

The Perfect RIA
Matthew Jarvis, CFP® & Micah Shilanski, CFP®
Welcome to The Perfect RIA podcast, the ultimate resource for advisors who want to master time management, optimize advisor-client interactions, achieve unparalleled profitability, and maximize value in their practice. Hosted by industry experts Matthew Jarvis, CFP®, and Micah Shilanski, CFP®, this podcast is your blueprint for success.
Matthew and Micah don't talk theory; they share what has worked for them in the real world. They cut through the noise to deliver practical advice that you can implement immediately so you can make the most of your time—allowing you to spend more of it outside the office.
Whether you're a seasoned advisor or just starting out, The Perfect RIA podcast equips you with the tools and knowledge you need to excel. Tune in and transform your advisory practice into a powerhouse of success.
Matthew and Micah don't talk theory; they share what has worked for them in the real world. They cut through the noise to deliver practical advice that you can implement immediately so you can make the most of your time—allowing you to spend more of it outside the office.
Whether you're a seasoned advisor or just starting out, The Perfect RIA podcast equips you with the tools and knowledge you need to excel. Tune in and transform your advisory practice into a powerhouse of success.
Episodes
Mentioned books

Dec 21, 2023 • 33min
Burnout Is For Wimps
In the latest Worlds To Conquer episode, Jamie takes on language and tools that are crucial for success. She deconstructs trendy terms like "work-life balance," "burnout," and "sabbatical," shedding light on the nuanced meanings behind these words and how they impact the trajectory of your career. Jamie offers strategies to prevent burnout, including the importance of understanding team members' needs. She’ll also share her recommendation on the role of coaches in personal development, stressing the need for a strategic focus on potential and goal achievement. - Burnout Is For Wimps

Dec 20, 2023 • 28min
Wholesaler Who Saw The Light With Guest Anthony Zanetti
In this episode of Confessions from a Former Wholesaler, Matt is joined by Anthony Zanetti from Mardin Capital Group to share his experience in wholesaling and then transitioning to advisory services. Anthony shares his insights into creating balanced presentations, and the importance of intentional scheduling and the impact it has on client experience. Anthony also shares his journey of transitioning to a new practice, why he chooses to focus on incremental improvements rather than overwhelming changes, and how being intentional with delegation enhances your practice, your team’s empowerment, and the client experience. - Wholesaler Who Saw The Light With Guest Anthony Zanetti

Dec 18, 2023 • 30min
Do NOT Say That To A Client [Episode 235]
In today’s episode of The Perfect RIA, Matt and Micah are getting real about client communication because the words you choose have the power to either elevate or jeopardize client relationships. It’s about intentional communication, not routine responses, and the need to maintain a genuine curiosity about clients' needs and goals. Listen in as they share the subtle yet crucial nuances that can either build or erode client trust. By embracing a client-centric approach and valuing every question as an opportunity, advisors can elevate their practice, delivering not just financial advice but a tailored, empowering experience for each client. - Do NOT Say That To A Client [Episode 235]

Dec 15, 2023 • 11min
Impactful Meetings, Wholesaler Perspectives, and Client Retention
In this recap episode, we’re sharing how Monday, Matt and Micah emphasized the crucial role of financial advisors in their clients' lives, focusing on surge meetings and client interactions. They highlighted the importance of drawing out clients' priorities and consistently asking questions to uncover deeper concerns. Greg Goin, a wholesaler and regional VP for Equitable, joined Matt on Wednesday to discuss successful advisor practices and challenges. Topics included the evolving landscape of financial planning, the perception of insurance products in the RIA space, and the tradeoffs between RIA independence and affiliation with a larger organization. Greg emphasized the importance of delegation, team-building, and continuous investment in professional development. Thursday's episode with Jamie went into organizational stickiness. She highlighted factors contributing to client retention, including delivering value, creating memorable client experiences, and maintaining a consistent reputation. She emphasized regular updates, high-touch gestures, and understanding clients' needs for building lasting connections. Two Most Important Parts of a Surge Meeting [Episode 234] Confessions Of A Wholesaler with Guest Greg Goin Are You Sticky? Impactful Meetings, Wholesaler Perspectives, and Client Retention

