All of us operate from the same relationship hierarchy both personally and professionally. That hierarchy is illustrated below:
What is the difference between each of the levels in the relationship pyramid above? I believe there are three key components that differentiate one level from the next:
- Information (the externals that define an individual):
- Favorite sports teams
- Geopolitical persuasion
- Recreational outlets
- Favorite television shows
- Insights (the internals that define an individual):
- Character
- Temperament
- Psychographic profile
- Philosophical/Spiritual framework
- Actions (what you actually do with the information and insights):
- Communication Model: frequency, mode, tone, complexity etc.
- Recognition Model: public, private personal, generic etc.
As you move up the relationship hierarchy you will first notice that you have more information and insights on an acquaintance than a stranger, on a good friend than a friend and ultimately (and hopefully) on a spouse than a good friend. You should then notice that what you actually "do" with that information and insight is materially different (both qualitatively and quantitatively) as you move up the pyramid.
You’re probably thinking, “So what does this have to do with my practice?”
If I were to take these 3 variables and apply them to your platinum clientele, where would they slot in this hierarchy? In most practices their platinum clients would slot somewhere between acquaintance and low-level friend. In today's hypercompetitive landscape this is simply not adequate. If Amazon.com, iTunes, Netflix and Pandora know more about your clientele than you do, you’re in trouble. Think of the level of comfort, communication and candor you have with very close friends; you banter with them, commiserate with them and confide in them. Your goal should be to replicate this relationship model with your platinum clientele.
All major firms have great tools and templates to capture volumes of financial information, so we have put together a complimentary tool designed to capture volumes of personal and professional information and insights. This will help you on many fronts. For example:
- You don’t manage assets in a vacuum. All of your assets come attached to human beings, the better you understand them the easier it will be to manage their wealth.
- The deeper the relationship the higher the trust, the higher the trust the more efficient, effective and enjoyable the interactions.
- Using this knowledge and insight to create an exceptional client service platform, will not only help you retain your best clients but may dramatically enhance your referrals.
Our tool is divided into five sections:
SECTION 1: PERSONAL BACKGROUND AND INTERESTS
Designed to provide a general background and personal interest framework for you. For example, if you decide to take your client to lunch, it might be nice to know what his favorite restaurant is; if to a playoff game, what her favorite team is, etc.
SECTION 2: BUSINESS/PROFESSIONAL INSIGHTS
Focuses on questions that provide business/professional insights and context. If your client owns a small business or professional practice, the single largest financial decision he/she will ever make will be how, when and to whom they will transition and monetize their enterprise. The answers to these questions will help you guide your client and be a valued member of the team (along with attorneys, CPAs and senior partners) as they begin this journey.
SECTION 3: INVESTMENT DECISIONS
Although we assume that you will pick up all relevant financial documents to review and analyze when you return to your branch, these questions give you the client’s perspective and commensurate context necessary to understand not just what the client has done with his investment portfolio, but why.
SECTION 4: VALUES AND PRIORITIES
For many years, we have stated our belief that “we are a left-brain industry talking to right-brain clients.” We tend to view clients’ assets through the lens of a “spreadsheet,” rather than the lens of philosophy, psychology, legacy and emotion. These questions give you the kind of deep personal insight we believe are necessary to counsel people on managing their wealth.
SECTION 5: RELATIONSHIP EXPECTATIONS
There’s a familiar quote: “The definition of disappointment is unrealized expectations.” Establishing those expectations up front gives you the opportunity to both meet and exceed your client’s expectations.
Utilizing this tool will complement your firm’s tactical goals-oriented financial planning questionnaire, and give you the insights necessary to construct a meaningful and high impact client service model.
For more information, please visit the Professional Development section of www.oppenheimerfunds.com/advisors.
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These views represent the opinions of OppenheimerFunds, Inc. and are not intended as investment advice or to predict or depict the performance of any investment. These views are as of the date of this presentation and are subject to change based on subsequent developments.
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