Steal My Strategy

Imagine this: Deep trust, unmatched value, and clients who can’t stop talking about you. 

It’s time to ditch the awkward ask and start attracting new clients without even asking.

There’s no one better to show us the way than Bill Cates, The Original Referral Coach.

With decades of experience, Bill is a renowned expert in client engagement and referral marketing, known for helping financial advisors grow their businesses organically without the need for traditional sales tactics. 

In this special episode, Robert & Bill peel back the curtain on how advisors can generate referrals from clients without even asking, why the first 90 days with a new client are absolutely critical, and how to host events that get clients talking about you, in the best possible way.

And that’s just the start!

We Explore: 

• Why the first three months with a new client can make or break your referral pipeline
• How to generate referrals without ever mentioning the word "referral
• The type of content that turns engaged clients into your best referral sources
• How to transform your onboarding process into a relationship-building powerhouse
• And the MANY strategies Robert and Bill share that are data-driven and proven to deepen client relationships and generate referrals

Links to Check Out:

• WATCH the full video webinar HERE
• Get access to Bill’s FREE Referral Resources
• Listen to Bill’s Top Advisor Podcast

This episode was brought to you by snappykraken.com helping advisors create meaningful connections that drive business.

What if someone told you they could make the economy, markets, and fiscal policy not just understandable, but downright engaging?

Introducing Kyla Scanlon, an economic commentator and Bloomberg contributor, who has mastered the art of simplifying complex topics with a human touch.

In a world where these topics are often labeled as dry or boring, Kyla cuts through the noise, distilling complex concepts into bite-sized, relatable content that’s attracting audiences.

In this episode, we dive deep into Kyla's methods for making finance fun. From her knack for turning dry data into compelling stories to her ability to speak to her audience instead of at them, she shares her process that has earned her a devoted following.

And here's the kicker: financial advisors, take note. Kyla’s approach isn’t just entertaining—it’s educational.

We'll share how you can use these techniques to command attention, connect with your clients, and communicate what truly matters.

We Explore: 

• Why “boring” is not in Kyla’s vocabulary when it comes to finance
• How Kyla manages to create daily finance videos without sacrificing quality or accuracy
• The unconventional method to overcome the fear of being on camera
• How to transform your financial expertise into engaging, relatable content
• And the ONE strategy Kyla wants you to steal that’s the key to unlocking deeper connections with clients by tapping into their natural curiosity

Links to Check Out:

• Kyla’s Book, “In This Economy? How Money and Market Really Work.”
• Check out Kyla’s YouTube Channel
• Join Kyla’s Newsletter
• Listen to Kyla’s Podcast
• Connect with Kyla on X 

This episode was brought to you by snappykraken.com helping advisors create meaningful connections that drive business.

How many Elton Johns are there in the world?

Just one.

How many financial advisors like you?

Our guest today will reveal how you can stand out in your industry and become the rockstar of your financial practice.

Meet Matt Ackermann, Chief Content Officer at Integrated Partners. Matt is dedicated to showcasing the talents of over 200 financial advisors and thought leaders within the firm.

With over 25 years in wealth management, Matt has a knack for creating content that not only informs but also engages and inspires.

In this episode, you’ll get a backstage pass to Matt’s fresh perspective on practice management by drawing parallels between the methods famous musicians use to perfect their craft and the strategies advisors can implement to enhance their own practices. 

We Explore: 

• Why your brand needs to dance to its own tune (literally)—and how it makes you the star of your practice
• The surprising truth about the "helper mentality" and how it can set your brand apart
• Understanding the art of blending empathy and branding for maximum impact
• Learn the secrets used by legendary artists that can help you structure your practice for success and unstoppable growth
• And the ONE strategy Matt wants you to steal that ensures you'll showcase your brilliance while being entertaining

Links to Check Out:

• Matt’s book, “Center Stage: How to Become the Star of Your Practice.”
• Matt’s podcast, “Perfectly Integrated.”
• Connect with Matt on Twitter

This episode was brought to you by snappykraken.com helping advisors create meaningful connections that drive business.

Artificial intelligence is ubiquitous.

The pressure to adapt to AI-driven trends can be overwhelming, making it easier to rely more on AI for our creative processes.

Despite the pressures, there's a strong case for holding onto creative authenticity.

Leading the charge on protecting artistic integrity is none other than Snappy Kraken’s own Creative Director, Lindsay Pearson.

Her passion and desire to protect Snappy Kraken and the broader creative industry led us to having her on the show.

