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

The RARE Advisor: How to Build a Rainmaker Team

The RARE Advisor: How to Build a Rainmaker Team
Aug 10
2023

The number one hiring mistake that most financial advisors make, especially when it is one of their first hires, is hiring someone just like themself. In this episode of The RARE Advisor, we’ll discuss what qualities you should look for in a new hire.

 

Recently, I spoke to you about the fact that you are likely terrible at paperwork - it's most likely just not how you're wired. And it's really important to understand how you are, in fact, wired, and how the rest of your staff and your team is wired.

At USA Financial, we use a system called the Kolbe Index that breaks things down into: Fact Finder, Follow Thru, Quick Start, and Implementer. I am a 6-3-9-2. (6 on Fact Finder, 3 on Follow Thru, 9 on Quick Start, and 2 on Implementer). What you'll generally find is that, for the most part, financial advisors tend to either run high or score high on Fact Finder and/or Quick Start. I happen to be a bit of that combination.

When you're looking for other staff, you don't necessarily want or need to duplicate yourself. In fact, it's probably the worst thing you could do. Even though you might like hanging out with somebody who acts like you and thinks like you, the reality is... to build a team, you need people who don't act like you, don't think like you, and aren't wired the same way. We are all hardwired in certain different sections or sequences, and we're not going to change that. And if we try to change it, we're going to make that person miserable and they're not going to last in the job. So, we want to hire someone based on how they're wired, and whether that wiring fits with the job at hand. Don't duplicate yourself. You are the rainmaker, so let's build a team around you. For example, we want to find a high Follow Thru person who's going to have an excellent attitude towards doing paperwork, that is highly organized, that is going to run your database and your systems and your processes behind the scenes in ways that are far more efficient than you ever would. Especially because if you're a successful financial advisor, those aren't the things you're wired for. And we want to build a team.

I don't need to put 11 quarterbacks on the field. I need one quarterback and then a team around them so that we can get in the endzone.

-- 

The RARE Advisor is a business model supercharged by Recurring And Repeatable Events. With more than thirty years of working with and coaching successful advisors, host Mike Walters (along with other leaders in the industry), discusses what it takes to grow a successful practice. With the aim of helping financial professionals and financial advisors take their business to the next level, Mike Walters shares insights and success stories that make a real impact. Regardless of the stage of your practice, The RARE Advisor will provide thoughtful guidance, suggestions for developing systems and processes that work, and ideas for creating an authentic experience for your clients.

The RARE Advisor is also a podcast! Subscribe today via Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, or your preferred podcast listening service for easier on-the-go listening.

Author Info

Related Posts

Client Retention Strategies Through Rare Experiences
Practice Management

Client Retention Strategies Through Rare Experiences

In this episode of The Rare Advisor, host Aaron Grady sits down with Steve Phillips, Chief Practice Management Officer at USA Financial, to unpack the concept of the Ideal Client Event. Unlike traditional appreciation events, these gatherings are designed exclusively for your very best clients—the advocates and relationships you most want to replicate. Aaron and Steve explore the “what,” “why,” and “how” behind these events, from honoring advocacy and building community to creating a consistent client experience that drives organic growth and long-term loyalty. If you’re a financial advisor looking for ways to deepen client relationships and inspire advocacy inside your practice, this conversation is packed with practical insights and best practices you can apply right away.

Financial Advisor PR Strategy with Michelle Lawless (Media Minefield)
Marketing

Financial Advisor PR Strategy with Michelle Lawless (Media Minefield)

In this episode of Financial Advisor Marketing Playbook, Mark sits down with Michelle Lawless, VP at Media Minefield, to unpack how PR powers growth for advisory firms—especially in a world where AI search favors credible, third-party sources. Michelle explains the difference between advertising and earned media, why local TV news and thought-leadership placements boost trust, and how to pair traditional media with strategic LinkedIn to win in no-click search. We also discuss ROI, and Media Minefield’s process—from messaging sessions and story development to market exclusivity and national opportunities. If you want to elevate credibility, increase inbound, and become the go-to expert in your market, this conversation is your playbook. Subscribe for more advisor-focused marketing tactics!

The Power of FORM: Turning Conversations Into Advocacy
Practice Management

The Power of FORM: Turning Conversations Into Advocacy

In this episode of The Rare Advisor, Aaron Grady dives into one of the simplest yet most powerful tools for building lasting client relationships: the acronym FORM—Family, Occupation, Recreation, and Money. More than just a data-gathering technique, FORM is a mindset that helps financial advisors connect on a deeper, more human level with their clients. Aaron shares how to gather, store, and use FORM data to create personalized client experiences, build trust, and trigger natural advocacy. From onboarding to ongoing relationship management, learn how intentional curiosity and genuine care can elevate your client service and create conversations that go far beyond the portfolio.