Keep your 'elevator pitch' at the ready

OCT 10, 2013
When casual conversations ultimately turn to “What do you do for a living?” advisers had better have a quick and descriptive spiel at hand — or risk losing a potential prospect. Reporter Liz Skinner asked seasoned and newer advisers to share their short “elevator pitches” and found that most highlight a client-first approach focused on delivering the financial goals that can yield a better life. [More: 8 best elevator pitches] Harold Evensky Founder and president of Evensky & Katz Wealth Management “We're smart, we care, we're professional and we place your interest first. So, working together, we can help you plan for a terrific retirement.” Cheryl Holland Founder of Abacus Planning Group Inc. “My entire firm is passionate about helping people like you make smart financial decisions. For example, you mentioned your granddaughter is going to college. I am curious if you have explored the best ways to pay for her education — there are so many interesting options.” Armond Dinverno Founder of Balasa Dinverno Foltz LLC “We help people make sound decisions to enjoy a full life!” Geri Pell President of Pell Wealth Partners, an Ameriprise Financial Inc. practice “If I do my job right, you will feel confident in the financial decisions you make and your retirement. When done right, wealth planning should be a healing modality that reduces, not adds, stress.” Ron Carson Founder and CEO of Carson Wealth Management Group “Can I first ask you a question? If you could change, develop or improve anything as it relates to management of your wealth, what would it be?” When they respond, I say, “That is what we do!” if it is, which is the case 95% of the time. Jim Harris Founder and president of Financial Practice Management “I'm a professional wealth manager who provides custom financial solutions for your unique financial challenges and goals. My expertise is in the development, implementation and ongoing management of a customized portfolio builder and diversification strategy created just for you. Personally, my mission is to help you build wealth and successfully maintain your financial security every step of the way.” Jeffrey Cutter Founder of Cutter Financial Group LLC “We believe that while it is important to choose investments and financial strategies with a history of good rates of return, it is just as important to look at an investment's performance in a year with a market downturn. We teach clients that to get the best return, their portfolios cannot go backwards. We only recommend investments with well-defined sell strategies that we believe will weather market downturns efficiently. The bottom line: We try to avoid loss whenever possible.” Brittney Castro Founder and CEO of Financially Wise Women, an LPL Financial LLC affiliate “I'm a certified financial planner and the founder and CEO of Financially Wise Women, a Los Angeles-based financial planning firm for women. I specialize in working with busy professional and entrepreneurial women who are passionate about life and want to gain clarity around their money.”

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