In this episode, we chat about the world of artificial intelligence and its impact on the creative industry, how to use AI tools for image generation and content creation while maintaining ethical standards, and the benefits, challenges, and future implications of AI in design.

We Explore: 

• Why AI is a double-edged sword no matter the industry
• How to ethically use AI tools for brainstorming and ideation
• Understanding the fine line between inspiration and imitation in AI-generated art
• How to strike the right balance between AI assistance and human creativity
• And the ONE strategy Lindsay wants you to steal for better AI prompting during brainstorming

Links to Check Out:

• See how Snappy Kraken is using AI to help financial advisors go from idea to finished email in minutes
• Discover more about Snappy Kraken’s AI features

This episode was brought to you by snappykraken.com helping advisors create meaningful connections that drive business.

In this very special episode of Steal My Strategy, we're republishing, with permission, a webinar featuring Robert Sofia, CEO of Snappy Kraken, who joined as a guest with Sean Brown, CEO of YCharts.

They discussed and revealed key takeaways from YCharts' 2024 Advisor-Client Communication Survey.

It was too good not to share.

To follow along with the presentation you can DOWNLOAD THE FREE REPORTS:

• YCharts' 2024 Advisor-Client Communication Survey: https://go.ycharts.com/2024-advisor-client-communication-survey
• Snappy Kraken’s 2024 State of Digital Report: https://snappykraken.com/state-of-digital

We Explore: 

• Navigate evolving client communication expectations amidst market shifts.
• Implement top-tier communication tactics to fortify client retention and spark referrals
• How to harness YCharts’ latest research and Snappy Kraken’s State of Digital report to tailor a client-centric approach for impactful AUM growth
• And the MANY Strategies Sean & Robert deliver that are data-driven and proven to deepen client relationships and drive engagement

Links to Check Out:

• WATCH the recording here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=h0lMvo7ZoFY 
• Stay Up-to-Date on All Future YCharts Webinars: https://go.ycharts.com/webinar
• Want to see how YCharts can enhance your investment research? Get started with a Free 7-Day Trial here: https://tinyurl.com/ysrdy97k
• Follow YCharts on social media: https://x.com/intent/follow?screen_name=ycharts

This episode was brought to you by snappykraken.com helping advisors create meaningful connections that drive business.

One of the most effective marketing tools is the positive experiences of your clients.

Potential clients trust firsthand satisfaction, making the experiences of others invaluable for building long-lasting, meaningful relationships.

Brian Thorp, CEO of Wealthtender, is revolutionizing how people connect with financial advisors and gain access to invaluable financial education. 

They've introduced the industry's first SEC-compliant online review platform for advisors. A groundbreaking feature that ensures consumers can trust the reviews and ratings they read, making it easier than ever to find the right advisor to meet their unique financial needs.

In the episode, we dive into how financial advisors can leverage client reviews to enhance their online presence and credibility while staying compliant with SEC regulations. 

We Explore: 

• How to navigate the landscape of online review platforms—from Yelp to Google and your own advisory site
• The practical steps and strategies to leverage the opportunities presented by the new rule
• Understanding the potential consequences of not pursuing client reviews
• How Wealthtender’s Certified Advisor Reviews are designed with SEC compliance in mind
• And the ONE strategy Brian wants you to steal that will help advisors create an emotional connection with prospects online

Links to Check Out:

• Online Reviews Playbook: 
  • Instantly download this step-by-step playbook to help you compliantly turn testimonials and endorsements into an evergreen source of digital referrals.
• Testimonial Marketing Success Story: United Financial Planning Group: 
  • Learn how UFPG: 
    • Won a $1.5M client over nearby advisors with help from their online reviews 
    • Converted a prospect who found their reviews in a Google search
    • Increased their marketing ROI with client testimonials.
• Your Google Business Profile: Tips & FAQs for Financial Advisors:
  • Get tips and answers to FAQs about Google Business Profiles and Google Reviews for financial advisors and wealth management firms.
• Wealthtender Website

This episode was brought to you by snappykraken.com helping advisors create meaningful connections that drive business.

One overlooked factor determines whether artists fizzle out or skyrocket to stardom: superfans.

Every successful artist, performer, and organization all have a loyal fan base. 

Lucky for us, our guest today is a superfans expert.

Brittany Hodak is an award-winning entrepreneur, author, and customer experience speaker who has delivered keynotes across the globe to organizations including American Express and the United Nations. 

