The Perfect RIA

In this week's Follow Up Friday, Amber Kuhn highlights advisor mindsets and M&A strategies in the financial advisory world.  Monday's episode featured Matt and Micah reflecting on insights from their recent mastermind event, where "financial undressing" revealed a fundamental truth: no two practices are alike. They challenged advisors to abandon the "I'm the best" mentality, warning that pride creates a dangerous blind spot. Instead, they advocate seeking out advisors who are achieving superior results and learning from their approaches—while still maintaining a critical eye for those who might be all talk with little substance to back up their claims. The week's bonus episode featured Ted Jenkin from JPTD joining Matt to cut through the noise in the M&A space. Ted highlighted a common pitfall: advisors often lack the market context to properly evaluate deals, potentially leaving money on the table. He emphasized that beneath splashy headlines about practice valuations lie complex deal structures that demand specialized knowledge. Resources in today's episode: - Episode Website - You’re Not Taylor Swift [Episode 299] - Exit Strategy Excellence: Building a Practice Worth Buying With Guest Ted Jenkin

In this episode of the Perfect RIA Podcast, Matthew Jarvis is joined by Ted Jenkin to discuss the high-stakes world of mergers and acquisitions in the financial advisory industry. They expose the gap between self-proclaimed M&A "experts" and those with genuine deal-making prowess. They highlight how proper negotiation tactics can transform a mediocre deal into a goldmine—and why having a professional negotiator in your corner might be the best investment you'll ever make. They tackle the uncomfortable truth that many advisors don't actually know their practice's real revenue numbers (hint: it's probably not what you think). Matt and Ted also challenge the common wisdom of waiting until reaching a specific size before selling, warning that this "someday" strategy could leave you with nothing but regrets and missed opportunities and reveal that many financial advisors are missing a crucial opportunity to add value during their clients' business sales—a process that's far more complex and emotionally charged than most realize. Exit Strategy Excellence: Building a Practice Worth Buying With Guest Ted Jenkin Resources in today's episode: - Matt Jarvis: LinkedIn | Website - Ted Jenkin: LinkedIn | Website - Get your practice valuation here

In this episode of the Perfect RIA Podcast, hosts Micah Shilanski and Matthew Jarvis discuss humility and why even advisors with the fanciest letterheads need it. The duo dives into the ecosystem of advisory practices (spoiler alert: not all are created equal) and unpacks the sometimes brutal realities of mergers and acquisitions. Whether your practice is a boutique operation or an industry behemoth, Micah and Matthew insist there's always something to learn from your peers—even if that something is "what not to do." They warn against the "know-it-all" syndrome that plagues many successful advisors and explain why understanding your practice's true value is essential before you start dreaming about that yacht-worthy exit strategy. Plus, they remind us that clients don't care about your impressive credentials if their experience feels like a trip to the DMV (and we don’t mean Delivering Massive Value). You’re Not Taylor Swift [Episode 299] Resources in today's episode: - Micah Shilanski: Website | LinkedIn - Matt Jarvis: Website | LinkedIn- Get your practice valuation here

The journey of an advisor breaking free from corporate constraints is explored in depth. Insights from Carmine Corino, a seasoned CEO, reveal the trials of embracing independence in financial advising. The discussion helps listeners assess their motivations and options, whether to venture into independence or stay with their current practices. Personal stories and expert advice guide aspiring advisors, making it an invaluable listen for anyone considering a shift in their career.

Join Carmine Corino, author of 'Broken Dealer' and CEO of Cornerstone Planning Group, as he shares his journey from the broker-dealer world to establishing his own RIA. Discover the challenges he faced, including the allure of recruiting incentives and the impact of private equity on the industry. Carmine emphasizes the importance of aligning professional choices with personal values over mere financial incentives. His reflections on loyalty and independence provide valuable insights for those considering a similar pathway in their financial advisory careers.

Amber Kuhn tackles the challenge of advisory fees and how client perceptions impact value. Matt and Micah assert that it’s not just about percentages; it’s the consistent delivery of value that matters. They highlight the need for advisors to help prospects see the full range of services offered, rather than just fixating on costs. The discussion underscores that belief in one's fee structure and having clear processes are essential for building trust and conveying worth to clients.

Dive into the debate on advisory fees and the true value they represent for clients. The hosts address the assumption that rising market values should automatically lead to higher fees. Discover the art of crafting a compelling value proposition that resonates with clients, emphasizing the need for clear communication and understanding. The discussion highlights the necessity of delivering real, perceived value while navigating the complexities of fee structures and enhancing client engagement. A fresh take on elevating the advisory experience waits!

Discover the secrets to mastering goal achievement with insights from an executive coach. Learn about the importance of focusing on one goal at a time rather than overwhelming yourself with too many changes. Explore the four essential characteristics of successful goal achievers: clarity, confidence, courage, and consistency. The conversation emphasizes the value of coaching and regular reflections to overcome common challenges and maintain progress. Tune in to transform your approach to goal setting!

Kristin Burke, a seasoned financial advisor coach, shares her expertise on bridging the gap between goal-setting and achievement. She breaks down the crucial Four C's: clarity, confidence, courage, and consistency, offering insights into building a sustainable path to success. Kristin emphasizes the power of specific, trackable activities over vague intentions, introducing her effective Friday ritual for reflection and planning. Listeners are encouraged to celebrate small wins while prioritizing ongoing personal and professional growth.

In this week's Follow Up Friday, Amber Kuhn highlights the origin story of why Matthew Jarvis and Micah Shilanski started The Perfect RIA. Matt and Micah revealed how the landscape of financial advising was once shrouded in mystery, with successful advisors keeping their strategies close to the chest, and they found themselves navigating through well-meaning but often theoretical advice from people who hadn't actually implemented what they were preaching. After years of trial and error, they discovered that their unconventional approach to running their practices, though criticized by industry standards, was working exceptionally well. Their commitment to transparency and real-world experience led to their first (albeit unreleased) podcast attempt, eventually evolving into the weekly show we know today. The heart of their message centered on the importance of community and the power of shared experience. The Perfect RIA has become more than just a podcast – it's a forcing mechanism for growth and a platform for industry transformation. Resources in today's episode: - Episode Website - Beyond the BS: What Actually Works in Financial Planning [Episode 295 ]