How does understanding a client's money story transform financial planning? Going from “answer man” to “question person” is uncomfortable, but Ross Marino encourages advisors to take the plunge. Two questions is all it takes to have more gratifying and enlightening conversations with clients.“You have to take a human first approach. Some people get it quickly, and they start doing it early on in their career. For me, it took a few decades, but better to be slow than stupid.”Key Takeaways:Embracing a human-first approach doesn't require a seismic shift—start by simply shifting the conversation.Understanding clients' money stories can profoundly impact your financial planning recommendations.The benefits of conducting "rediscovery" meetings and tactics for initiating the conversion.Connect with us: Ross Marino on LinkedInZach Conway on LinkedIn Kelsey McKenna on LinkedIn Resources Mentioned:SHIFT ConferenceSeeds InvestorAsk Zach and Kelsey a question!

Many financial advisors find themselves juggling the roles of advisor and business owner. To grow effectively, founders should focus on one role and seek support for the other.Advisors want to maintain their independence and brand identity but struggle to build a business from scratch without substantial infrastructure. This creates a dilemma: join a larger firm and lose some autonomy, or go entirely independent and face overwhelming operational burdens.This week, Zach Conway and Kelsey McKenna are joined by Katrina Soelter and Leighann Miko, co-founders of Avise. Avise is an RIA co-op that provides advisors with the administrative resources they need to build their ideal practice. Learn how advisors can maintain control while offloading burdensome tasks, leading to greater long-term success and client satisfaction.Connect with us: Katrina Soelter on LinkedInLeighann Miko on LinkedInZach Conway on LinkedIn Kelsey McKenna on LinkedIn Want to learn more about how Seeds Investor can assess investors’ true investing preferences, personalize portfolios, and present engaging insights–all in one digital solution? Then be sure to click on the links below!Seeds Investor WebsiteOur BlogAsk Zach and Kelsey a question!

The younger generations want to give and receive financial advice in a drastically different manner than Gen X and those before them. By creating an authentic company culture that emphasizes the importance of human connection and cross-generational sharing, firms can both serve and attract the next generation of investors and employees. Zach Conway and Kelsey McKenna chat with the highly accomplished Dr. Preston Cherry about how to have build human connections with the younger generations. Connect with us: Dr. Preston Cherry on LinkedInZach Conway on LinkedIn Kelsey McKenna on LinkedIn Want to learn more about how Seeds Investor can assess investors’ true investing preferences, personalize portfolios, and present engaging insights–all in one digital solution? Then be sure to click on the links below!Seeds Investor WebsiteOur BlogAsk Zach and Kelsey a question!

When financial advisors are asked at conferences if they feel like a client’s therapist, almost always, an entire room raises its hands. With a majority of advisors not trained in therapeutic techniques, they are left to navigate the emotional aspects of money management. Brian Portnoy, Founder of Shaping Wealth, joins Zach Conway, and Kelsey McKenna to discuss how advisors need to embrace "human-centric" advice while staying on the correct side of the line from a therapeutic standpoint, based on their qualifications.Connect with us: Brian Portnoy on LinkedInZach Conway on LinkedIn Kelsey McKenna on LinkedIn Want to learn more about how Seeds Investor can assess investors’ true investing preferences, personalize portfolios, and present engaging insights–all in one digital solution? Then be sure to click on the links below!Seeds Investor WebsiteOur BlogAsk Zach and Kelsey a question!

With many modern clients walking away from legacy firms, advisors must ask themselves how they can adapt to serve their clients’ needs. Anthony Stich, a seasoned Chief Revenue Officer, Chief Growth Officer, and Chief Marketing Officer, sits down with Zach Conway and Kelsey McKenna to dive into why some advisors shy away from new technology and best practices for firms looking to embrace the digital landscape. Technology doesn’t have to be intimidating. It is a tool to help advisors scale their business efficiently. Connect with us: Anthony Stich on LinkedInZach Conway on LinkedIn Kelsey McKenna on LinkedIn Want to learn more about how Seeds Investor can assess investors’ true investing preferences, personalize portfolios, and present engaging insights–all in one digital solution? Then be sure to click on the links below!Seeds Investor WebsiteOur BlogAsk Zach and Kelsey a question!

