The Perfect RIA

Think "work-life balance" is achievable? Jamie Shilanski has news for you—it's time to ditch that myth along with the office drama. Jamie spills the tea on building a financial planning practice that actually works, minus the theatrics. She breaks down how surge periods can transform client engagement from a constant juggling act into a well-oiled machine. And while everyone's entitled to a bad day (we're human, after all), bad behavior gets no free passes. By fostering emotional intelligence and creating a culture where accountability meets support, she shows how letting go of drama-prone team members isn't just acceptable—it's often the secret sauce to leveling up your practice.

Drama, Drama, Drama

From cubicle to cornerstone: Ryan Morrissey shares how he transformed his practice into a success story on this episode of The Perfect RIA. Joining Matthew Jarvis, Ryan opens up about weathering the 2008 financial storm and making the calculated leap to launch his own RIA.

Who says you need a traditional marketing playbook? Ryan reveals how teaching classes and seminars became his secret weapon for client acquisition. He breaks down the productivity-boosting power of Surge meetings, shares his approach to streamlining investment management, and explains how retirement guardrails help clients navigate their spending without losing sleep. Ryan also walks through the realities of going independent and demonstrates how modern marketing tools like podcasting and YouTube can elevate your practice from standard to standout.

Education, Independence, and Growth with Guest Ryan Morrissey [Episode 282]

Resources in today's episode:

- Matt Jarvis: Website | LinkedIn - Ryan Morrissey: Website |  LinkedIn 

In this recap episode, Amber shares highlights on crucial aspects of running a successful financial advisory practice and insights on hiring and retaining top talent.

On Monday, Matt and Micah emphasized that delivering massive value doesn't happen by chance. They advocated for dedicated business planning sessions that involve four key areas: analyzing current performance with accurate data, setting short and long-term goals, aligning these goals with your ideal life vision, and establishing measurable action steps.

On Thursday, Jamie offered a fresh perspective on hiring in today's competitive job market. She suggested creating a thorough hiring process to identify candidates truly invested in a career change rather than just seeking a job. Jamie provided valuable information on the roles she's consistently hiring for and shared insights on compensation ranges for various positions, from entry-level to senior roles.

Resources in today's episode:

- Episode Website - A Failure to Plan is a Plan to Fail [Episode 281] - What Are We Paying Employees?

In this episode, Jamie Shilanski pulls back the curtain on hiring in financial advisory firms. Diving headfirst into the talent pool, Jamie reveals why cookie-cutter recruiting doesn't cut it anymore. She challenges listeners to flip the script on traditional hiring methods, advocating for out-of-the-box strategies that can unearth hidden gems in unexpected places. But it's not just about getting top talent through the door - it's about keeping them from walking out.

Transparency takes center stage as Jamie makes a compelling case for open compensation talks. She argues that laying all the cards on the table isn't just fair play; it's a great plan for building unshakeable trust with your team.

What Are We Paying Employees?

Resources in today's episode:

- Janine Driver - Ritz Carlton Training - Udemy - Dale Carnegie Training

In this episode, Matt and Micah are sharing a secret of successful financial advisors: effective business planning. They challenge listeners to take a hard look at where they stand and where they're headed, arguing that this clarity is the compass for any successful journey in finance.

Matt and Micah also emphasize aligning your professional goals with your dream lifestyle because what's the point of success if you're not living your best life? They advocate for measuring progress with actionable metrics and creating a game plan that turns lofty ambitions into tangible results. Their message is clear: in the fast-paced world of financial advising, standing still is moving backward.

A Failure to Plan is a Plan to Fail [Episode 281]

Resources in today's episode:

- Micah Shilanski: Website | LinkedIn - Matt Jarvis: Website | LinkedIn

In this recap episode, Amber shares highlights of a heated debate about Bitcoin's place in financial advising and an insightful exploration of value add strategies during surge periods.

