Delivered 1,933 minutes of content on the human side of advice
Inside those 24 episodes and 1,933 minutes lie countless ideas, insights, and nuggets that will do two things:
Enhance and enrich your clients’ lives and forever change the trajectory of your business and career.
But, there were certain ideas inside each episode and conversation that delivered more impact than others. Certain insights and nuggets that move the needle a little bit further.
In this episode, I go back through each conversation from 2024 and extract the most impactful ideas and insights advisors need to know.
*To sign up for Brendan’s newsletter packed with resources to master the human side of advice → Click Here
Content here is for illustrative purposes and general information only. It is not legal, tax, or individualized financial advice; nor is it a recommendation to buy, sell, or hold any specific security, or engage in any specific trading strategy.
Information here may be provided, in part, by third-party sources. These sources are generally deemed to be reliable; however, neither our guest nor RFG Advisory guarantee the accuracy of third-party sources.
The views expressed here are those of our guest. They do not necessarily represent those of RFG Advisory, its employees, or its clients. This commentary should not be regarded as a description of advisory services provided by RFG Advisory, or performance returns of any client. The views reflected in the commentary are subject to change at any time without notice.
Securities offered by Registered Representatives of Private Client Services. Member FINRA / SIPC. Advisory services offered by Investment Advisory Representatives of RFG Advisory, LLC (“RFG Advisory or “RFG”), a registered investment advisor. Private Client Services and RFG Advisory are unaffiliated entities. Advisory services are only offered to clients or prospective clients where RFG Advisory and its representatives are properly licensed or exempt from licensure. No advisory services may be rendered by RFG Advisory unless a client agreement is in place.
RFG Advisory is an SEC-registered investment adviser. SEC registration does not constitute an endorsement of RFG by the Commission, nor does it indicate that RFG or any associated investment advisory representative has attained a particular level of skill or ability.
“If you’re not relevant, you’re ignored. If you’re not compelling, you’re forgotten.”
Bill Cates, the “OG” of relationship marketing, knows that genuine connections are the heart of a thriving and growing practice.
But with technology constantly reshaping how we connect, how do you still leverage a human connection?
For decades, Bill has mastered the art of building trust, creating relevance, and fostering relationships that lead to referrals.
And, in this episode, he shares the 3 R’s of relationship marketing and how they remove friction from the prospecting process and pave the way to exponential growth for your practice.
What You’ll Learn:
The #1 barrier to getting more referrals
Brain-based tips for crafting messages that stick
Why focusing on a niche can fuel massive growth
Why “introductions” beat referrals—and how to ask for them
How storytelling creates emotional connections that inspire action
*To sign up for Brendan’s newsletter packed with resources to master the human side of advice → Click Here
Bill Cates is a renowned author, speaker, and coach specializing in relationship marketing and client acquisition strategies. With decades of experience, he has helped thousands of advisors and businesses refine their approach to building relevance, creating emotional connections, and generating referrals. Bill’s work combines timeless marketing principles with modern tools to help advisors grow their practices and make meaningful connections with clients.
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Content here is for illustrative purposes and general information only. It is not legal, tax, or individualized financial advice; nor is it a recommendation to buy, sell, or hold any specific security, or engage in any specific trading strategy.
Information here may be provided, in part, by third-party sources. These sources are generally deemed to be reliable; however, neither our guest nor RFG Advisory guarantee the accuracy of third-party sources.
The views expressed here are those of our guest. They do not necessarily represent those of RFG Advisory, its employees, or its clients. This commentary should not be regarded as a description of advisory services provided by RFG Advisory, or performance returns of any client. The views reflected in the commentary are subject to change at any time without notice.
Securities offered by Registered Representatives of Private Client Services. Member FINRA / SIPC. Advisory services offered by Investment Advisory Representatives of RFG Advisory, LLC (“RFG Advisory or “RFG”), a registered investment advisor. Private Client Services and RFG Advisory are unaffiliated entities. Advisory services are only offered to clients or prospective clients where RFG Advisory and its representatives are properly licensed or exempt from licensure. No advisory services may be rendered by RFG Advisory unless a client agreement is in place.
RFG Advisory is an SEC-registered investment adviser. SEC registration does not constitute an endorsement of RFG by the Commission, nor does it indicate that RFG or any associated investment advisory representative has attained a particular level of skill or ability.
Meir Statman is a leading behavioral finance authority and a finance professor at Santa Clara University. His groundbreaking research bridges traditional finance with psychology, offering insights into how emotions and biases impact financial decision-making. Meir’s work encourages advisors to focus on client well-being and life satisfaction, making him a pioneer in helping people use their finances to support meaningful and fulfilling lives. He’s also the author of A Wealth of Well-Being, where he explores the role of behavioral finance in guiding financial choices that promote happiness.
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Content here is for illustrative purposes and general information only. It is not legal, tax, or individualized financial advice; nor is it a recommendation to buy, sell, or hold any specific security, or engage in any specific trading strategy.
Information here may be provided, in part, by third-party sources. These sources are generally deemed to be reliable; however, neither our guest nor RFG Advisory guarantee the accuracy of third-party sources.
The views expressed here are those of our guest. They do not necessarily represent those of RFG Advisory, its employees, or its clients. This commentary should not be regarded as a description of advisory services provided by RFG Advisory, or performance returns of any client. The views reflected in the commentary are subject to change at any time without notice.
