Being a financial advisor isn't my first foray into entrepreneurship. When I was in my final two years in university, I had my first taste of running a tech startup funded by some grants and personal funds. Back then, I did well enough to get decent interest from investors who were willing to part with a 6 figure investment on the condition that I can be full-time in the business. Got to say I didn't have the guts to give up on my education back then. While I do not regret the decision, the entire experience of starting a business provided me with a learning curve that is invaluable. The thrill of running a tech start up ranges from ideation to product development to fund raising... I'd like to share the different aspects I enjoy about the financial advisory business that gets me out of bed everyday.
Creative Expression
One reason why I started a social media page and even a website wasn't to simply be 'IN with the trend'. I wanted to let me clients, prospective clients view me beyond a financial adviser but more as a person who is passionate about food, lifestyle photography, personal development and bringing unique experiences to my clients and loved ones. I like it that technology allows me to stretch my creativity to the limits and express myself in photos, videos and words.
Talking About Money
Yes! You read it right. One of the biggest reasons I ended up in this line straight after graduation is because I wanted to talk about money. I knew I was passionate about wealth accumulation very early in life. That's how I ended up giving entrepreneurship a shot, investing in courses and books in investment and trading, graduating from Founder Institute and even subscribing to investment websites (still do).
Satisfaction from Giving Value
This sort of satisfaction only happened when I joined an independently owned financial advisory firm. This is because I distribute multiple insurers' solutions now and I can really find the most optimal solution for my clients. Clients who have past experience with single insurers' products or who have prior bad experience can tell the difference in the value that they get and their client-adviser experience. Sometimes it's like someone who have dated in a bad relationship before, they can better appreciate someone nice who comes along later compared to someone with no prior comparison. When a client truly appreciates the work I do, as an adviser I feel much happier than the monetary rewards I receive.
Making Servicing and Referrals Easy
This is probably the most challenging and stimulating part of my business. How do I systematize a way to ensure no client falls through the gap and I give due attention to everyone? How do I make it easy for them to feedback on ways I can serve them better? How do I help them to refer business to me without making it awkward for them? How do I ensure that there's a constant flow of new clients while I'm focusing on different aspects of my business?
Summing up this article, I hope what I shared offers a different perspective to the financial advisory business. If you or your friends are interested to take up the challenge and explore this path of entrepreneurship, drop me a message under 'Let's Talk'.
Disclaimer: The content created are based on my personal opinions and may not be representative to everyone or any organisation. If you have any doubts or queries pertaining to insurance or investment, please seek professional advice from a trusted adviser in an official setting. You may also reach out to me if you do not have a present adviser using the message box under 'Let's Talk'.
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