Monday's episode featured a face-off between Matt and guest Isaiah Douglass from Swan Bitcoin, moderated by David Decelle from Model FA. The debate centered on Bitcoin's role in investment portfolios, with Matt expressing skepticism about its utility beyond gambling and criminal activity. In contrast, Isaiah passionately argued for Bitcoin's potential as a transformative technology in human history.

Thursday's encore episode featured Jamie's insights on implementing value adds during surge periods and optimizing post-surge activities. Jamie stressed the importance of planning value adds a year in advance, rotating them every few years to accommodate changing client needs. Post-surge activities include thorough debriefs, analyzing trends in client questions, and fostering team collaboration.

Resources in today's episode:

- Episode Website - The Bitcoin Debate: Risks and Benefits with Guests Isaiah Douglass and David DeCelle [Episode 280] - Encore Episode: Managing Value Adds In Surge

In this episode, Jamie Shilanski explores the nuances of surge scheduling in financial planning, offering valuable insights for advisors looking to enhance their client engagement and team efficiency. She delves into the importance of well-crafted value adds, encouraging advisors to refresh these offerings regularly to maintain their impact. The discussion also highlights the benefits of post-surge debriefs as opportunities to identify areas for improvement and foster a culture of continuous growth. She illuminates the power of effective communication and the value of truly understanding client assets, showing how these skills can uncover new opportunities.

Encore Episode: Managing Value Adds In Surge

Get ready for an eye-opening debate on the world of cryptocurrency! In this conversation, Matthew Jarvis faces off with Isaiah Douglass from Swan Bitcoin, moderated by Model FA's David DeCelle. Together, they unpack the complex and often controversial topic of Bitcoin and its potential impact on financial advisors. The conversation heats up as Matt's skepticism collides with Isaiah's enthusiasm for Bitcoin's possibilities. Is it a revolutionary financial tool or an overhyped digital asset? They explore Bitcoin's various roles - from a store of value to a medium of exchange - and its potential to shake up the financial sector. But it's not all theoretical discussion. The debate tackles real-world challenges head-on, including the looming specter of government regulations and how they might shape Bitcoin's future. 

The Bitcoin Debate: Risks and Benefits with Guests Isaiah Douglass and David DeCelle [Episode 280]

Resources in today's episode:

- Matt Jarvis: Website | LinkedIn - Isaiah Douglass: Website | LinkedIn - David DeCelle: Website | LinkedIn

In this recap episode, Amber shares highlights about effective leadership in your practice with your team and maintaining professionalism in client relationships. Matt and Micah kicked off the week by emphasizing the importance of mastering essential skills to elevate your practice. They stressed the significance of setting clear expectations when bringing on new team members, whether they're junior advisors or support staff, highlighted common pitfalls in leadership, such as failing to establish firm boundaries and non-negotiable standards.

The conversation then shifted to professionalism in financial advising, with Jamie Shilanski joined by her father, Floyd. They discussed the unique challenge financial advisors face in succinctly describing their profession compared to other professionals like doctors or lawyers. Floyd shares insights on effectively communicating the value of financial planning services, emphasizing the importance of putting clients first and charging according to the value provided.

Resources in today's episode:

- Episode Website - Learning Opportunity or Time To Go [Episode 279] - A Tangent with Floyd Shilanski

In this episode, Jamie and Floyd Shilanski offer a fresh perspective on professionalism in financial planning. They explore the evolving landscape of the industry, from the growth-focused early stages of an advisor's career to the nuanced expertise of seasoned professionals. They tackle a provocative question: what does it truly mean to be a professional in this field? They argue that recognizing and charging for one's value is not just acceptable, but necessary. 

Jamie and Floyd don't overlook the human element of financial advisory. They delve into the art of building trust and strong relationships with clients, acknowledging the emotional aspects that often underpin financial decisions. The conversation also touches on generational differences in approaching finance careers, offering insights into how the profession is perceived and pursued by different age groups.

A Tangent with Floyd Shilanski