So much is happening in the markets, in the economy, in the world.

As a financial advisor, even as more things change, they really just remain the same.

We ask questions.
We listen.
We ask more questions.
We listen more.
We go deeper.

We look our prospects, friends, and clients in the eye, telling them that we’re here to help, acknowledging what’s most important.

And then, we get to work, implementing solutions that give them a clear path to reaching those goals.

Times change, and so do the words we use, but the sentiment never falters.

In 1995, it was, “If we were sitting here five years from now, looking back on today, what would need to happen personally, professionally, and financially for you to feel that the last five years have been a success?”

By 1999, it shifted to “I really enjoyed the time we spent together in our last meeting. I enjoyed learning more about you and your family and the needs that you expressed that were important. Now, if you were to identify one or two of the most important things we discussed when we were together, what would those be? I would love to talk through those important items first, prior to getting into the recommendations we’ve put together.”

In 2008, that evolved to “Thanks for spending the time with me and sharing all that is important to you and your family. I also understand that things may have changed during this turbulent time. I have prepared recommendations that we believe deliver on the overall objectives you’ve conveyed. These will ensure that at least the baseline, most important things are protected and managed in a way that makes you feel that you and your money are safe.

Before we get started, is there anything that you would like to share, discuss, or anything that has changed since the last time we were together?”

And today?

All of that still applies. In fact, it’s more important than ever.

With so much news, volatility, and uncertainty, you may find yourself asking, “What is consistent? What is real? Who can I trust?”

We are. And us, the financial advisor, insurance professional, and wealth management advisor, the person who cares enough to ask the tough questions.

Yes, the business is different and changing. Yes, technology is here to stay. Information is at our fingertips in a ubiquitous cycle like never before in history.

But guess what? That makes what we do all the more human. More personal.

There is no computer, algorithm, or program that replaces the human experience.

Computers don’t show up at funerals or call just to say happy birthday.
Algorithms don’t stop by to check on you or help you through a challenging time.
Programs don’t shed a tear with you nor celebrate when you reach the top of the mountain.

This is a human business.

It’s a vocation that needs people who are empathetic, who have a genuine interest in doing what is right, in service first.

For that reason, there is no better moment than now to be in the business. What an incredible and exciting time!

We’re just scratching the surface of what we can accomplish together. And I promise you THAT will never change.

-J.D.