She has worked with some of the world’s biggest brands and entertainers, including Walmart, Disney, Katy Perry, and Dolly Parton, Taylor Swift, Dolly Parton, and Mötley Crüe.

In this episode, we chat about crafting the ultimate client experiences, finding your unique story, and the strategies that advisors can use to turn clients into super fans.

We Explore:

• Why Customer Service (CX) is the hidden key to business success
• How to master the art of making every customer touchpoint a moment of genuine care and connection
• How to shift your focus from short-term gains to long-term customer relationships for sustained business growth
• The BEST way to ask for referrals in a way that feels genuine and empowering
• And the ONE strategy Brittany wants you to steal that’s a sure fire way to turn your customers into super fans

➡️ Grab Brittany’s FREE Customer Experience Resources HERE!

FREE Resources include: 

• How to Write Your Bio Guide 
• Gifting Guide
• Scripts for Asking for Referrals

This episode was brought to you by snappykraken.com helping advisors create meaningful connections that drive business.

Embrace curiosity.

Staying curious and asking questions can unlock meaningful change in the relationships around you.

Renowned for his expertise in client-centered communication, Dan Solin brings a wealth of knowledge backed by scientific research to today’s episode.

Dan is the New York Times bestselling author of the Smartest series of investing books, Ask: How to Relate to Anyone, and The Smartest Sales Book You'll Ever Read. 

In this episode, we chat about and dive deep into the actionable strategies advisors can use to enhance their communication skills and forge deeper connections with clients and prospects. 

We Explore:

• How the “Solin Process”, an evidence-based process created by Dan, has improved the conversion rates of hundreds of advisors and generated over $1.5 billion in AUM.  
• Why being the most INTERESTED person in the room is far better than being the most INTERESTING person
• The advantages of being an introvert in sales and service roles
• Understanding the more you empower the other person to talk about themselves, the healthier your relationship will be
• And the ONE strategy Dan wants you to steal that will eliminate the “Battle of the Agendas” in any prospect meeting

Links to check out:

• Dan’s Website
• Dan’s NEW book, Wealthier: The Investing Field Guide for Millennials
• A list of all of Dan’s Books

This episode was brought to you by:  snappykraken.com helping advisors create meaningful connections that drive business.

Your voice matters.

Especially in the workplace.

Stephen Shedletzky—or “Shed” to his friends— helps leaders make it safe and worth it for people to speak up.

For more than a decade, Shed contributed at Simon Sinek, where, as Chief of Staff and Head of Brand Experience, Training & Product Development, he led a global team of speakers and facilitators.

A sought-after speaker, coach, and advisor, Shed has led hundreds of keynote presentations, workshops, and leadership development programs around the world. 

In this episode, we chat about the secrets behind igniting leadership brilliance and fostering psychological safety in the workplace.

We explore:

• How our environments can pressure us into being unethical
• Why having a speak-up culture fuels innovation, transparency, and collaboration.
• How to create an environment where clients feel comfortable speaking up about their financial concerns, goals, and worries
• The techniques Shed uses for building trust and rapport with clients, colleagues, and teams, enhancing collaboration, communication, and mutual respect
• And the ONE strategy Shed shares that is the foundation for true effective leadership

LINKS to check out:

• Shed’s Website
• Shed’s Book “Speak Up Culture: When Leaders Truly Listen, People Step Up”
• Connect with Shed on LinkedIn
• Shed’s Youtube

This episode was brought to you by: snappykraken.com helping advisors create meaningful connections that drive business.

Generating fresh leads is essential to growing a financial firm.

But how do you actually do it?

In most cases, it takes months and years to build lead-gen systems that really work.

But you can shortcut that timeline by learning from advisors who have already done it. 

In this special episode, Robert Sofia interviewed 3 advisors who generate 50-200+ leads per month and asked them to share their secrets.

Guest List:

• Jennifer Lawson | Director of Client Experience, Russell Total Wealth & Wellness
• Christopher Mediate | President & Financial Advisor, Mediate Financial Services, Inc.
• Patrick Strubbe | Founder & Managing Partner, Preservation Specialists, LLC.

We Explore:

• How they consistently fill their pipeline with fresh leads, 24/7
• The follow-up systems used to convert leads into booked appointments and clients
• The highest converting traffic sources for lead gen in 2024 (and the ones to avoid at all costs)
• And so much more!

Links to Check Out:

• Download your copy of the 2024 State of Digital Report

This episode was brought to you by snappykraken.com helping advisors create meaningful connections that drive business.