Tag Archives: Branding

Volatility, Value, and Vision: How Leading Financial Advisors Are Winning in Changing Times (Ep. 76)

Advisor, Business, Education, Finance, Financial, Uncategorized, , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

In this episode of Always On, Duncan MacPherson welcomes back Chris Jeppesen, Chief of Advisory Practices at First Trust, for a timely conversation rooted in real-world field experience. As volatility continues to test the industry, the best financial advisors aren’t retreating, they’re leaning in. Duncan and Chris unpack how the most effective teams are embracing this environment as a catalyst for deeper relationships, elevated leadership, and long-term enterprise value.

They explore the mindset and tactical shifts that top performers are making, from transitioning toward advice-centric models and AI adoption, to scaling their practices without diluting the client experience. The conversation also addresses the advisor’s personal evolution, with insights on leadership, strategic planning, and legacy-building.

Key takeaways include:

  • How to “value stack” with proactive communication, personalized planning, and future-focused conversations
  • What advisors must do now to stay ahead of shifting client expectations and emerging competition
  • Why AI isn’t optional, and how to use it to develop IP, scale client acquisition, and enhance team efficiency
  • Leadership, delegation, and building a business that creates both freedom and fulfillment

Resources:

Connect With Duncan MacPherson:

Connect With Chris:

About Our Guests:

Chris Jeppesen is the head of advisory practices at First Trust, a firm known not only for its robust investment product line which includes UITs, ETFs, SMAs, and VAs (to name a few) but also for its commitment to the growth of financial advisors. First Trust has dedicated many years to finding (and investing in) creative ways to help financial advisors grow their practices. Chris’ goal over the last 18 years has been to give financial advisors the tools to develop an efficient business model focused on building long-term client trust and loyalty. Chris is also the co-author of The Advisor Playbook and The Blue Square Method.

Podcast: Play in new window | Download | Embed

Subscribe: Youtube Music | RSS | More

AI in Financial Services: Unlocking Potential and Future Opportunities with Kevin Bishopp

AI in Financial Services: Unlocking Potential and Future Opportunities with Kevin Bishopp (Ep. 69)

Advisor, Education, Finance, Financial, , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

In this episode, Duncan MacPherson and Kevin Bishopp dive deep into how artificial intelligence is reshaping the financial services industry. From optimizing client communication to enhancing business efficiency, they unpack the immense potential AI offers to financial professionals. This forward-thinking discussion explores practical steps advisors can take to integrate AI tools into their practices and position themselves as leaders in a rapidly evolving landscape.

Whether you’re curious about AI’s role in wealth management, looking to future-proof your practice, or aiming to deliver an elevated client experience, this episode delivers actionable insights tailored for financial advisors.

Key Takeaways:

  • How AI can streamline operations and improve client engagement.
  • Practical ways to integrate AI tools into your financial services business.
  • Real-world examples of how advisors are leveraging AI to enhance profitability and scalability.
  • A discussion on the challenges and ethical considerations of adopting AI in financial services.
  • Insight into upcoming trends shaping the future of AI in the financial sector.

Resources:

Connect With Duncan MacPherson:

Connect With Kevin Bishopp:

About Our Guest:

Kevin Bishopp is a Vice President and Performance Coach for the Advisor Consulting Group at First Trust. His focus is the best practices and mission-critical strategies that propel professionals/firms to be truly unique within the industry. His insights into key metrics, resource allocation, team structure, marketing and client acquisition equip professionals/firms to make high-quality strategic decisions that can generate dynamic results. Prior to joining First Trust, Kevin spent 12 years with Russell Investments, where he held positions as Director of Practice Management, RIA Channel Head and Business Development Director. In those roles, he focused on coaching, content creation, sales management, national account management, and business development. Before joining Russell Investments, Kevin spent 5 years as a wealth manager for The Bishopp Group LLC, a family-owned wealth management practice. In 1994, he started his career in financial services as an associate for Principal Financial Group. Kevin holds an MBA from the Michael G. Foster School of Business at the University of Washington and a BA in Finance from Eastern Washington University.

Podcast: Play in new window | Download | Embed

Subscribe: Youtube Music | RSS | More

Unlock Success in Family Dynamics and Next-Gen Wealth with Jackie Wilke (Ep. 60)

Advisor, Business, Coaching, Consulting, Education, Finance, Financial, Financial Advisor, Uncategorized, , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

Are you ready to become the indispensable advisor who guides entire families through wealth building and legacy planning?

Remember, it’s not your client’s responsibility to introduce you and it’s not the family member’s job to ask. You must be proactive and cultivate relationships across the family tree!

In this enlightening and highly relevant episode, Duncan MacPherson speaks with Jackie Wilke, VP of Advisor Consulting at First Trust Portfolios. They provide a step-by-step guide to progressively foster relationships with your clients’ family members (including the next-gen wealth inheritors).

