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.”

Latest News

Federal judge dismisses Eltek manipulation lawsuit against Morgan Stanley Smith Barney
Federal judge dismisses Eltek manipulation lawsuit against Morgan Stanley Smith Barney

Nine-month electronic trading freeze and share lending program at the center of dismissed claim.

RIA wrap: Dynamic strikes South Carolina deal to reach $7B AUM milestone
RIA wrap: Dynamic strikes South Carolina deal to reach $7B AUM milestone

Meanwhile, Rossby Financial's leadership buildout rolls on with a new COO appointment as Balefire Wealth welcomes a distinguished retirement specialist to its national network.

Rethinking diversification amid a concentrated S&P 500
Rethinking diversification amid a concentrated S&P 500

With a smaller group of companies driving stock market performance, advisors must work more intentionally to manage concentration risks within client portfolios.

Merrill pays second settlement to former Miami Dolphins player, client of ex-broker
Merrill pays second settlement to former Miami Dolphins player, client of ex-broker

Professional athletes are often targets of scam artists and are particularly vulnerable to fraud.

Schwab touts AI as its biggest growth lever at investor day
Schwab touts AI as its biggest growth lever at investor day

The brokerage giant tells Wall Street it will use artificial intelligence to reach clients it has never been able to serve — and turn the technology's perceived threat into a competitive edge.

SPONSORED Beyond wealth management: Why the future of advice is becoming more human

As technical expertise becomes increasingly commoditized, advisors who can integrate strategy, relationships, and specialized expertise into a cohesive client experience will define the next era of wealth management

SPONSORED Durability over scale: What actually defines a great advisory firm

Growth may get the headlines, but in my experience, longevity is earned through structure, culture, and discipline