In an industry where broad appeal is commonplace, creating a niche is the path to scaling your business. Join Zach Conway and Kelsey McKenna as they sit down with Guillaume Decalf, CEO of Oui Financial, to break down defining your niche, the value of “free” advice, and targeting the right audience. Guillaume Decalf’s extensive background is a masterclass for new and seasoned advisors, providing strategies and best practices to define and serve your clientele. Connect with us: Guillaume Decalf on LinkedInOui Financial Zach Conway on LinkedIn Kelsey McKenna on LinkedIn Want to learn more about how Seeds Investor can assess investors’ true investing preferences, personalize portfolios, and present engaging insights–all in one digital solution? Then be sure to click on the links below!Seeds Investor WebsiteOur BlogAsk Zach and Kelsey a question!

Some businesses can achieve initial growth but struggle to later get to the next level. Or worse, they get to the next level of financial success but at the cost of good culture. Michael Batnick, CFA, joins Zach Conway and Kelsey McKenna to discuss leading with culture, effective hiring strategies, and building a strong foundation for your business.  Michael Batnick’s insights bring new perspectives to leaders, with his experiences at Ritholtz Wealth Management serving as an example for businesses looking to grow. Connect with us: Michael Batnick on LinkedIn Ritholtz Wealth Management Zach Conway on LinkedIn Kelsey McKenna on LinkedIn Want to learn more about how Seeds Investor can better assess investors, personalize portfolios, and present engaging insights–all in one digital solution? Then be sure to click on the links below!Seeds Investor WebsiteOur BlogAsk Zach and Kelsey a question!

The financial advisory world is at a crossroads. There are over 109,000 financial advisors today, with around 40% of them planning to retire in the next ten years. That leaves a big gap to fill. The next generation has plenty of talent, but the challenge is getting them to step up and stick around. Zach Conway and Kelsey McKenna hear from Jamie Hopkins Esq., LLM, CFP, ChFC, CLU, and RICP, who shares his insights into why it's been tough to draw new talent into the wealth management industry and what the industry can do to fix the problem. Jamie Hopkins brings a wealth of experience and expertise to the podcast, sharing how the FinServ Foundation and Bryn Mawr Capital Management are revolutionizing their spaces. Connect with us: Zach Conway on LinkedIn Kelsey McKenna on LinkedIn Jamie Hopkins on LinkedIn FinServ Foundation Bryn Mawr Capital ManagementRichard Brandon’s “Disruptive Entrepreneurship”Alex Hormozi’s 100M Leads: How To Get Strangers to Want to Buy Your Stuff Want to learn more about how Seeds Investor can better assess investors, personalize portfolios, and present engaging insights–all in one digital solution? Then be sure to click on the links below!Seeds Investor WebsiteOur BlogAsk Zach and Kelsey a question!

Whether you're a seasoned advisor or a newcomer to the field, there is no question that the early days within the financial advisory world can be challenging. Join Zach Conway and Kelsey McKenna as we offer a candid look into the critical early stages of a financial advisor's career. We share real-life accounts from those who've walked the path and insights on the necessary “scrappiness” and adaptability required to make it past the make-or-break first three years.Our conversation goes beyond conventional wisdom, probing into how critical reflection and review are when growing a business. Embodying authenticity and defining your persona allows you to create a real connection with your clientele.Connect with us!Follow Zach Conway on LinkedInFollow Kelsey McKenna on LinkedInWant to learn more about how Seeds Investor can better assess investors, personalize portfolios, and present engaging insights–all in one digital solution? Then be sure to click on the links below!Seeds Investor WebsiteOur BlogAsk Zach and Kelsey a question!

