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What Does Your 2026 Playbook Look Like?

As 2026 approaches, 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. The possibilities this could unlock for your practice are truly inspiring!

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 understand the importance of planning for the future. The Advisor Playbook offers a structured and efficient approach to working on your business, ensuring you focus on the key steps needed to achieve your goals. It also plays a crucial role in tracking your progress, identifying areas for improvement, and staying accountable to your goals. By using the Advisor Playbook, you can continuously refine your practice and stay ahead in the industry.

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 like 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

The Execution Plan section of the Advisor Playbook guides you to set four professional and personal goals for the year—no more. This simplicity ensures focus and achievability, allowing you to concentrate on the most critical aspects of your practice. By following this process, you can effectively use the Advisor Playbook to set a clear path for your practice's success.

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

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!

If you want an e-version or our 2026 Advisor playbook, send us an email at jeff@apm.coach

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

Would you like a copy of our Comprehensive Practice Management Checklist for financial advisors?

How About Your Goals for Your Practice in 2026?

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

Free Resources:

21 Page Technology Checklist to Become a Future-Ready Advisor

Fee Audit Checklist for Ideal Prospects

Updated Comprehensive PracticeManagement Guides

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 Jeff at jeff@jeffthorsteinson.com or Grant Hicks, CIM at grant@ghicks.com 

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.

To book a NO obligation conversation with me to discuss practice management or coaching, click the following link

Jeff  https://calendly.com/jeffthorsteinson/30-minute-q-a-explore-apm 

Grant  https://my.timetrade.com/book/JMTNJ, Let’s have a conversation



Jeff Thorsteinson, Grant Hicks CIM and Advisor Practice Management's combined financial advisor clients manage over 8 billion AUM, and earn over $80 million dollars combined!