The Travis Parry Show

On today's episode, Jeff Maas, the co-founder, and CEO of Retirement Security Centers joins us to discuss having a growth mindset and thriving off of challenges. Having an entrepreneur's soul from a young age, Jeff has gone from intern to CEO over the last 18 years.

Choosing to allocate where his time and energy goes is a big part of finding work-life balance for Jeff. Being purposeful today means you won't look back with regret later in life. As you enter a leadership role in your business it can be difficult to turn off the business mindset. But this is a skill we all need to practice.

To avoid the workaholic trap, Jeff sets up his calendar in a focused manner. Often keeping Mondays and Fridays as buffer days. On a quarterly basis, he's intentional about setting up his calendar to focus his time. Join us today as we explore these topics and more on delegation, scaling, and balance.

Join us today as we discuss

• How Jeff practices turning off the business mindset
• Setting up your calendar in 1/3 increments
• The struggles advisors face scaling and growing their business

 

TIMESTAMPS

0:58 – Welcome Jeff Maas

2:48 – What is his definition of balance?

5:17 – Work-life balance throughout his career

8:12 – How can you "turn it off"?

11:17 - What personal systems does Jeff have?

14:51 – Challenges with boundaries

19:22 – What struggles do advisors face?

22:16 – How should you delegate?

26:44 – How can you reach out to Jeff?

 

RESOURCES

More about Jeff:

https://www.retirementsecuritycenters.com/

Website: https://www.travisparry.com/

Email: [email protected]

Get Travis' newest book!

On today's episode, Allen Myles Darby, the CEO of Alaris Acquisitions joins us to share lessons he's learned about balance as a wealth manager for over 3 decades. Starting off in insurance and eventually finding his way into financial management, Allen has had the opportunity to grow his experiences with mentors and peers in the industry.

For Allen, balance is about having his actions match his values in life. Similarly, he's helping clients find their balance in business and beyond, aiding people in building businesses that support a good quality of life. As an advisor to advisors, he's seen many advisors struggle with business operations. They may take great care of their clients, but they may not have the skills that elevate a business forward.

Advisors that run an effective business remove any dependency their business has on one person, even themselves. It's frightening to give up this amount of control, but having an institutionalized business allows you, your staff, and your business to become greater than ever before.

Join us today as we discuss

• Pathway to institutionalize your business
• Struggles advisors face with control and solutions to this problem
• How Allen and Alaris Acquisitions is helping advisors find balance

 

TIMESTAMPS

1:11 – How did Allen get into the industry?

5:08 – Alaris Acquisitions

5:48 – What is balance to Allen?

7:41 – What issues do advisors face?

10:59 – What is the solution?

16:41 – Losing control of your business

18:48 – Why do advisors struggle with control?

21:34 – Facing fear around control

23:05 – What does Allen struggle with?

25:47 – Tech and distractions

27:09 – What helps Allen keep balance?

29:12 – Does your phone distract you?

30:34 – Turn your notifications off

32:04 – How Allen helps advisors with balance

36:48 – How to reach out to Allen

 

RESOURCES

More about Allen:

https://alarisacquisitions.com/about/

Website: https://www.travisparry.com/

Email: [email protected]

Get Travis' newest book!

On today's episode, Byron Morrison, the author, speaker, and coach for CEOs joins us to break down his journey with self-discovery, the shadow side of success, and more. For most of his life, Byron struggled with his weight and self-image. A few years ago, after his father's cancer treatment, he started his journey to find balance and health. Looking at his father, he realized how much his father's success had also contributed to his illness. He was working 14-hour days, barely sleeping, had a poor diet, and had a huge amount of stress. Sometimes success pushes people to their limits and Byron is on a mission to help business owners and CEOs prioritize themselves and their health.

After seeing so many people struggling with similar issues he wrote, Become a Better You. As an advisor to CEOs, he wanted to pass on the knowledge and advice he learned throughout the years on managing stress, confidence, diet, exercise, etc. Not only did he focus on changes business owners could implement in their own lives, but habits that would lead to long-term and sustainable changes in their life.

Join us today as we discuss

• Men's difficult relationship with food and health
• Unhealthy habits relating to issues with control
• Byron's own journey through self-discovery and what he's seen others struggle with

 

TIMESTAMPS

1:20 – How did Byron get where he is?

3:54 – Relationship with food

7:06 – Why do we still go to junk food?

