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Two Mistakes Financial Advisors Make in an Elevator Speech

  • By Ironstone
  • |
  • May 21, 2014

Two-Mistakes-Financial-Advisors-Make-In-A-Elevator-Speech

I’m asked this question almost daily, “What is it that you do?” In a matter of seconds, I can stumble and fumble for the words or have a clearly defined answer that inspires further conversation.

Two Key Mistakes To Avoid:

Two key mistakes that typically occur as firms create their value proposition:

  • The value proposition does not trigger others to ask questions.
  • The team is unable to communicate the firm’s message.

A value proposition cannot be a vague description of the products and services you offer but should create a distinct fingerprint to set your practice apart from others. Your message needs to communicate in one or two sentences who you serve, what your business does, and why it is valuable.

Three Questions You Need To Answer:

These three questions need to be answered prior to creating your value proposition. You are welcome to use any of the following examples:

  1. Who do you serve?
  • Describe your target market
  1. What are the needs and challenges of your clients and prospects?
  •  Tax efficient investing
  •  Estate planning
  •  Knowing how much money is enough to retire
  •  Income generation
  •  How to respond to market volatility
  1. How do you offer value to your clients? – How will you satisfy their needs?
  • Ease nervousness during market volatility
  • Relieve major concerns about retirement
  • Ensure their legacy will live on for the next generation
  • Develop wealth management plans based on personal goals, objectives, and risk tolerance
Extra Tips To Consider:
  • Create interest by telling a short story.
  • Focus on your client’s point of view.
  • Choose two or three keywords – using a few industry keywords will likely spark interest and motivate others to ask more about your unique value offering.
  • Differentiate yourself from your competitors – you will not be able to accomplish this based on products alone.
  • Keep it simple and professional – avoid trying to develop a catchy phrase that ends up sounding silly.
A Value Proposition Template:

Use the template below to start crafting your value proposition.

“We serve ____________________ (target market) who ____________________ (describe clients/prospects needs and challenges) our ______________________ (describe product/services using keywords) that  _____________________________________ (describe the value and benefit your clients/prospects receive).”

Position yourself as someone who understands where your clients and prospects are coming from, where they are going, and what they need along the journey to reach their destination.

If you need help creating a unique value proposition for your firm, or would just like to run yours past us, don’t hesitate to leave us a comment or email our team.

The foundation of our Performance Coaching and Consulting Programs are based on Ironstone’s Fundamental 4™, which is essential to design, develop, and drive a successful business. Our ultimate goal is to help you avoid trial and error; and shift your mindset to launch your process of intentional change. [LEARN MORE]

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Author Bio

Ironstone is a learning and development consultancy with business acumen that translates across many industries. Our focus is on practice management strategies in order to enhance and improve both business and personal life. We support professionals who want major and comprehensive improvements that look at all aspects not just an isolated area for change. Ironstone has identified 4 key performance areas known as the Fundamental 4™, which are required to design, develop, and sustain a successful business.

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