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Welcome to AdvisorTrends, the podcast where we explore the moves, strategies, and insights shaping the future of financial advising. I’m your host, and today, we’re talking baseball.
That’s right—baseball season is back next week, and with it comes the kind of optimism that financial advisors know well. It’s the feeling of fresh starts, tight game plans, and looking for the edge that’ll help you win all season long.
And speaking of strategy—there’s a new biography climbing the New York Times Best Sellers list that caught our attention. It’s called Earl Weaver: Baseball’s Relentless Genius, by John W. Miller. Now, if you’re a student of the game—or just remember the golden age of the Orioles—you know the name. Earl Weaver was the legendary manager of the Baltimore Orioles from the late ’60s through the mid-’80s. Fiery, brilliant, ahead of his time.
But here’s the thing. As a financial advisor, there’s a lot you can learn from how Earl Weaver managed a baseball team. In fact, his philosophy feels like a playbook for running a modern advisory practice.
Let’s dig in.
First off—know your numbers cold. Weaver didn’t trust gut feelings. He tracked stats, matchups, and tendencies on handwritten index cards. He was using data before data was cool.
Sound familiar? The best advisors today are numbers-driven. They use CRMs, planning software, portfolio analytics. They understand which clients are growing, which segments are profitable, and what their real margins are. Data drives better decisions—for your clients and your business.
Next—stick to a winning philosophy. Earl had one: pitching, defense, and the three-run homer. No bunts. No wasted outs. Just high-percentage plays that moved the needle.
Your version might be planning, risk management, and tax-smart strategies. Whatever it is—know it, own it, and execute it. Advisors who try to be everything to everyone often end up losing focus, and clients can tell.
Third—maximize matchups. Weaver was a master at this. He’d shuffle the lineup, bring in pinch hitters, and play the odds.
For advisors, it’s about fit. Are you working with the right clients? Are you in the right environment to thrive? Is your broker-dealer giving you the support, tech, and freedom you need to deliver your best performance? If not, that’s a bad matchup—and it may be time to rethink the lineup.
Now—say it straight. Weaver didn’t sugarcoat. He was direct, but his players respected him. They knew he had their backs.
Clients want that same honesty. They want an advisor who tells them the truth, even when markets are rocky or the plan needs adjusting. That kind of candor builds long-term trust..
And speaking of backing your team—Weaver was legendary for getting ejected from games to defend his players.
As an advisor, you’re in your clients’ corner. Whether it’s helping them navigate a major life event, a bear market, or a tough tax year, you’re the one stepping up to bat for them. That advocacy? It matters more than you think.
Now here’s one more thing—consistency wins. Weaver never had a losing record in his first 14 years. He didn’t just have good seasons—he built a system that worked year in and year out.
That’s what we’re all aiming for as advisors. Not just a good quarter. Not just a solid AUM number. But a practice that performs, delivers, and scales consistently—over time.
But let’s be real. Not everyone’s in the right place to make that happen.
Earl Weaver only ever managed one team: the Baltimore Orioles.. And for many financial advisors, that’s the story too.
When the fit is right...
But what if your story is different?
What if your current firm no longer has the technology you need? What if your growth feels capped? What service and support aren’t what they used to be?
That’s when it’s time to talk to a transition consultant like 3xEquity. We help advisors get clarity, explore new opportunities, and secure transition offers—confidentially and without commitment.