Monday Morning Mojo

The neighborhood "fix-it-guru" has the ability to improve regular objects to a condition even better than brand new; are you doing the same for your clients? In today's episode, we explore the importance of using your knowledge and talents to ensure that your client's experience is transformed from good to excellent.     

In today's tense political climate, it can seem impossible to hold calm and productive conversation with people who have contrasting views from you. However, by being open to these discussions, you will likely be surprised by the amount of values you actually have in common. Today we explore the importance of shifting the focus to points of agreement instead of disagreement. Listen in as we outlin...

Building systems and processes that go beyond their basic requirements is one way to ensure preparedness and adaptability. However, when your systems go excessively beyond their basic requirements, it can create unnecessary obstacles and complications. Today, we discuss the challenge of maintaining the balance between overengineering your systems and over-complicating them. Once you achieve this b...

Whether you are passive or aggressive in regard to taking on activities that could lead to a mistake, we all make blunders. It is not in the making of a mistake that defines us. Rather, it's how we respond to it. There are 5 key steps to a successful recovery of a mistake. Join us as we explore how to acknowledge our error, deal with the adversity following the misstep, and learn how to earn redem...

Though there is strength in numbers, it only takes the actions and attitude of one employee to make a lasting impression on a client. As such, it is absolutely vital that each member of your team understands their potential impact on and their responsibilities to clients. Join us as we explore how to substantially improve your firm's reputation by training each and every employee to make concerted...

Like your physical health, a healthy professional career also requires constant attention and evaluation. While it can be uncomfortable to have your strengths and weaknesses scrutinized, it is a key process to ensure that you are performing to the best of your abilities. As you offer advice and consultance to your clients, we encourage you to open yourself up to be advised and coached as well. Lis...

If you believe that your clients prefer a purely professional relationship, you may want to rethink your understanding. Bringing a level of personality to your relationships can enhance the experience for every party involved. In today's episode, we explore how moving the conversation from the office to a more personal location can make  the difference in establishing trust and loyalty with your c...

Hearing the phrase "I'll Take Care Of It" is comforting when you are in a crisis, but it's the actions following this mantra that bring genuine reassurance. By promptly delivering on the promises you make to your clients, you will lay the foundation for relationships built on trust and confidence. As the last third of the year begins, we challenge you to evaluate the delivery of your company's ser...

With the advent of and mounting dependence on social media outlets like Facebook and LinkedIn for connection and communication, it is imperative for professionals to develop interpersonal skills to distinguish themselves. Because our information is so easily accessed and disseminated, the ability to hold genuine, impactful conversation can be the difference between landing that big client or losin...

Are you guilty of writing off a piece of new information as unimportant or irrelevant simply because you don't understand it? While it is easy to dismiss challenging tasks or unfamiliar technology, we encourage you to make an effort to understand and overcome these obstacles. In most cases, you will be surprised by how far an open mind can take you. Being introduced to new ideas and technology is...

While team meetings can sometimes feel monotonous and unnecessary, they can actually be a key factor of a productive workplace when they are planned correctly. By keeping them quick and concise, team meetings vastly improve connectivity and communication between employees. Join us today as we explore the role of purposeful team meetings as a tool for improving communication within the workplace. B...

Have you ever cut a corner to get a job done? Have you ever shown disregard for a rule that you thought shouldn't apply to you? Of course, at one point or another, almost everybody has been guilty of breaking a rule, whether intentional or not. While these transgressions are generally minimal and relatively harmless, the problem arises when a person regularly and intentionally defies the rules. Li...

Do you take too narrow of an approach in defining your client? In order to continue serving our clients from generation to generation, it is essential that we transform the definition of "client" from an individual to the entire family unit. Join us as we explore the importance of including the whole family in financial planning. We challenge you to encourage longevity in your client relationships...

It is inevitable that undesirable situations will arise, and oftentimes they will be out of your control. However, failing to acknowledge the issue is never the appropriate course of action. By clearly communicating with all parties involved and acknowledging the problem, you can effectively do your part to diffuse the situation at hand. Your transparency will not go unrecognized, and those affect...

Confirmation bias (n.): "the tendency to process information by looking for, or interpreting, information that is consistent with one's existing beliefs." Because of the constant connectivity we experience today due to technological advancements, confirmation bias is more prevalent than ever. How can you combat this phenomenon to ensure that you learn from perspectives that differ from your own? R...

Communication is key to building trust in relationships. Do you know how to properly communicate? Has anyone ever taught you how to properly communicate? Probably not. Today, we aim to pinpoint the most important components of strong communication: respect, tone, speed, and consistency. We will discuss the ways in which to advance one's communication skills and further develop trust in professiona...

The significance of work extends far beyond the paycheck and the financial stability that comes as a result. Working creates an opportunity for us to not only make meaningful contributions to the world but also, elevate our self-esteem. This week, we challenge you to be proactive. Create opportunities for future generations to gain experience in professional work environments. The skills they will...

Let's think back to when we first started our professional careers. We had a go-getter mentality: taking opportunities, prospecting and seeking unique solutions. However, as time has gone by, we have found ourselves protecting the status we have built rather than searching for new, expansive opportunities. Citing an article by thought leader Patrick Lencioni, Phil emphasizes the importance of shif...

Many successful professionals attribute their long-term success to the passion they feel for the field in which they work. This makes sense, as passionate individuals are likely to feel more energized, more engaged, and more fulfilled than their counterparts. Today, we explore the power of passion and how we should use it to drive our careers. Though it may seem risky at first glance, you might be...

What is the most impactful life lesson have you learned? Where did it originate? Was it a person or experience that taught you this lesson? Throughout our lives, we learn many different lessons and these lessons come from life experiences, interactions with others and even society. Today, Phil shares with us five life lessons that he has learned  from both playing and observing the game of golf. R...

You're probably aware of the power and importance of having networks, both socially and professionally. Are you, however, properly managing and maintaining your networks? On this week's episode, we discuss the benefits that come from keeping consistent communication with your connections as well as the various methods in which you can do so. Join us as we discuss how and why we should aim to incre...

What is more important: price or quality? Many intellectuals would argue quality, and Phil agrees. By ensuring top quality service and working quickly and efficiently to fix problems, we can expect higher demand and customer satisfaction. Tune in as we explore the issue of fee compression in today's wealth management industry, noting how advisors should view it as an opportunity to better serve th...

On today's episode, Phil speaks to the value that can come from tackleing challenges. By making it a goal to pursue a number of tasks that with hard work and persistence can be completed within one year, he himself has learned what can come from new, seemingly difficult practices. Phil shares five takeaways that have surfaced throughout his recent endeavor of pursuing flight lessons. You too can a...

Amidst  the busyness and chaos of today's world, we, unfortunately, see too many examples of poor social behavior and lack of manners: on planes, in restaurants, and in offices. However, the way we engage with others—especially those who cannot offer us something—is a true reflection of our individual character. As humans, we seek positive self-esteem through our interactions with others; therefor...

We are far too often consumed by the aspects of our daily lives that we fail to spend time thinking about and checking in on the people most important to us. We owe it to these people to ensure that they know we are there for them in times of triumph and times of adversity. This week, we challenge you to make it a priority to call five people you genuinely care about and ask, "How are you doing?"...