The Advice Business Podcast

Scrappy Marketing Tactics to Kickstart Lead Gen In this episode, co-hosts Kelsey McKenna and Zach Conway explore high-quality lead generation strategies in wealth management, emphasizing the need to move beyond traditional SEO by directly engaging with target audiences and leveraging customer feedback. Drawing from real-world examples like Ritholtz’s multi-media approach and Facebook group engagem...

In our season finale, we look back on the past 25 episodes. We’re grateful for the lessons, laughter, and even tough moments that have shaped our journey. We talk about keeping clients, meeting compliance, and using personality insights to build a stronger team. This season has been all about sharing what we’re learning along the way, and as we look forward to season two, we’re excited to bring yo...

What if the future of financial advising is more personal, tech-savvy, and engaging? In this episode, Andrew Evans, CEO of Rossby Financial, shares how he's putting the industry on notice with new technology inspired by Disney’s "plussing the park." We also look back on the Future Proof festival—celebrating progress, tackling challenges, and turning excitement into real action. Our...

In this episode, we explore how AI can help financial advisors by handling routine tasks, letting them focus more on building personal connections with clients. We also discuss why clients sometimes leave, even when they seem happy, and offer tips for client retention, like clearly articulating the value of your services. Plus, we talk about the importance of understanding clients on a deeper leve...

In this episode of From the Ground Up, we discuss strategies for startups deciding whether to hire new talent, improve current systems, or use technology to tackle growth challenges. We highlight the risks of staying complacent, especially for advisors nearing retirement, and debate whether bringing in fresh expertise is better than optimizing existing processes. We also dive into overlooked issue...

In this episode, we explore how to build and keep customer trust from sales to onboarding. Learn practical tips for handling setbacks, improving customer satisfaction, and why hands-on leadership with direct customer engagement is key to growth. Plus, enjoy a fun Taylor Swift quiz and insights on modern investments. And stay tuned until the end to hear which Buzzfeed quiz they take this time!  Con...

In this episode of "From the Ground Up," Kelsey and Zach discuss what they hear from advisors about growth. While many advisors and other types of business may say they want to grow, what do they really mean? Are they seeking growth in the current business model? Are they talking about changing their business model? Or do they really just mean that they want to make sure they protect the...

Ever wondered what sets an early-stage startup apart from traditional businesses? Join Kelsey McKenna and Zach Conway on "From the Ground Up" as they dive into the essence of early-stage companies. Through listener questions and personal stories, they explore the unique challenges and opportunities startups face, from vision and growth strategies to real-world paths to success. Discover...

Ever felt like quitting when setbacks hit your new business? We've been there and come out stronger. Join us as we share actionable strategies for staying motivated and tackling challenges head-on.   Remote teams can thrive, but how do you build genuine connections when everyone is miles apart? From quarterly in-person meetings to intentional communication, we uncover secrets to effective rem...

What if you’re solving a problem that isn’t really the problem? In this episode of “From The Ground Up,” Zach Conway and Kelsey McKenna explore how misdiagnosing business problems can just lead to more problems rather than solutions. They also cover how perceived industry trends may not always be your best guide in making business decisions. Instead, direct customers should be the most critical vo...

The product you're selling is of course important. It needs to deliver on something that solves a critical problem for your customer. But your customer ultimately has many different problems that your product doesn’t solve. They’re facing other complexities and questions beyond the scope of your solution. In this episode of From The Group Up, Zach Conway and Kelsey McKenna host a conversation...

Why do many people still misunderstand the value of financial advisors? Zach Conway and Kelsey McKenna dissect a conversation with a startup expert who doesn't use an advisor. Discover how to communicate value, address misconceptions head-on, and connect with clients on a deeper level. Connect with us:  Zach Conway on LinkedIn   Kelsey McKenna on LinkedIn   Want to learn more about how Seeds...

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 o...

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 enti...

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 accomplis...

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 "h...

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 digita...

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 s...

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 perspecti...

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 shar...

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 “scrappi...

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&...

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 f...

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 consiste...

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 a...