9:50 – Going to a nutritionist

15:47 – The China study

24:45 – Sustainable change

27:42 – Getting started wherever you are at

31:08 – How to contact Byron

 

RESOURCES

More about Byron: 

https://uk.linkedin.com/in/authorbyronmorrison

https://www.byronmorrison.com/

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B01MYQYEDO/ref=dbs_a_def_rwt_hsch_vapi_tkin_p1_i3

Website: https://www.travisparry.com/

Email: [email protected]

Get Travis' newest book!

On today's episode, Marie Swift, PR pro and marketing guru joins us to discuss balancing your energy, relationships, and business. As the founder of Impact Communications, she has advised countless advisors on their journey of growth in business and beyond. Coming from hospitality, Marie found her passion for helping financial advisors after receiving a position at a wealth management firm.

Through Marie's journey to find balance she's seen the different forms it can take as a business owner, mother, and grandmother. Having her own grandson has prompted her to think about the next step in life on a personal and business level, while also staying present with her family.

Each advisor faces unique challenges, but most of us will face battle fatigue in this industry. It's essential we mind both our relationships and health. As a fatigued individual, you are not your most productive self. Marie wants advisors to listen to their minds and body.

Join us today as we further discuss:

• Grounding your purpose through marketing and PR
• How Impact Communications is helping advisors

 

TIMESTAMPS

1:24 – What made her choose financial advisors?  

2:19 – Did she start out in marketing?

3:37 – What is Marie's definition of balance?

6:54 – Being a working mom vs. a working grandma

11:21 – What helps her maintain balance?

15:18 – What struggles does she see advisors face?

18:12 – Living your highest priorities

20:09 – Focusing on your physical health

23:19 – How does marketing help with balance

25:29 – How can Marie help you?

27:44 – Where are you spending your time?

 

RESOURCES

More about Marie: 

https://www.impactcommunications.org/

Website: https://www.travisparry.com/

Email: [email protected]

Get Travis' newest book!

On today's episode, Alex Cavalieri, the co-founder of Seven Group, joins us to discuss his journey in the financial industry, marketing in the digital age, and how having a strong marketing presence can help us achieve balance in our day-to-day lives.

As an advisor to advisors, Alex has seen many people struggle with delegation. Preventing them from running their business and life efficiently. How do you start trusting others to take on your tasks? Alex wants to help advisors create a marketing and communication strategy that works for them rather than them working for it.

Part of this journey is developing a cadence of content that fits within your schedule. Seven Group want advisors to spend a small amount of time on marketing every day which will add up to huge improvements in their business. Effective automation and paid advertisements have to make sense for the advisor. Driving inbound form completion instead of outbound.

The first step Alex takes with advisors is auditing their website, automating what they can, and saving them time and stress. From there, Alex helps advisors build up their content catalog helping them build a robust marketing foundation that drives their business forward while keeping them personally balanced. 

Join us today as we discuss further:

• Whether you should focus your content on newsletters, social media, or on your website
• Why advisors struggle with newsletters and emails
• Tips and tricks for managing marketing content and emails

 

TIMESTAMPS

0:56 – How did Alex end up in the financial industry?

3:57 – What does balance mean to Alex?

5:58 – Biggest issues other advisors face

8:30 – How does Alex delegate tasks?

11:16 – Making marketing work for you

14:03 – How do advisors leverage their time?

16:51 – Social media, website, or newsletter?

20:25 – It all comes down to content

24:31 – What tips worked for Alex?

28:05 – How can you reach out to Alex?

29:25 – Find breaks in the day

 

RESOURCES

More about Alex: 

https://www.thesevengroup.com/

Website: https://www.travisparry.com/

Email: [email protected]

Get Travis' newest book!

On today's episode, Ross Marino, the founder of Transitus Wealth Partners and Advisor2x joins us. Ross found his passion for financial services in ninth grade after reading a copy of Money Magazine. We'll explore Ross' experience finding balance, how we can be resilient in the face of change, and more on today's show.

Balance is at the forefront of personal development. It stems from our values and priorities. Ross had a mental shift nearly 15 years ago after hearing a pastor discuss the importance of becoming centered. Like many of us, balance for Ross is flexible and changes with you and your family's needs.

Early on in your career or business, it's natural to be slanted towards a busy work life. You are getting your new life, and new business up and running, it's going to take some time and hard work. The important thing is to learn when to pull back, to prevent yourself from building something that doesn't allow you to find balance.