Dec 14, 2023 • 31min
Are You Sticky?
Jamie is discussing the concept of organizational stickiness and its paramount importance for financial advisors, especially those operating in the RIA space. To achieve and maintain stickiness, Jamie advocates delivering personalized, high-value services, creating a unique selling proposition that addresses clients' distinct needs. Additionally, Jamie emphasizes the critical role of client experience and how to set a tone for client-centric engagement. She explores the significance of communication during client meetings and that connected clients are less likely to leave. Jamie also underscores the importance of expressing gratitude for referrals and the role of your reputation. Are You Sticky?

Dec 13, 2023 • 24min
Confessions Of A Wholesaler with Guest Greg Goin
Matt is back with another Confessions of a Wholesaler episode, and this time is joined by Greg Goin, a seasoned wholesaler, and regional VP for Equitable, discussing the evolving landscape of financial planning. They dive into the core focus on planning adopted by successful advisors, the implementation differences in planning software usage between broker-dealers and RIAs, and the shifting perception of insurance products. Greg discusses the challenges and trade-offs associated with transitioning to an independent RIA with insights into the struggles faced by advisors, as well as the significance of effective delegation and continuous investment in professional development and technology understanding. Confessions Of A Wholesaler with Guest Greg Goin

6 snips
Dec 11, 2023 • 32min
Two Most Important Parts of a Surge Meeting [Episode 234]
Matt and Micah discuss the importance of client meetings, the significance of asking thoughtful questions to understand client concerns, the need for meticulous note-taking, and the transformative power of establishing accountability through thorough action item follow-up.

Dec 8, 2023 • 12min
Value Delivery, Transformative Coaching, and Navigating Legal Challenges
On Monday, Matt and Micah kick-started the week by talking about delivering value to clients with the example of the 1099 value add. They shared advice on creating systematic processes, setting deadlines, and involving the team in value-add initiatives. On Wednesday, Matt welcomed back Scott Rusnak, an EOS implementor and personal coach, to explore the transformative role of coaching in personal and professional development. Scott shared his "delegate and elevate" checklist, being intentional with relationships, and the power of regular resets. Thursday, Jamie offered insights on navigating legal challenges. Drawing from a client's lawsuit and her own HOA dispute, Jamie stressed a proactive approach and the importance of creating detailed timelines when facing legal action, as well as a practical perspective on maintaining composure and handling legal challenges methodically. Value Sledgehammer or Volume Sucker Punch? [Episode 233] The Power of Coaching With Guest Scott Rusnak Stupid Games = Stupid Prizes Value Delivery, Transformative Coaching, and Navigating Legal Challenges

Dec 7, 2023 • 37min
Stupid Games = Stupid Prizes
Jamie Shilanski is opening up about legal challenges with her own personal experience and how to navigate such situations effectively. Emphasizing the importance of a proactive approach, she’s highlighting the need to create a detailed timeline of events upon receiving any legal action. Jamie stresses the significance of completing crucial steps, likening it to scenarios where clients may forget to execute wills or update beneficiary designations. She’s providing a practical perspective on handling legal challenges in both personal and professional spheres and encourages when faced with this situation to manage your emotions and initial reactions. Stupid Games = Stupid Prizes

Dec 6, 2023 • 28min
The Power of Coaching With Guest Scott Rusnak
Matthew Jarvis welcomes back Scott Rusnak, an EOS implementor and Matt's personal coach, to explore the pivotal role of coaching in personal and professional development. Scott shares his approach to selecting the right coach, focusing on backgrounds, client referrals, and the ability to emulate success. Matt and Scott further explore the dynamics between a coach and a client, shedding light on the "delegate and elevate" checklist as a crucial onboarding tool. Scott also discusses his intentional approach to relationships and as a guiding principle for achieving both personal and professional fulfillment. The Power of Coaching With Guest Scott Rusnak