the face of the current economic and political conditions, was palpable throughout a room. Of all the questions and answers, though, the one which struck us the most came from a member of the audience. The answers clearly inspired everyone into applause, so I will summarize them here in the hope it will have same affect on you:

How do you pull yourself out of a slump, especially these days?

• Just like in baseball, remember the best way out of a slump and into a hot streak is: practice!  Stay active, no matter what.
• Read inspiring thoughts from leaders, teachers and others you respect. Nourish your mind and soul.
• Pull out or start a folder with client thank yous,  awards and other reminders that what you do is worthwhile. Experience gratitude.
• Remember to stay connected to support of peers in groups such as NAIFA – remain engaged with your community

The bottom line of these words of wisdom is that taking action, and focusing on the outcome you want, is the first step in getting yourself out of a slump and into your next “hot streak”.  If you are finding yourself arguing with these words with “but,….”,  it is possible you are in a slump and therefore, not in the best mindset to act on them.

If that sounds like you, consider getting help from a coach, who can help you access the mindset that will allow you to leave your slump  in the dust. Read my article on Blind Spot Removal for more on this….http://www.masterfuladvisor.com/just-the-facts-not/#more-37