BLOG

Collecting and managing data for financial advisors, there has to be a better way

It's Tuesday morning and you have an ideal prospect meeting where you collect some data to potentially onboard a new ideal client. The new prospect is excited to see what you can come up with to help them and their financial future and you're excited to start developing plans and strategies to help them achieve their goals. What is holding both of you back from proceeding and having a seamless prospect experience that transforms into an ideal client experience? The relevant data To imported and exported into potentially six different technology systems.

Organizing the client and data capture

Every financial advisor has a process such as a fact finder, data gathering worksheets, online portals, or uploaded information to capture the information and data to become a client. The first problem is did you collect all of the data that you need to onboard the client or did you get just enough to open accounts? Now you have to take that data and put it into your CRM system. From the CRM system, you know how to enter that data or transfer it to your financial planning software. Some financial advisors use more than one software system, so does the data transfer to all financial planning software and portfolio management systems? This is where financial advisors discover they need more information, while they're preparing comprehensive planning and advice to deliver. Information in all seven areas including taxes estate investment risk insurance debt and cash flow. Getting copies of tax returns uncovers a lot of data, and yet some firms do not allow the collection of tax returns. Always check with branch management and compliance before proceeding with any marketing activity.

What are the six technologies?

You might collect the data electronically through a secure e-mail system or an online portal or software. Then you transfer the data to your CRM system. Next, it's your financial planning software. Then the data has to be populated in your back office system. Next, it has to be organized in an e-mail in a digital signature system. Finally, information goes to a client portal system that is set up.

1. Data gathering system
2. CRM
3. Financial planning and portfolio management software 
4. back office systems
5. digital signature systems
6. client portal systems

Does the data flow seamlessly and confidentially between all six systems? I am no technology expert nor do I work for or represent any technology companies. I'm simply trying to help financial advisors in their clients look at how the onboarding process can be potentially improved making it a better experience for the clients and building efficiency for financial advisor teams. I'm fortunate to work with elite advisors and elite financial teams with solid software and systems in place, and we work on improving the data collection and helping people get organized in all seven areas of their financial lives.

What is your process for data collection

As a financial advisor do you have a proven scripted process to collect the information and give it to your team to input into your systems? Do you have a pair planner or someone who can put the data and draft financial and wealth management plans? Data collection and input take a tremendous amount of time and organization. Your job as a financial advisor is to understand the client and help organize their financial life in all 7 areas. It engages people to do more comprehensive planning and more comprehensive advice. This is where you do your best work as a financial advisor. What part of the process do you need to improve on for ideal client acquisition?

Where do you want to be in three years (2026)? 

Our Practice Management resources - Comprehensive Practice Management checklist

https://practicemanagement.getresponsepages.com/

Sample: Comprehensive Financial Advisor Practice Management benchmarking report

Key data and KPI's, over 30 Key Performance indicators. Do want a sample benchmarking report to help you understand how to get the edge on your practice and your competition? 

 https://benchmark.getresponsepages.com/ 

Updated 2023 Technology Checklist for Financial Advisors 

This checklist is five years' worth of research on the best processes elite financial advisors and their teams implement to acquire and service ideal clients while running an efficient practice. 

https://technology-checklist.getresponsepages.com/ 

We are here to serve your practice, let’s talk

Contact us to help get clarity around your goals on paper, and have the goals conversation by contacting Grant at grant@ghicks.com or click on the link to set up a no-obligation 20-minute discussion https://my.timetrade.com/book/JMTNJ regardless if we work together, let’s have a chat and listen to your biggest

practice management concerns to help you get clarity around your future business.



Grant Hicks, CIM, is President of Advisor Practice Management and co-author of “Guerrilla Marketing For Financial Advisors” 1st and 2nd editions. www.advisorpracticemanagement.com for speaking, workshops, or coaching, contact Grant at grant@ghicks.com Grants combined financial advisor clients manage over 5 billion AUM, and earn over $50 million dollars combined!