165: What’s the Right Business Structure for my Advisory Firm w/ Guest Stephen Taylor, JD, CFP
Jan 30, 2024
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Stephen Taylor, JD, CFP, attorney turned Certified Financial Planner, shares insights and experiences on business structure transition in the financial planning industry. Topics include compliance, technology, portfolio management, and commission trails. The conversation emphasizes thinking about a transition without being overwhelmed by the operational side.
Understanding your financials is crucial when considering a transition to a different business structure.
When building a tech stack, start by evaluating the systems and platforms you currently have and focus on efficiency.
Deep dives
Considerations for Transitioning Business Structures
When considering a transition to a different business structure, there are several key factors to consider. Firstly, understanding your financials is crucial. Take the time to know your numbers, including all expenses, not just the obvious ones like fees. Secondly, compliance is an important aspect. Consider your value-add and focus on whether you prefer advice-centric or product-centric practices. For advisors who value offering a wide range of investment options, staying with a broker-dealer might be the better choice due to the compliance complexities of being an independent RIA. Thirdly, think about the advantages offered by remaining with a broker-dealer, such as the sense of community, readily available resources, and succession planning opportunities. Finally, decide if you truly want to run your own business or if staying with a broker-dealer aligns better with your goals. Remember, focus on what you do best and what brings the most value to your clients.
Navigating Tech Stack and Vendor Selection
Building a tech stack can be overwhelming, but it's important to start by evaluating the systems and platforms you currently have. Determine what you need and understand the capabilities of your existing tech. Avoid jumping from one solution to another without fully exploring the potential of what you already have. Focus on efficiency and make sure the tech you choose adds value, improves processes, saves time, or helps generate more income. Consider tools for scheduling emails, managing tasks, storing files securely, and CRM software. When in doubt, reach out to experts or other advisors for advice and feedback on tech options.
Efficient Practices and Mindset Hacks
Improving efficiency in your practice can be achieved through various practices and mindset hacks. Schedule emails to be sent at the most optimal times to save time and streamline communication. Focus on your strengths and minimize efforts to improve weaknesses. Embrace the mindset that you are interviewing potential clients just as much as they are interviewing you. This will help you maintain a client base that aligns with your values and desired business structure. Lastly, don't get caught up in constantly changing or adding tech tools. Maximize the potential of your existing tech stack before seeking out new solutions. Remember, simplicity and focus are key to running an efficient business.
Connect with Steve Taylor
If you have any further questions or would like to connect with Steve Taylor, you can find him on LinkedIn under the name Steven Taylor. Feel free to reach out to him for advice or insights on transitioning business structures, compliance, and tech stack selection.
The financial planning landscape is ever-evolving, and advisors regularly find themselves second guessing their structure—BDs to IBDs and RIAs. A transition can seem daunting, but starting anew can bring freedom and independence.
In this episode, Stephen Taylor, attorney turned Certified Financial Planner, joins The Efficient Advisor, Libby Greiwe, to share his insights and experiences on making such a pivotal move in the industry. Together, they tackle some of the most common questions advisors confront when thinking through a transition, including:
Compliance
Technology
Portfolio management
Commission trails, and so much more.
This conversation will guide you through thinking about a business transition without being overwhelmed by the operational side. So, take a break and tune in now to hear from those who have taken the steps and walked this journey out successfully!