As countless services move online due to the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, it’s more clear than ever that financial advisors need to create a strategy that can engage with their clients virtually. Because money management is a sensitive topic for many, there are those who are hesitant to speak about private matters over the computer. This means that financial advisors need to find a way to make their clients comfortable throughout these unprecedented times.
Now is the time to get involved on Facebook, online advertising, and other platforms to put yourself out there. Since the pandemic began, even more, is being done online—from grocery delivery to schooling and everything in between—a business must know how to correctly use various online platforms.
Social media sites like Facebook and LinkedIn are the best choices for financial advisors. Facebook allows you to have a large reach, while LinkedIn is a great networking tool where content can easily be shared amongst professionals and those looking for relevant services. You don’t have to be an expert in social media by any means, but it will be beneficial to understand how to advertise, what type of content works best, and how you can connect with potential clients.
Not only is social media about finding new clients, but it’s also about continuing your relationship with your current clients. Creating content that proves your authority on your financial niche is going to keep your clients coming back for your services and act as referrals for their friends and family in the future.
Now that your meetings are being held online, it’s time to think about how to build stronger relationships with your clients. When you meet your clients in person, you can do so in your office, over coffee, or at a restaurant for lunch. This helps to build the rapport that is so essential in a client/advisor relationship. Since that is out of the question for the foreseeable future, the question becomes how can you continue to build strong relationships when you can’t meet in person?
The first step that you should take is to acknowledge to your client that this is not necessarily business as usual. Everyone is burnt out on virtual meetings, so simply acknowledging this can make a huge difference. Find ways that you can help your clients get through this time—and not discuss why markets or other indicators are down.
It’s important to make sure your camera is on, as well. While many advisors like to do audio-only conference calls, it’s more important than ever to have a “face to face” conversation with your clients. This allows you to connect with them on a personal level, as they are able to see a familiar face, your home office, and maybe even some family pictures in the background. Building this type of relationship will benefit both of you in the long run.
To both make your clients comfortable and make yourself look professional, ensure that you have chosen the right kind of technology and accessories for your video calls. Whether you decide to use Zoom, Microsoft Meetings, or another video platform, you need to make sure that you have a reliable internet connection and won’t be dropping calls. Other things to keep in mind include a clean and non-distracting background, good lighting, and an area where you won’t be distracted by other sounds going on at home.
Finding new clients in the middle of a pandemic, with many working from home, can be difficult. That’s why you may want to consider some out-of-the-box ideas like hosting a webinar for potential clients. Hold these webinars with some basic financial tips, best practices, and situations to prepare for. Give the attendees something for their time, and start building a sense of trust with them. They’ll be more likely to come back and use your services in the future.
Everyone is going through a new normal due to the pandemic. While things may improve soon with a vaccine on the horizon, the virtual way of doing business may be here to stay. It’s especially important to find ways to engage with your clients virtually so that you can continue to have a good relationship with them now and in the future. By making yourself available online, you are showing your clients that you are able to adapt to hard situations and are willing to do what needs to be done to help them.
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