Ep 414: Narrowing Down The Focus To Byte-Sized Planning For Tech Employees To 10X To $50M AUM In Just 3 Years with Eric Franklin
Dec 3, 2024
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Eric Franklin, Managing Partner of Prospero Wealth in Seattle, shares his journey of accelerating AUM to $50 million by honing in on tech employees' unique needs. He discusses his innovative approach to financial planning, breaking it into manageable segments for busy clients. Technology plays a key role, enhancing communication through tools like Right Capital and personalized video updates. Franklin emphasizes the importance of goal-setting, tailored advice for tech-specific concerns, and cultivating a niche market to drive growth.
Targeting tech employees allowed the firm to grow its assets from $4 million to $50 million in three years by addressing their unique financial challenges.
Breaking down financial planning into bite-sized chunks reduces client overwhelm and enhances engagement by focusing on two or three priorities at a time.
Utilizing technology tools like Write Capital and Loom improves communication, keeping tech-savvy clients informed and actively involved in their financial planning journey.
Deep dives
Niche Targeting for Client Growth
Focusing on a specific client segment, particularly employees of big tech firms, has driven significant growth for the advisory business. By understanding the unique financial challenges and goals these clients face, the firm was able to tailor its services effectively. This approach allowed the firm to grow its assets under management from $4 million to over $50 million in three years. By honing in on this niche, the firm benefits from faster referrals and a deeper connection with clients who share similar professional backgrounds.
Simplified Planning Process
The planning process has been streamlined by breaking down financial planning into manageable, bite-sized chunks. This approach minimizes client overwhelm by focusing on just two or three key priorities at a time, which corresponds better with their busy schedules. Initial client engagements begin with reviewing potential goals, which helps identify and prioritize what is most important to them. This method not only enhances client follow-through but also fosters better communication and understanding throughout the planning process.
Leveraging Technology for Client Engagement
Technology plays a crucial role in maintaining effective communication with tech-savvy clients. The firm utilizes tools like Write Capital for task management and Loom for personalized video updates, which help keep clients informed and engaged. This ongoing engagement model allows advisors to proactively follow up on client tasks and maintain a connection between meetings. By personalizing updates and using familiar platforms, clients feel more in control and engaged with their financial planning journey.
Marketing Through Content and Expertise
Content marketing that leverages industry-specific knowledge has proven effective in attracting ideal clients. Creating in-depth, relevant articles, such as tax strategies unique to tech firms, resonates more with the target audience than generic marketing approaches. This strategy builds credibility and establishes the firm as a valuable resource in a crowded market. By sharing expertise and tailored insights, the firm has been able to tap into the referral network of their educated clientele.
Building a Scalable Business Model
The rapid growth of the business has also been supported by the inclusion of new advisors from similar backgrounds who can connect with clients on a personal level. This strategy not only accelerates firm growth but also enhances service offerings as each advisor brings unique strengths. Mentorship and collaboration within the firm create a learning environment that benefits both advisors and clients. The focus on attracting advisors with established networks ensures continued access to a broader client base and richer service experiences.
Eric Franklin is the Managing Partner of Prospero Wealth, an RIA based out of Seattle that oversees $52 million in assets under management for 80 households. Eric uniquely grew his assets under management to $50 million in just three years by targeting employees at big tech firms and adapting his planning process into smaller, manageable segments. This approach, which spreads out financial planning over time, proved more valuable for his busy clients, preventing them from feeling overwhelmed.
Listen in as Eric shares how he enhances client engagement by focusing on a few planning priorities at a time and starting engagements with goal-setting exercises to clarify and prioritize their objectives. He details his targeted marketing strategy toward tech employees, his own transition from tech to financial planning, and the growth of his firm through hiring like-minded advisors from the tech industry. You'll hear how he's leveraging technology tools for efficient communication, why he recommends industry conferences for career changers to learn best practices before launching their financial planning careers, and more.