NASD Newbie, I think your a little jealous of (a) my education (I am sure you went to popcorn university, if at all (b) well lets just say that I am better than you in all aspects…

[quote=NASD Newbie]

 Regardless of what this child has to say, it is stupid to attempt this business until you're at least thirty--and being thirty five would be even better.

[/quote]

Why do you say this?  What do you say to the 45 yo guy who started when he was in his early 20s and now has a 100 mil book?  He would have been better off selling copiers in his 20s?  He now has a huge leg up on all of these "career changers" starting from scratch at thirty five.  Do you think they can quickly learn the business and gather enough assets to supports their families the way 30 year old people must?   Do you think their "maturity" and contacts they've made in the copier industry will be their saving grace to get business off ground?

Your arguments are very weak and suspect in this "rookie- what is right age" discussion.

I have been in this business for 12 years. I started in my mid 20's. I have seen stars and busts of all ages. Quite honestly NASD is dispensing what he/she believes is sage advice and in many instances I agree. IMHO, however, the most important criteria to success in this industry are maturity,charisma, intelligence and lack of debt (which allows one to be patient).Just to name a few. Many points about starting younger now vs. when I did over a decade ago is that it was more transaction oriented which allowed you to open an account with a trade and forge a relationship. Everyone seems to think their asset allocation model is "special". It's not. This is the part where charisma and intelligence allow you to make in-roads. Finally, lack of debt allow your positive charecteristics to take hold with your prospects/customers/clients. Some times it just takes time for people to decide to do business wtih you. I will say at this stage like anyone who has been around awhile and who intends to be around a while longer both my age and experience are attributes to clients and referrals.

I think for prospective advisors a more interesting question is not if you can make it but do you want to be in this industry. I would bet any top producer and I am in that category (barely) asks themselves what if I would put the same energy into building something in a different industry. Whether it be construction, service or fast food franchises ... how would it compare. Sorry for the rambling but  everyone fell asleep early tonight and I was bored. 

[quote=skolbrother]I think for prospective advisors a more interesting question is not if you can make it but do you want to be in this industry. I would bet any top producer and I am in that category (barely) asks themselves what if I would put the same energy into building something in a different industry. Whether it be construction, service or fast food franchises ... how would it compare. [/quote]
Good point skolbrother.  I assume a common retort is that, in this business, your own capital (and potential BK) isn't on the line.  That being said, your point is certainly food for thought.

nice post brother

One of the most insightful things that have been written on this forum is the statement that before everything became asset gathering you could start the relationship with a single trade.

That really isn't possible now.  You have places like Scottrade out there on TV talkng about $7 trades.  Who in their right mind is going to buy $1,000 worth of stock and pay the going rate at a wirehouse when $7 is available?

Only your family, friends, and a few dumb people.  What you can never forget is that dumb people don't have any "real" money and your family and friends won't be enough if they trust you at all with their real money.

[quote=NASD Newbie]

One of the most insightful things that have been written on this forum is the statement that before everything became asset gathering you could start the relationship with a single trade.

That really isn't possible now.  You have places like Scottrade out there on TV talkng about $7 trades.  Who in their right mind is going to buy $1,000 worth of stock and pay the going rate at a wirehouse when $7 is available?

Only your family, friends, and a few dumb people.  What you can never forget is that dumb people don't have any "real" money and your family and friends won't be enough if they trust you at all with their real money.

[/quote]

from newbie's closet of experience ...

[quote=joedabrkr] [quote=brothaK]Over a couple of months on this forum and many other forums for financial advising, I have realized no matter where you are and in whatever situation, your writing and grammer should be perfect.  Although you may think it's great when writing to your clients or talking to them, it probably is not, because practice makes perfect.  If you don't practice 24/7 you will never be perfect. [/quote]

"grammar"

Couldn't resist!
[/quote]

Perfect.  That idiot.