Have you ever wondered how the complex maze of technology can be harnessed to fuel business growth? Join Zach Conway and Kelsey McKenna on a journey through the ever-evolving world of advisor tech, where we share our hard-earned insights from our own experience starting Seeds Investor. Hear about the pivotal moments and strategic choices that led us to build an investment platform with the client's journey at its core, and why we believe in the profound impact of aligning tech with human relationships.But it's not all about the tech; it's about the people it serves and those who wield it. We reflect on the importance of fostering independence in business operations, enabling growth, and even preparing for a potential sale, all while keeping client experiences personal and distinctive. Plus, get a glimpse into the dynamic of our recent all-hands meeting, offering lessons on teamwork and innovation in addressing customer needs within the asset management and tech realm. Want to learn more about how Seeds Investor can better assess investors, personalize portfolios, and present engaging insights–all in one digital solution? Then be sure to click on the links below!Seeds Investor WebsiteOur BlogAsk Zach and Kelsey a question!

Join us this week as we chat with Michael Conway, CEO of Conway Wealth, about financial plan that can cover all bases. In this conversation, we cut through the complexity of holistic financial planning and discuss the multifaceted roles financial advisors play beyond managing investments. Delve into how being your personal CFO, from estate planning to insurance and cash flow, could solidify your financial future.Want to learn more about how Seeds Investor can better assess investors, personalize portfolios, and present engaging insights–all in one digital solution? Then be sure to click on the links below!Seeds Investor WebsiteOur BlogAsk Zach and Kelsey a question!

Ever wonder how some startups transform into powerhouses? Your hosts, Zach Conway and Kelsey McKenna from Seeds Investor, are going to explore the mindset and processes behind  the growth-focused terrain of the startup world. We dissect Jeff Weiner's 'vision to values' framework, revealing how a company's core beliefs can steer every team member toward a shared goal of consistent and sustainable expansion. With insights from our work at Seeds, we offer a practical blueprint for advisory businesses and startups alike on cultivating a culture hungry for growth.Want to learn more about how Seeds Investor can better assess investors, personalize portfolios, and present engaging insights–all in one digital solution? Then be sure to click on the links below!Seeds Investor WebsiteOur BlogAsk Zach and Kelsey a question!

Are your investments truly reflecting your individual story and values? In today’s episode of From the Ground Up, we want to highlight some possible ways you as a financial advisor can help your clients understand that you see them as more than just another entry on their balance sheet. Today, we address the alarming trend of a 90% shift away from legacy financial advisors by affluent investors and dissect what this means for the future of personalized financial guidance. Our exploration delves into the essence of feeling understood and the crucial role this plays in forging sustainable client-advisor relationships.We wrap up with strategic insights into aligning investment portfolios with the deeply held values and aspirations of investors, ensuring they are not only heard but truly understood. We hope you'll walk away with practical tips on optimizing processes and communication strategies to better serve a diverse clientele, reinforcing the critical balance of personalization and scalability in today's financial advisory landscape.Want to learn more about how Seeds Investor can better assess investors, personalize portfolios, and present engaging insights–all in one digital solution? Then be sure to click on the links below!Seeds Investor WebsiteOur BlogAsk Zach and Kelsey a question!

On today’s episode of From the Ground Up, Zach Conway and Kelsey McKenna peel back the layers of history to reveal why performance numbers have taken center stage and how advisors can spotlight their true strengths instead. Listen as we  shift the focus back to the art of holistic financial planning. This isn't just about portfolios; it's about crafting a client journey that resonates with the comprehensive counsel that only a seasoned advisor can provide.Want to learn more about how Seeds Investor can better assess investors, personalize portfolios, and present engaging insights–all in one digital solution? Then be sure to click on the links below!Seeds Investor WebsiteOur BlogAsk Zach and Kelsey a question!

On this first episode of From the Ground Up, Zach Conway and Kelsey McKenna dive into the transformation sweeping through investment advising. We're not just talking numbers and charts here – we're diving into the human stories behind the portfolios, the values driving investment choices, and why a sleek, digital experience matters for financial advisors and their clients. Join us as we unpack the delicate dance between modernizing operations and keeping those ever-important client relationships thriving.No jargon, no fluff; just insights on how to navigate the investment advisory landscape with heart and smarts. Tune in, and let's grow together.Want to learn more about how Seeds Investor can better assess investors, personalize portfolios, and present engaging insights–all in one digital solution? Then be sure to click on the links below!Seeds Investor WebsiteOur BlogAsk Zach and Kelsey a question!