Join us today as we further discuss: 

• Balance during the early years of starting as an advisor
• How Ross has pulled back in business to find boundaries
• Letting non-negotiables structure your business
• Building your business with a long-term perspective
• More about Ross' book Shaping Change

 

TIMESTAMPS

1:15 – Reading Money Magazine

2:16 – Becoming balanced and centered

5:24 – Priorities shifting over time

7:21 – Biggest struggle to achieve balance

10:56 – Finding boundaries and pulling back

13:51 – Becoming the person he is today

16:52 – Advice for advisors that want to lead

21:33 – Other issues that he sees in this industry

24:41 – What has helped Ross deal with change?

28:18 – Ross' book Shaping Change

34:11 – How you can contact Ross

 

RESOURCES

More about Ross: 

https://transituswealth.com/about-us

https://www.advisor2x.com/

Website: https://www.travisparry.com/

Email: [email protected]

Get Travis' newest book!

On today's episode, Jason Cass the business owner, speaker, and entrepreneur joins us to discuss self-improvement, delegation, leadership, networking, and balance. Growing his business, The Insurance Alliance to three locations across southern Illinois, being the Chairman of the National Young Agents for the Big I, hosting his own podcast, and writing his best-selling novel, Customer Service is Just Foreplay: The Modern Customer Experience Will Separate You From Your Competition, Jason is a busy professional and he couldn't have accomplished these goals without balance and delegation. 

To Jason, finding balance is the path to true enlightenment. If you want to be happy in life you have to find balance or harmony. For many of us, self-improvement is a way to get there. From acknowledging our faults to expanding our viewpoints through empathy and reading, a commitment to self-improvement is vital for many advisors. There comes a point where we need to realize where we need help and how we can manage our time better to achieve that goal. Instead of a mid-life crisis, Jason promotes a mid-life audit. Asking yourself, "What has been good in my life up until now? What has not been working and how can I add and improve on those aspects of my life?" The best version of yourself is the balanced version. 

To find the success you have to learn to let go, to delegate, and to trust the team you have surrounded yourself with. We've all heard the saying "Work on your business, not in your business." But what does that really mean? Everyone should have a role, including yourself as the owner. As the owner, it's your responsibility to provide your team with the tools and resources they need to take care of clients. Most team members want to be part of a productive crew and learning to delegate can help them and yourself find balance. 

Join us today as we further discuss: 

• Becoming a thought leader 
• The key to delegation and letting go 
• Building a team with a good attitude 
• Reading and great book recommendations 

TIMESTAMPS

0:48 – Jason's journey into the industry

4:02 – What is balance to Jason?

5:54 – Biggest issues Jason has faced

8:35 – Realizing where you need help

14:22 – It changes who you are

16:20 – Which books to read

19:48 – Suggestions for books

23:27 – 21 Irrefutable Laws of Leadership

24:44 - Being a thought leader

30:39 – Struggles advisors face

34:08 – Key to delegation and letting go

38:01 – Working on the business

38:53 – Letting go allows you freedom

40:59 – Building a team with a good attitude 

43:09 – How can we have greater balance?

 

RESOURCES

Jason's Podcast: https://theinsurancepodcastnetwork.com/

Agents Influence Episode with Dr. Travis Parry: https://theinsurancepodcastnetwork.com/we-focus-on-perfection-when-we-should-focus-on-becoming-perfected/

Website: https://www.travisparry.com/

Email: [email protected]

Get Travis' newest book!

On today's episode, Brent Kelly the President of Sitkins Group Inc joins us to discuss freedom, distractions, and the struggles advisors face. First and foremost, he's a husband and father of five children. In business though, Brent is helping advisors and insurance agencies maximize their performance and find balance. 

For Brent that means freedom. Freedom when it comes to your business, your relationships, your time. Are you living your purpose? Are you doing things that matter to you? There has to be a mission for the reason you do things in business and life. 

As a motivational coach himself Brent knows the importance of practicing what he preaches. When you tell people what they should do they may listen to you. But when you show them your own vulnerabilities and struggles people will lean into you. Brent has found balance through intentionality and prioritization. To him, that's a focus on faith, family, finances, fitness, and fun.  

Busy is not a badge of honor. Brent notices advisors struggle to spend their time productively. Brent recommends planning your week in advance, being intentional, and acting purposefully. 

