Maximizing Strategic Partnerships
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.
Related Posts
Stop Treating Your Best Services Like Extras
Many advisors deliver exceptional value-added services, but few deliver them intentionally. In this episode of The Rare Advisor, Aaron Grady explores why some firms create memorable client experiences while others leave valuable services hidden in the background. Learn how to transform value-added services from occasional perks into a core pillar of your value proposition, create repeatable delivery processes, reinforce their value over time, and help clients fully understand the breadth of support your firm provides. If you've ever wondered why clients don't always recognize everything you do for them, this episode is for you.
How Financial Advisors Can Create Momentum During Quiet Seasons
In this episode of Bird's Eye View, Steve Phillips explores the surprising similarities between birding and financial advisor coaching, focusing on a challenge many advisors face each summer: slowing business activity. While vacations, family schedules, and seasonal distractions can make summer feel unproductive, Steve explains why this can actually be one of the most valuable times to strengthen client relationships. By focusing on meaningful conversations about family, vacations, children, and life transitions, advisors can deepen trust and better understand the people they serve.
Why Financial Advisors Lose Prospects Before the First Meeting
Most financial advisors think the prospect journey begins when someone schedules a meeting. In reality, it starts much earlier. In this episode of the Financial Advisor Marketing Playbook, Mark Mersman breaks down the modern prospect journey and explains how today's prospects research advisors before ever picking up the phone. From Google searches and websites to reviews, videos, social proof, and follow-up systems, you'll learn how to identify hidden trust gaps and improve the client experience before the first appointment ever takes place.
Stop Treating Your Best Services Like Extras
Many advisors deliver exceptional value-added services, but few deliver them intentionally. In this episode of The Rare Advisor, Aaron Grady explores why some firms create memorable client experiences while others leave valuable services hidden in the background. Learn how to transform value-added services from occasional perks into a core pillar of your value proposition, create repeatable delivery processes, reinforce their value over time, and help clients fully understand the breadth of support your firm provides. If you've ever wondered why clients don't always recognize everything you do for them, this episode is for you.
How Financial Advisors Can Create Momentum During Quiet Seasons
In this episode of Bird's Eye View, Steve Phillips explores the surprising similarities between birding and financial advisor coaching, focusing on a challenge many advisors face each summer: slowing business activity. While vacations, family schedules, and seasonal distractions can make summer feel unproductive, Steve explains why this can actually be one of the most valuable times to strengthen client relationships. By focusing on meaningful conversations about family, vacations, children, and life transitions, advisors can deepen trust and better understand the people they serve.
Why Financial Advisors Lose Prospects Before the First Meeting
Most financial advisors think the prospect journey begins when someone schedules a meeting. In reality, it starts much earlier. In this episode of the Financial Advisor Marketing Playbook, Mark Mersman breaks down the modern prospect journey and explains how today's prospects research advisors before ever picking up the phone. From Google searches and websites to reviews, videos, social proof, and follow-up systems, you'll learn how to identify hidden trust gaps and improve the client experience before the first appointment ever takes place.