They discuss:

  • How to initiate the conversation with the “family phone call”
  • How to position yourself as a valuable resource for the client’s family (you must lead with a give, not an ask!)
  • Major opportunities to create educational content and develop social proof
  • Connecting with the sandwich generation
  • The sweet spot between high-tech and high-touch
  • How to adapt to the evolving needs of the next-gen
  • And more

Resources:

Connect With Duncan:

Connect With Jackie:

Promotions:

About Our Guest:

Jackie Wilke is a speaker, author, consultant, and coach for select partners of First Trust, a firm known not only for its robust investment product line which includes UITs, ETFs, SMAs, and VAs (to name a few) but also for its commitment to the growth of financial advisors. Jackie’s focus is business development and innovation including expertise in helping financial professionals, teams, and the next generation of high-net-worth individuals/households and multi-generational families. She is also the author of Insights & Innovations, a business development blog for financial professionals and enterprises.

Podcast: Play in new window | Download | Embed

Subscribe: Youtube Music | RSS | More

The Future of Branding and Client Acquisition with Seth Diener and Alex Lerch (Ep. 55)

Advisor, Business, Coaching, Consulting, Education, Finance, Financial, Financial Advisor, Uncategorized, , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

With messaging, the key is brevity, specificity, and proprietary.

You must choose your target audience, personalize your marketing to resonate with them, walk them through a proprietary process, and share their experience using effective testimonials!

Learn more about elevating your brand in this episode, as Duncan MacPherson speaks with Seth Diener, owner of Diener Money Management, and Alex Lerch, director of Oak & Stone Advisor Marketing. They explain how Financial Advisors can better focus their marketing efforts on their ideal audience — and then harness the power of AI during the implementation phase.

They discuss:

  • The multi-fold benefits of giving your process an identity (i.e., a brand within a brand)
  • How to garner a newfound appreciation from existing clients
  • How to use client testimonials in multiple ways and make the most out of them
  • Using AI to craft content (especially when the average human attention span is at an all-time low)
  • And more

Resources:

Connect With Duncan:

Connect With Seth:

Connect With Alex:

Promotions:

About Our Guests:

Seth J. Diener is an independent Private Wealth Manager and is the founder of Diener Money
Management, a financial services firm in Newtown, Pennsylvania.

Seth is a proud Pareto graduate and has implemented his proprietary process, The Flourish Formula,
throughout his operations, marketing and practice.

Alex Lerch is the Marketing Director for Oak & Stone Advisor Marketing, specializing in assisting
financial advisors for nearly a decade. He excels in developing marketing systems for advisors within
their practices, referral strategies, communication plans, and modern media to help advisors grow
their firms.

With a deep understanding of the industry and a focus on personalized solutions, Alex has established
a reputation as a trusted partner for financial advisors seeking marketing support.

Podcast: Play in new window | Download | Embed

Subscribe: Youtube Music | RSS | More

Shaping Your Branding Strategy: How to Run a Client Advisory Council with Mike “Cy” Cajthaml Jr. (Ep. 53)

Shaping Your Branding Strategy: How to Run a Client Advisory Council with Mike “Cy” Cajthaml Jr. (Ep. 53)

Advisor, Business, Coaching, Consulting, Education, Finance, Financial, Financial Advisor, Uncategorized, , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

In your mind, you have a certain brand image and value proposition for your business. Do your clients see it the same way?

Are your clients well-equipped to tell your story for you and be your biggest advocates?

Join Duncan MacPherson and Mike “Cy” Cajthaml Jr., a business consultant at Pareto Systems, as they delve into the power of client advisory councils in uncovering unmet needs, elevating the client experience, and achieving professional contrast. You will learn a turnkey approach to simplify the process and make client advisory councils a routine best practice.

They discuss:

  • The complete process and logistics from ramp-up to execution to follow-through (with an example)
  • How to conduct effective, agenda-driven discussions that lead to actionable insights
  • How to position the idea of advisory councils to your clients for the first time
  • Why client feedback can result in improved referability
  • The added benefit of finding a renewed sense of purpose for advisors
  • And more

Resources:

Connect With Duncan:

Connect With Mike:

Promotions:

About Our Guest:

Mike “Cy” Cajthaml Jr. has distinguished himself in the financial services industry over a remarkable 17-year career, marked by his vibrant and effective leadership style. He’s deeply committed to enhancing business and practice management strategies, always focusing on the achievement of his clients’ goals.

Mike’s career in the financial service industry was initiated at a major insurance-marketing organization, where he played a pivotal role in advising financial advisors nationwide on product solutions and marketing strategies. After dedicating six years to advising and coaching in the financial realm, Mike transitioned to become a financial advisor, collaborating with his father in Overland Park, KS. Their partnership managed substantial asset portfolios, leveraging a variety of insurance products. Mike’s firsthand experience with the Pareto Process, coupled with his insights from working with successful financial advisory firms, reinforced his belief in its transformative impact.

Driven by his conviction in the Pareto Process, Mike embraced the role of a Pareto coach. His unique blend of wholesale and retail experience empowers him to assist numerous advisory firms in integrating these processes, ultimately enabling advisors to realize their ideal lifestyle.