Join us to today as we explore:

• The importance of time and prioritization 
• How email, social media, and research impact advisors 
• Watching our habits and keeping distance from temptation 
• How his business is helping agencies and individuals 

 

TIMESTAMPS

1:36 – Brent's background story 

3:27 – Having a large family 

4:42 – His definition of balance

8:54 – Brent's struggles

13:30 – Pressure as a coach

15:56 – Keeping balance

19:29 – Email, social media, research 

24:33 - Watching your habits 

29:12 – Struggles others face

33:29 – Tips for the green zone

36:57 – How he helps others 

 

RESOURCES

More About Brent: https://www.sitkins.com/

Website: https://www.travisparry.com/

Email: [email protected]

Get Travis' newest book!

A lot of advisors struggle with sales. Some fear being too aggressive Others are worried they'll become too busy. But is this stemming from a deeper fear of success? 

On today's episode, we are joined by the founder of Sales Pro Insider, author, and speaker, Nancy Bleeke. Originally starting her journey in financial services, she has transitioned into training advisors and their staff at sales. A lot of advisors don't consider themselves as natural salespeople and Nancy is helping them become more skilled and confident throughout the industry. 

Nancy sees balance as a personal decision that we have to consciously make. Balance to one person is going to look different to another. You can't achieve balance until you define what balance looks like inside of your own life. 

If you enjoy your job, as many advisors do, it can be difficult to intentionally build those boundaries. Nancy has seen advisors struggle with balancing the roles and responsibilities of their business, something that flows into their personal lives as well. 

Advisors are in this industry to help people. But in order to help clients, you have to convince them to make the confident decision to invest in your services. Sales is an essential part of the financial industry. With Nancy, we discuss why advisors struggle with sales and how it's impacting their journey to find balance. 

Join us today as we further discuss: 

• Her struggles with balance and how she had to reset her life 
• How advisors struggle with balance inside of their business 
• Why do some advisors struggle with sales and success?
• How Nancy is helping advisors confidently convert sales in their business?

 

TIMESTAMPS

1:18 – How did she end up in this industry?

3:42 – What is Nancy's definition of balance?

6:11 – Her own struggles with balance  

9:13 – What issues do advisors face?

12:16 – The start and stop in business

16:35 – Are advisors reluctant?

20:40 – Being afraid of success

24:18 – How does her process work?

28:54 – Your mindset and approach

34:08 – Learning to listen

37:27 – Helping others and setting boundaries

 

RESOURCES

More About Nancy: https://www.salesproinsider.com/

Website: https://www.travisparry.com/

Email: [email protected]

Get Travis' newest book!

On today's episode, Broc Buckles, the co-founder of BC brokerage, joins us to discuss his journey through the insurance industry and how he has come to define balance in his own life. 

Like many of us, early on in his career, Broc didn't have a definition of balance. It was about working, networking, and excelling as hard as he could so he could have balance one day in the future. But now, Broc sees balance in a new light, where he has clarity in all aspects of life.  

As an insurance broker that works closely with advisors and other financial professional's he's seen the struggles others face first hand. Broc highlights the struggle advisors face maintaining balance within the professional world, not just in their personal lives. 

Many business owners find themselves not only advisors, but also content creators, working in client management, and playing various other roles as they grow their business. We'll never achieve personal balance if we can't balance our work life. 

For the most part, Broc doesn't want advisors to start the day with something professional. Don't check your email as soon as you wake up. The way you start your day is going to impact your mood and energy. 

Unfortunately, we cannot be a master in all things. You might be a great financial planner, but that doesn't mean you'll be a great insurance agent or investment manager. Broc is helping advisors elevate their services and offer more robust planning to their clients, while still maintaining balance within their professional lives. 

Join us today as we further discuss: 

• The relationship between professional balance and personal balance 
• Why you don't want to take your work life home 
• The importance of having systems and being intentional  
• How BC brokerage is helping advisors elevate and focus their services 

 

TIMESTAMPS

0:55 – How did he get into the industry?

2:34 – What is his definition of balance

5:15 – Noticing a tangible difference

7:13 – Biggest roadblocks to finding balance

8:32 – The issues other advisors face

10:55 – Balancing professional skills

14:24 – Professional and personal balance

18:01 – Starting the day with a system

22:17 – Motivation with affirmations and stories

27:25 – Ideas before the internet

29:29 – Outsourcing insurance services

31:54 – Why is this beneficial for advisors?

34:45 – Having a relationship with BC brokerage

36:48 – Why should you work with BC brokerage?

40:25 – How can you reach out to Broc?

 

RESOURCES

Reach out: https://www.linkedin.com/in/brocbuckles/

More about BC Brokerage: https://www.bc-brokerage.com/about

Website: https://www.travisparry.com/

Email: [email protected]

Get Travis' newest book!