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Have you outlined your goals for the year? Now is the perfect time to craft your strategy. A well- designed playbook isn’t just a tool—it’s a roadmap to success by setting key objectives, aligning your team, and keeping everyone accountable. Imagine the possibilities this could unlock for your practice!

What is an Advisor Playbook?

The Advisor Playbook captures insights from the past year and guides you in setting priorities for the year ahead. It includes practical worksheets to:

 Refine your mission and vision.

 Analyze key performance metrics.

 Assess your client base and services.

 Set clear goals and execution plans.

Top advisors dedicate time to planning their future. The Playbook provides a structured, efficient way to work on your business, ensuring you focus on the steps needed to achieve your goals. It also helps you track your progress, identify areas for improvement, and stay accountable to your goals.

Key Components of the Playbook

Vision Statement - Your vision defines what you aspire to become and the broader impact you aim to make. It’s your guiding light, inspiring your team and clients.

Questions to consider:

 What are our hopes and dreams for the practice?

 What problem are we solving?

 Who or what are we inspiring to change?

Example: "Our vision is to be the leading financial practice supporting our clients’ long-term success."

Mission Statement:

Your mission statement explains your practice’s core purpose and how you serve your clients. A clear mission motivates your team and sets the foundation for achieving your goals.

Questions to consider:

 What do we do?

 Whom do we serve?

 How do we help them?

Example: "We provide tailored, objective advice to give clients financial peace of mind and the confidence to pursue their passions."

Reflecting on the Past to Plan the Future

Snapshot of the Year: Review your progress in assets, revenue, and profitability. Understanding where you stand will help you chart your course for the next 3–5 years.

Ratios for Success: Tracking metrics such as meeting bookings, sales, and referrals can reveal areas for improvement. Adjusting your processes based on these insights can make your practice more efficient and scalable.

Segmentation: Segmenting clients is vital, yet only 37% of advisory teams do it effectively. Proper segmentation improves client experience, optimizes resource allocation, and highlights growth opportunities.

Example: By identifying time-intensive C and D clients, you can reduce administrative tasks and focus on high-value relationships, freeing time to improve service delivery.

Execution Plan

Set four professional and personal goals for the year—no more. Simplicity ensures focus and achievability.

Once your Playbook is complete, schedule quarterly tracking sessions to review progress, address gaps, and adjust plans. Quarterly reviews will keep you on track toward success or prompt adjustments.

Start 2026 with Confidence

Your Playbook is not just a plan; it’s your strategic advantage. Dedicate time to refining your vision, analyzing your performance, and setting actionable goals. With a clear path forward, you’re set to make 2026 your most successful year yet!

Email Jeff for a copy of your playbook at jeff@jeffthorsteinson.com

Thank you for reading! This is what we help advisors do every day!

Written by Jeff Thorsteinson

How About Your Goals for Your Practice in 2026? 

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While each financial advisor's practice may have a different approach, advisors need to understand where their practice needs help, and will they get the right help for the right part of their practice. What areas does your practice need help with? 

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