Articles by Don Connelly
- Practice Growth
Most Financial Advisors Talk Prospects Out of Becoming Clients
Many Advisors don’t lose business because they explain too little. They lose business because they explain too much.
- Money & Life
Timing Can Make or Break Long-Term Care Planning Decisions
It’s often delayed not because Advisors don’t care, and not because clients don’t need it, but because timing feels… uncomfortable
- Practice Growth
Clients Don’t Consolidate Assets Until Emotional Confidence Exists
Why wallet share is often driven more by emotional confidence than performance
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The Discipline Difference Between Average and Elite Advisors
Why consistency quietly separates elite Advisors from average ones
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Clients Forget Advice, but Never Forget How You Made Them Feel
Not portfolio design. It’s not tax strategy. It’s not market knowledge. It’s the ability to make another human being feel understood.
- Practice Growth
One Missed Promise Is All It Takes To Start Losing Client Trust
The quiet gap between what Advisors think they deliver and what clients actually experience
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Confused Clients Don’t Act. Clear Clients Do.
As advisors, we can adopt similar recommendation frameworks to help clients say yes more easily, building trust and momentum in the process.
- Opinion
Same Words, Same Pitch—How Advisors Lose Differentiation
How Industry Language Quietly Turns Good Advisors into Commodities
- Retirement & Income Planning
Retirement Planning Isn’t Complete Until Long-Term Care Risk Is Addressed
But there is one retirement risk that quietly sits outside the portfolio review and it has the power to undo years of careful planning: long-term care risk
- Practice Growth
Why Passive Clients Derail Plans—and How To Turn Them Into Committed Co-Creators
By actively participating in the process, clients develop a deeper sense of ownership, fostering resilience and a focus on their long-term vision.
- Practice Growth
The $1 Million Retirement Risk Hiding in Plain Sight
Many of your clients, the potential cost of needing care late in life is their largest unfunded liability, often bigger than their mortgage ever was
- Opinion
Why Being a Financial Advisor Isn’t for Everyone
The path isn’t easy, and it’s not for everyone, but knowing what lies ahead can help you decide if it’s worth pursuing.
- Opinion
Becoming a Financial Advisor: Step-By-Step Timeline & What It Takes
Understanding the timeline of how long does it take to become a financial advisor is key to setting realistic expectations for people aspiring to become
- Practice Growth
Finding Your Ideal Clients: Use Psychographics, Not Just Demographics
This article explores how you can find and serve niche markets by understanding your clients’ values, lifestyles, and motivations. #growth
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Social Proof Sells: Using Testimonials and Case Studies to Attract Millennial Investors
How financial advisors can leverage client testimonials and case studies to connect with millennial investors and turn prospects into loyal clients #growth
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The Root of Financial Anxiety: What Advisors Need to Know
Most people suffer from financial stress at some point—whether it’s dealing with high inflation or a volatile stock market. #stress #money
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The Psychology of Investing: Understanding How Clients Think
When clients feel understood and supported, their confidence in their financial plan—and their advisor—grows exponentially. #growth
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Client Growth vs. Retention: Time Strategies Every Advisor Needs
Strategic planning is the cornerstone of effective time management. Here are a few methods you can use #time #growth
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Want Deeper Client Relationships? Use More Open-Ended Questions
Mastering the art of crafting and asking the right questions is critical to pinpointing client needs, concerns, and priorities while building trust #growth
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How Financial Advisors Can Create Engaging Financial Presentations
Some critical strategies advisors can use to prioritize clarity, engagement, and professionalism when delivering financial presentations. #growth
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The Art of Connection: How Financial Advisors Can Deepen Client Relationships
Here are five innovative approaches to help you build meaningful relationships, earn trust, and foster long-term engagement. #growth
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Active Listening Strategies for Financial Advisors to Build Trust
Unspoken cues, explore clients’ deeper motivation, and get to the crucial why. Active listening is critical to moving clients to take action. #growth
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Avoiding Burnout: A Must-Read for Financial Advisors
Here are seven actionable strategies to help you prevent burnout while staying passionate about your work #advisors
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Mastering the Art of Simplifying Complex Financial Concepts
When clients clearly understand their financial plans and the reasoning behind recommendations, they’re more likely to remain engaged #growth
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Winning Back Dormant Clients: Long-Term Engagement Strategies That Work
You may face some resistance. Some clients may be hesitant to reengage, perhaps harboring concerns or dissatisfaction. #growth
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What Makes an Advisor Successful?
There is a phrase we use when trying to define something that lacks clearly defined parameters: I know it when I see it #growth
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Advisors in an AI World: Leveraging Soft Skills for Lasting Success
In this new AI-driven world, those financial advisors who have mastered their soft skills will still be indispensable. #advisors #growth
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Top Resources for Financial Advisors to Grow Their Practice
Each avenue offers unique benefits to help you reach the next level, regardless of your business stage. #growth #advisors
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10 Proven Strategies To Encourage Clients To Refer Your Business
Here are ten effective ideas to inspire your clients to spread the word and advocate for your business proactively. #growth
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5 Must-Have Priorities for Financial Advisors to Thrive
Here are the five top priorities financial advisors must focus on to thrive in their careers #growth #advisors
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5 Effective Strategies for Financial Advisors to Educate Clients
Here are five of the most effective ways financial advisors can educate their clients. #advisors #growth #clients
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6 Non-Verbal Signs Your Clients Don't Trust You
Learning to recognize these subtle signals can help advisors address underlying concerns and build stronger, more trusting relationships. #growth #advisors
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5 Analogies to Explain the Risks of Market Timing to Clients
Here are five analogies you can use to explain the perils of market timing more colorfully. #advisors #growth #business
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The Importance of Empathy: Why Financial Advisors Can't Afford to Ignore It
Direct correlation between failing to exhibit empathy and a cascade of negative consequences that can completely derail an advisor’s career. #growth
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SMART Goal Setting: A Guide for You and Your Clients
Eensure your goals are Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Relevant, and Time-bound. In other words, it requires the SMART goal-setting framework. #growth
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Closing Client Relationships: Essential Steps to Navigate the Process
A clearly defined deboarding process to make it easier on everyone. Here are some steps to consider when ending a client relationship. #advisors
