In this episode, Matt and Micah are sharing a secret of successful financial advisors: effective business planning. They challenge listeners to take a hard look at where they stand and where they're headed, arguing that this clarity is the compass for any successful journey in finance.

Matt and Micah also emphasize aligning your professional goals with your dream lifestyle because what's the point of success if you're not living your best life? They advocate for measuring progress with actionable metrics and creating a game plan that turns lofty ambitions into tangible results. Their message is clear: in the fast-paced world of financial advising, standing still is moving backward.

A Failure to Plan is a Plan to Fail [Episode 281]

Resources in today's episode:

- Micah Shilanski: Website | LinkedIn
- Matt Jarvis: Website | LinkedIn

In this recap episode, Amber shares highlights of a heated debate about Bitcoin's place in financial advising and an insightful exploration of value add strategies during surge periods.

Monday's episode featured a face-off between Matt and guest Isaiah Douglass from Swan Bitcoin, moderated by David Decelle from Model FA. The debate centered on Bitcoin's role in investment portfolios, with Matt expressing skepticism about its utility beyond gambling and criminal activity. In contrast, Isaiah passionately argued for Bitcoin's potential as a transformative technology in human history.

Thursday's encore episode featured Jamie's insights on implementing value adds during surge periods and optimizing post-surge activities. Jamie stressed the importance of planning value adds a year in advance, rotating them every few years to accommodate changing client needs. Post-surge activities include thorough debriefs, analyzing trends in client questions, and fostering team collaboration.

Resources in today's episode:

- Episode Website
- The Bitcoin Debate: Risks and Benefits with Guests Isaiah Douglass and David DeCelle [Episode 280]
- Encore Episode: Managing Value Adds In Surge

In this episode, Jamie Shilanski explores the nuances of surge scheduling in financial planning, offering valuable insights for advisors looking to enhance their client engagement and team efficiency. She delves into the importance of well-crafted value adds, encouraging advisors to refresh these offerings regularly to maintain their impact. The discussion also highlights the benefits of post-surge debriefs as opportunities to identify areas for improvement and foster a culture of continuous growth. She illuminates the power of effective communication and the value of truly understanding client assets, showing how these skills can uncover new opportunities.

Encore Episode: Managing Value Adds In Surge

Get ready for an eye-opening debate on the world of cryptocurrency! In this conversation, Matthew Jarvis faces off with Isaiah Douglass from Swan Bitcoin, moderated by Model FA's David DeCelle. Together, they unpack the complex and often controversial topic of Bitcoin and its potential impact on financial advisors. The conversation heats up as Matt's skepticism collides with Isaiah's enthusiasm for Bitcoin's possibilities. Is it a revolutionary financial tool or an overhyped digital asset? They explore Bitcoin's various roles - from a store of value to a medium of exchange - and its potential to shake up the financial sector. But it's not all theoretical discussion. The debate tackles real-world challenges head-on, including the looming specter of government regulations and how they might shape Bitcoin's future.

The Bitcoin Debate: Risks and Benefits with Guests Isaiah Douglass and David DeCelle [Episode 280]

Resources in today's episode:

- Matt Jarvis: Website | LinkedIn
- Isaiah Douglass: Website | LinkedIn
- David DeCelle: Website | LinkedIn

In this recap episode, Amber shares highlights about effective leadership in your practice with your team and maintaining professionalism in client relationships. Matt and Micah kicked off the week by emphasizing the importance of mastering essential skills to elevate your practice. They stressed the significance of setting clear expectations when bringing on new team members, whether they're junior advisors or support staff, highlighted common pitfalls in leadership, such as failing to establish firm boundaries and non-negotiable standards.

The conversation then shifted to professionalism in financial advising, with Jamie Shilanski joined by her father, Floyd. They discussed the unique challenge financial advisors face in succinctly describing their profession compared to other professionals like doctors or lawyers. Floyd shares insights on effectively communicating the value of financial planning services, emphasizing the importance of putting clients first and charging according to the value provided.

Resources in today's episode:

- Episode Website
- Learning Opportunity or Time To Go [Episode 279]
- A Tangent with Floyd Shilanski

In this episode, Jamie and Floyd Shilanski offer a fresh perspective on professionalism in financial planning. They explore the evolving landscape of the industry, from the growth-focused early stages of an advisor's career to the nuanced expertise of seasoned professionals. They tackle a provocative question: what does it truly mean to be a professional in this field? They argue that recognizing and charging for one's value is not just acceptable, but necessary.

Jamie and Floyd don't overlook the human element of financial advisory. They delve into the art of building trust and strong relationships with clients, acknowledging the emotional aspects that often underpin financial decisions. The conversation also touches on generational differences in approaching finance careers, offering insights into how the profession is perceived and pursued by different age groups.

A Tangent with Floyd Shilanski

In this conversation, Matt and Micah tackle the crucial yet often underestimated topic of leadership and team management in financial advisory practices and explore the transformative impact of establishing clear expectations and firm boundaries with team members. They make a compelling case for why effective leaders must stand unwavering on key issues such as punctuality, integrity, and mutual respect.

Matt and Micah vividly demonstrate how unclear boundaries can lead to team discord, potentially undermining even the most promising practices. They balance these cautionary tales with inspiring insights, emphasizing that exemplary leadership begins with self-accountability and embracing the high standards one expects from others.

Learning Opportunity or Time To Go [Episode 279]

Resources in today's episode:

- Micah Shilanski: Website | LinkedIn
- Matt Jarvis: Website | LinkedIn

In this recap episode, Amber shares highlights about professionalism and navigating reality in a digital world. On Monday, Matt and Micah discussed the often-overlooked aspects of professionalism that can make or break an advisor's success. They emphasized that true excellence lies in the details – from punctuality to dress code and that human connection remains paramount in financial advising. On Thursday, Jamie explored the double-edged sword of technology – its convenience and entertainment value versus its potential for distraction and unrealistic comparisons. Jamie offered practical advice for maintaining a healthy digital balance, including setting time limits for entertainment and using filters to prioritize what truly matters. The discussion serves as a reminder that success isn't about matching others' perceived achievements, but about aligning actions with personal values and long-term goals.

Resources in today's episode:

- Episode Website
- Yes, It Is Your Dress [Episode 278]
- Is This The Grind?