Most advisors think trust begins at the first meeting.

In reality, prospects have already made up their minds long before that conversation ever happens.

In this episode of In Good Order, host Ben Braverman sits down with Joel Crampton, founder of CMO Alpha and author of Trailblazing Growth, to discuss how today’s consumers spend roughly 75% of their buying journey researching before they ever reach out.

By the time a prospect contacts an advisor, they have already reviewed the website, scanned LinkedIn, and formed an opinion about credibility, clarity, and trust.

This conversation explores:
• Why the client journey starts earlier than most advisors realize
• How niche marketing creates clarity even when it feels uncomfortable
• Where advisors unintentionally lose trust before the first meeting
• Why strategy matters more than tactics in modern marketing
• How the fractional CMO model helps firms grow with focus and intention

If your business depends on trust, long-term relationships, and high-stakes decisions, this episode will change how you think about growth.

Follow In Good Order for thoughtful conversations on leadership, marketing, and building businesses that operate with clarity and purpose.

IGO Ep. 13 | Why Most Advisors Avoid Taxes (and Why That’s a Mistake)

🎥 Watch the full episode on YouTube (recommended for this episode):
👉 https://youtu.be/KkB86xhFv7k

In this episode of In Good Order, Ben Braverman is joined by Tyler Randall to unpack one of the most avoided but impactful topics in retirement planning: taxes.

Advisors often hesitate to lead tax conversations because the rules feel complex, overwhelming, or uncertain. Meanwhile, many clients are quietly exposed to significant future tax liabilities through traditional retirement accounts, IRMAA surcharges, and changing legislation.

This conversation focuses on how Roth conversions and tax efficiency can materially improve retirement outcomes when framed correctly.

You’ll hear:

• Why legislative risk makes today’s tax rules far from permanent

• How Roth conversions can reduce lifetime tax burden

• Where IRMAA fees catch high-income retirees off guard

• How breakeven analysis helps clients make confident decisions

• Tools and visual frameworks that simplify tax conversations

• Why advisors who lead with tax strategy grow faster and retain more clients

This episode is especially visual, which is why watching on YouTube is strongly recommended to see the frameworks and examples discussed.

In Good Order is a podcast for advisors and professionals focused on clarity, structure, and better decision-making in finance and business.

Join us in this episode of IGO as Colin Stroud, founder of Go Somewhere, reveals how to maximize credit card points for travel. Learn about using points as a forced savings account for vacations, selecting the right credit cards, and strategies for business owners to leverage points effectively. Colin also discusses the emotional value of travel experiences and offers webinars to help financial professionals engage their clients.

In this episode of "In Good Order," Ben Braverman from SMS Financial Solutions sits down with Heather Bunja of the Admin Effect to explore innovative strategies for financial advisors. Discover how the Admin Effect is transforming the way advisors manage their operations, from pre-filling annuity applications to conducting AUM rollover calls. Heather shares insights on how their services save time and boost revenue, helping advisors focus on growth. Tune in for practical advice and success stories that can elevate your practice.

Join Ben and Nate Self from GILICO as they explore the golden age of annuities in this episode of IGO. Discover the power of guaranteed index rates, the importance of transparency, and the benefits of long-term products with high minimum floor guarantees. Learn how GILICO's innovative strategies provide certainty and flexibility for both advisors and clients.

In this episode of IGO, Ben Braverman and Jason Raitz delve into the art of communication for financial advisors. Discover how effective communication builds trust and enhances client relationships. Learn the power of storytelling and story catching, and gain practical insights to elevate your communication skills. Tune in to transform your client interactions and unlock new levels of success.

In Episode 8 of "In Good Order," host Ben Braverman sits down with Sheryl J. Moore, a renowned expert in the insurance industry, to explore the dynamic world of indexed annuities. Discover why this might be the golden age for annuities, learn about the latest trends, and understand how interest rates and market performance influence these financial products. Whether you're a seasoned financial professional or new to the field, this episode is packed with insights and practical knowledge to help you navigate the evolving landscape of annuities.

Highlights:

The current state and future of indexed annuities Innovations and trends reshaping the annuity market The role of education in empowering financial professionals

Tune in to gain valuable insights and stay ahead in the financial world. Don't forget to follow and share with your network!

In this episode of IGO, Ben Braverman sits down with Brian Hickey from Insureactive to explore the transformative power of Medicare Backoffice for financial advisors. Discover how leveraging Medicare can serve as a strategic moat, enhance client relationships, and drive new business opportunities. Whether you're a seasoned advisor or new to the field, this conversation offers valuable insights into integrating Medicare into your practice. Tune in to learn how to protect and grow your business with expert advice from industry leaders.

LinkedIn is one of the most powerful platforms for financial professionals — but most advisors aren’t using it to its full potential.

In this episode of In Good Order, Ben Braverman talks with Sydney Cullen Lawrence about how to unlock organic growth through smarter client personas, authentic content, meaningful engagement, and even AI tools.

We cover:
✅ Delivering value at zero cost through LinkedIn
✅ Making your profile speak directly to your target client
✅ Using AI to develop sharper client personas
✅ Engagement vs. “post and ghost”
✅ Leveraging analytics to refine your content strategy
✅ How to comment with intent to build relationships
✅ Shifting the conversation from products to benefits

If you’ve been wondering how to turn LinkedIn into a real client acquisition channel, this episode is packed with practical strategies you can put to work immediately.

Most advisors know they need to stand out, but too many still rely on cookie-cutter marketing that doesn’t connect.

In this episode of In Good Order, Ben Braverman sits down with Matt Halloran, co-founder of ProudMouth, to unpack what authentic branding and influence really mean for financial professionals today. From podcasting to personal storytelling, Matt shares how to build trust at scale while staying true to who you are.

We cover:
✅ Why authentic branding beats “corporate speak” every time
✅ The role of podcasting and content in creating predictable growth
✅ Mindset shifts advisors need to build influence
✅ Practical steps to connect with your ideal clients
✅ Lessons from Matt’s personal journey and top advisor brands

If you’re ready to sharpen your message, stand out in a crowded market, and grow with confidence — this episode is packed with insight to help you get there.