The Definition of Motivation
A dictionary definition of Motivation, “giving of reason to act, incentive”. I still remember the early 90’s, new to the financial services industry, I would
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Let’s start with the assumption that both the client and the advisor are well intentioned.
I believe that even with the best of intentions clients can become unhappy with their advisors because they do not know how to search out a good match.
Let us go over that again:
“I believe that even with the best of intentions, clients may become unhappy with their financial advisors or brokers because they do not ensure that their goals are compatible with the way the advisor runs his/her practice.”
What is left out? After you go through this list are you done? No.
No one is paying enough attention to investment style. When I was just starting out I participated in a Trade Show. Two dentists pulled me aside and asked, “Why should we give you our money? What makes you different?” I blew it. I went through #’s A (1) -(8), and so did every other person there trying to woo those potential clients.
We are all different, so the question in this situation could have been, “I have had bad experiences, why will working with you be different?” And, “Why do I need you?
Every Investment Advisor has a unique style, and although many seem to resemble each other, very few are similar. If only 5% of advisors overlap in approach, and only 5% of clients want that approach, statistically you will find the perfect match by chance not research.
Dealerships know this, and I believe this is one of the reasons they provide packaged portfolios of stocks that fall into defined categories like, “fixed income”, or “US large cap”. There are too many variations out there and the average broker cannot customize portfolios for every client, and not every client can describe clearly his or her needs.
I will give you an example of a very unhappy client. There are thousands of variations on this theme, and remember our assumption that both the client and the advisor have the best of intentions.
Client is looking for an advisor and Advisor X has been referred. Friend who referred said he was getting great returns, no administration problems, advisor available by phone, meetings twice a year. Reputable firm, advisor had twenty years of experience, and had a MBA from a good business school. The annual client appreciation night was a wow! Super fun.
Investments are transferred. But Advisor X and Mr. Client are not communicating. Over time Advisor X calls are somewhat strained, and meetings occur once a year, and not at all one year. The relationship has deteriorated, neither is communicating with the other, and lower returns could be the result.
This situation occurs frequently, and that accounts for high client turnover rates and capitulation. Let us look at that initial portfolio and maybe we can pinpoint the problem.
At the initial meeting Mr. Client was delighted to see the number of stocks in Advisor X’s sample portfolio which were identical or mirrored his own investments. The two got along well and Mr. Client was relieved to have met this engaging professional Advisor.
What went wrong? At the time Mr. Client and Advisor X had their meeting, interest rates were low and the economy was recovering. The climate for risk was subdued. Both portfolios had high content in utilities, preferred shares and corporations that were former income trusts. Mr. Client was investing for growth. His portfolio reflected his belief that this combination of “safe” stocks with cash flow would take him to the next growth cycle. Advisor X specialized in generating income from portfolios for low risk, mostly retired, clients. Like two ships meeting in the night going in opposite directions. When public interest in growth returned, and even momentum in technology, Mr. Client could not communicate his need for recommendations that followed this guideline, which was, after all, his consistent focus. Advisor X was risk averse and could not redirect his focus and time to a one-off client who was, statistically, wrong.
(a visionary may be too early and an accountant may be too late)
I think that in addition to the first eight criteria of Part A, these twenty-two questions would highlight future problems. Note, if anyone had questioned me in this way, however nicely, during an introductory meeting, I may have bolted for the door! So be considerate.
My observation is that most people who believe that Advisors are commission hungry, not knowledgeable and dishonest, have a history of miss-match in method, focus, and style. Because the industry is trending to homogenizing the client/advisor experience, the only way to determine if the person sitting in front of you will be compatible is by asking the bold and unusual questions. And to be wise in searching for that good match. I do have a strong belief that a client/advisor relationship based on natural advantages works for most people. I am biased, nevertheless, on www.cashplan.ca there is a short description of conation and the Kolbe A Index. Please contact me at info@cashplan.ca for more information.
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