<img height="1" width="1" src="https://www.facebook.com/tr?id=1679314142361781&amp;ev=PageView&amp;noscript=1">
Skip to content

Maximizing Strategic Partnerships

Maximizing Strategic Partnerships | USA Financial
Jul 19
2023

When I talk to advisors about strategic partnerships with attorneys or CPAs everyone loves the idea, but the response I usually hear is, "they rarely work." The question is why?

Below are three main reasons that these partnerships most likely fall flat:

1. They don't trust you.

Probably the most obvious reason of all three, but why should they? When you meet with an attorney or CPA do you expect them to share their client base simply because you do? Their referral to your services reflects them in a positive or negative light depending on how well you do your job. So, it’s no surprise they don't want to risk the relationship they have with a client. A solid strategic partnership isn't built over a single conversation.

2. Attorneys and CPAs aren't salespeople.

They traditionally have a service that is bought, not sold, unlike financial products. They aren't hosting seminars in an attempt to convince people that they are needed. They are already needed. Since they don't sell for a living, you can't expect them to immediately convince any of their clients to come see you. You may think it’s easy for them to refer a client to you, but when it comes to protecting their reputation, it’s easier not to.

3. They can't articulate your value.

This is the elephant in the room. Even if you can build trust and get them to mention you to their clients, what is the message that is being delivered? How do they describe you? Financial guy? Financial advisor? Insurance guy? Investment guy? If you were the client, would that motivate you to switch from the trusted advisor you already have? Their description of you and your practice provides zero professional contrast, which results in the relationship being a flop.

Utilizing strategic partnerships can be a huge advantage for your firm. If you have been unable to garner consistent and quality introductions from your strategic relationships reach out to us to learn how our strategic partner process works. You are most likely just one small adjustment away from a flood of referrals.

 

Author Info

Related Posts

How Prospects Actually Decide When Choosing a Financial Advisor
Practice Management

How Prospects Actually Decide When Choosing a Financial Advisor

In this episode of The Rare Advisor, host Aaron Grady breaks down one of the most common challenges advisors face: great first meetings that never turn into real next steps. Aaron introduces a practical decision framework designed to help advisors guide prospects with clarity, reduce stalled conversations, and uncover the emotional and practical drivers behind their decisions. You’ll learn how to set upfront expectations, uncover what truly matters to prospects, identify misaligned assumptions early, and understand how decisions are actually made. If you want a repeatable way to improve first‑meeting outcomes without pressure or pushiness, this episode is essential listening.

12 Questions Many Advisors Fail to Ask Before Changing Firms
Practice Management

12 Questions Many Advisors Fail to Ask Before Changing Firms

The decision to change your affiliation with a firm is something to make with careful consideration. Choosing the wrong firm can have a significant impact on your financial advisory practice. It’s also important to note that the wrong firm for you might be the right firm for another advisor (and vice-versa).

The Real Purpose of a Seminar Folder: Why it Matters
Practice Management

The Real Purpose of a Seminar Folder: Why it Matters

When people think about seminar marketing for financial advisors, the first things that come to mind are usually the venue, the presentation, and the meal (or lack thereof). Yet one of the most influential tools advisors have is often overlooked: Your seminar folder shapes how attendees experience your event before you begin speaking.