Podcast: Play in new window | Download | Embed

Subscribe: Youtube Music | RSS | More

Harness the Power of AI: Game-Changing Strategies for Modern Advisors with Craig Kirkpatrick (Ep. 52)

Harness the Power of AI: Game-Changing Strategies for Modern Advisors with Craig Kirkpatrick (Ep. 52)

Advisor, Business, Coaching, Consulting, Education, Finance, Financial, Financial Advisor, Uncategorized, , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

Whether you like it or not, the world is quickly adopting artificial intelligence (AI).

Now, the choice is yours: Do you want to get on board and leverage AI to improve your business? Or do you want to risk falling behind other advisors?

To stay ahead of the curve, Join Duncan MacPherson and Craig Kirkpatrick, founder of Act-Three Consulting, to learn how to use AI to save time, connect better with clients, and expand your knowledge along the way. This insightful conversation will expand your thinking around how AI is here to serve you, not hurt you.

They discuss:

  • A methodical approach to AI prompting for better results
  • How to use AI for faster content creation (with insights about navigating compliance)
  • A list of up-and-coming AI tools that may be relevant to your business
  • Real-world examples of successful AI applications
  • Why the “human touch” will become even more important with the adoption of AI
  • And more

Resources:

Connect With Duncan:

Connect With Craig:

Promotions:

About Our Guest:

With over three decades of seasoned experience in the financial services sector, Craig Kirkpatrick is committed to educating advisors to help them better serve their clients. His Act Three journey is characterized not just by his prior achievements, but with relentless curiosity and dedication to empowering financial advisors through the understanding and application of Artificial Intelligence and Blockchain technologies.

Craig deeply values the potential of AI to enhance client interactions in financial advising, advocating for its integration as a tool for smarter decision-making and stronger relationships. His interest in blockchain, with certificates by DACFP and CAIA, underpins Act Three’s vision of understanding through education. Craig also co-founded Orinda Asset Management, where they launched pioneering liquid alternative mutual funds. Before Orinda, Craig co-founded Kensington Investment Group which launched one of the first long-short REIT mutual funds, a REIT preferred fund, and a global infrastructure fund. Craig is a grounded professional, who, through Act Three, continues to explore and advocate for the future of financial planning and asset management, guided by innovative technologies.

Podcast: Play in new window | Download | Embed

Subscribe: Youtube Music | RSS | More

Timely and Timeless Best Practices with Chris Jeppesen (Ep. 50)

Advisor, Business, Coaching, Consulting, Education, Finance, Financial, Financial Advisor, Uncategorized, , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

In the fast-paced and ever-evolving world of financial advising, get ready to discover timely and timeless strategies that help you achieve professional contrast and create enduring value for clients.

In this 50th-episode special, Duncan MacPherson is back with co-author of The Blue Square Method, Chris Jeppesen, Chief of Advisory Practices at First Trust. Gleaning from their life experiences and the success stories of high-performing advisors, they share valuable best practices to achieve long-term growth.

They discuss:

  • Why more and more advisors are finding personal rejuvenation in their work
  • The upcoming retirement wave in the industry and the opportunities it presents
  • A process-driven approach to exhibiting empathy and personalization 
  • How AI is revolutionizing financial services
  • The power of testimonials in building trust and attracting clients
  • And more

Resources:

Connect With Duncan:

Connect With Chris:

Promotions:

About Our Guests:

Chris Jeppesen is the head of advisory practices at First Trust, a firm known not only for its robust investment product line which includes UITs, ETFs, SMAs, and VAs (to name a few) but also for its commitment to the growth of financial advisors. First Trust has dedicated many years to finding (and investing in) creative ways to help financial advisors grow their practices. Chris’ goal over the last 18 years has been to give financial advisors the tools to develop an efficient business model focused on building long-term client trust and loyalty. Chris is also the co-author of The Advisor Playbook and The Blue Square Method.

Podcast: Play in new window | Download | Embed

Subscribe: Youtube Music | RSS | More

Feature

Why You Should Be Podcasting With Matt Halloran

Advisor, Education, Finance, Financial, Uncategorized, , , , , ,

Podcasting is an incredibly powerful tool for financial services professionals. It has the ability to drown out the noise and make people focus on what you’re saying.

In this episode, Duncan MacPherson is interviewed by Matt Halloran of ProudMouth about the merits of podcasting and why financial service professionals should consider adding it to their marketing and branding efforts. Duncan explains why he chose to start a podcast.

Duncan discusses:

  • Why he chose to bring podcasting to his followers, clients, etc.
  • How podcasting allows you to move people from suspects to prospects (or skeptics to fans)
  • Why intellectual property is so important for a fee for service professional
  • How his clients have used organic growth to improve their practice 
  • And more

Connect With Duncan MacPherson:

Connect With Matt Halloran:

About Our Guest:

Matt got started in the financial services industry 20 years ago as a certified life and business coach.   As he became immersed in his client’s biggest needs, he built his knowledge and expertise as a financial branding and social media expert.  More recently, Matt has added podcasting to that list.

Matt respects how tough it is to be great and effective at marketing while running a practice, living a life, and loving a family. He teaches advisors how to be themselves, let their passions shine through and create strong brands that resonate with ideal prospects and centers of influence.

Podcast: Play in new window | Download | Embed

Subscribe: Youtube Music | RSS | More