Securities offered by Registered Representatives of Private Client Services. Member FINRA / SIPC. Advisory services offered by Investment Advisory Representatives of RFG Advisory, LLC (“RFG Advisory or “RFG”), a registered investment advisor. Private Client Services and RFG Advisory are unaffiliated entities. Advisory services are only offered to clients or prospective clients where RFG Advisory and its representatives are properly licensed or exempt from licensure. No advisory services may be rendered by RFG Advisory unless a client agreement is in place.
RFG Advisory is an SEC-registered investment adviser. SEC registration does not constitute an endorsement of RFG by the Commission, nor does it indicate that RFG or any associated investment advisory representative has attained a particular level of skill or ability.
Benjamin Haas is a financial advisor who believes in the power of human connection in financial planning. With a passion for going beyond the numbers, he helps his clients build deeper, more meaningful relationships with their money. Through his approach, Benjamin empowers clients to not only feel financially safeguarded but also live purposefully. His practice focuses on promoting reflection, guiding clients from merely “fine” to fully flourishing in their lives and retirement.
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Content here is for illustrative purposes and general information only. It is not legal, tax, or individualized financial advice; nor is it a recommendation to buy, sell, or hold any specific security, or engage in any specific trading strategy.
Information here may be provided, in part, by third-party sources. These sources are generally deemed to be reliable; however, neither our guest nor RFG Advisory guarantee the accuracy of third-party sources.
The views expressed here are those of our guest. They do not necessarily represent those of RFG Advisory, its employees, or its clients. This commentary should not be regarded as a description of advisory services provided by RFG Advisory, or performance returns of any client. The views reflected in the commentary are subject to change at any time without notice.
Securities offered by Registered Representatives of Private Client Services. Member FINRA / SIPC. Advisory services offered by Investment Advisory Representatives of RFG Advisory, LLC (“RFG Advisory or “RFG”), a registered investment advisor. Private Client Services and RFG Advisory are unaffiliated entities. Advisory services are only offered to clients or prospective clients where RFG Advisory and its representatives are properly licensed or exempt from licensure. No advisory services may be rendered by RFG Advisory unless a client agreement is in place.
RFG Advisory is an SEC-registered investment adviser. SEC registration does not constitute an endorsement of RFG by the Commission, nor does it indicate that RFG or any associated investment advisory representative has attained a particular level of skill or ability.
Financial advisors are on the front lines of bad news.
Your entire business is filled with clients who have either experienced grief or will experience grief at some point in their lives.
When that time comes, you’ll often be one of the first people they talk to.
And, unfortunately, we aren’t naturally “grief-literate.” We feel awkward, don’t know what to say, and generally mishandle the conversation.
But, when you have a process for handling grieving clients, you can capitalize on the opportunity to forge deeper relationships and grow your business.
In this episode, grief literacy expert Kathi Balasek reveals the essential skills financial advisors need to navigate conversations with clients experiencing grief.
You’ll Learn:
The #1 reason widows leave their advisors
What NOT to say during times of grief and loss
How to help clients avoid big decisions during times of grief
The significance of creating a “lesson plan” for a post-loss meeting
What her advisor did well in her first meeting after losing her husband
*To sign up for Brendan’s monthly newsletter focused on the human side of advice → Click Here
Kathi Balasek is an educator, grief literacy communication coach, university asst. professor, speaker, and widow advocate. She trains professionals on how to improve their grief literacy communication skills to engage, support, and retain clients and employees going through life’s most difficult transitions. Whether it is the surviving spouse, the family member with a serious health diagnosis, or a major life transition, these conversations are pivotal to knowing exactly what to say and do. Everyone experiences grief and loss as it is a universal experience. However, it isn’t a universal language – let’s change this together!
Experiencing the emotional, physical, and financial uniqueness of widowhood firsthand, she learned that the relationship between professionals and bereaved clients is pivotal. Combining her 25 years of teaching, coaching, research, and personal experience, she created Grief Smart Professional as a tool to help professionals retain, connect, and support clients experiencing loss, grief, and widowhood. Grief literacy communication is vital to helping all clients before, during, and after a death occurs.
She is a widow advocate. She stands up and fights for the rights of widows, their livelihood, and their financial future.
Along with her mission-driven business, Grief Smart Professional, she is a university professor and currently, she teaches at California State University, Chico in the Department of Communication and Education.
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Content here is for illustrative purposes and general information only. It is not legal, tax, or individualized financial advice; nor is it a recommendation to buy, sell, or hold any specific security, or engage in any specific trading strategy.
Information here may be provided, in part, by third-party sources. These sources are generally deemed to be reliable; however, neither our guest nor RFG Advisory guarantee the accuracy of third-party sources.
The views expressed here are those of our guest. They do not necessarily represent those of RFG Advisory, its employees, or its clients. This commentary should not be regarded as a description of advisory services provided by RFG Advisory, or performance returns of any client. The views reflected in the commentary are subject to change at any time without notice.
Securities offered by Registered Representatives of Private Client Services. Member FINRA / SIPC. Advisory services offered by Investment Advisory Representatives of RFG Advisory, LLC (“RFG Advisory or “RFG”), a registered investment advisor. Private Client Services and RFG Advisory are unaffiliated entities. Advisory services are only offered to clients or prospective clients where RFG Advisory and its representatives are properly licensed or exempt from licensure. No advisory services may be rendered by RFG Advisory unless a client agreement is in place.
RFG Advisory is an SEC-registered investment adviser. SEC registration does not constitute an endorsement of RFG by the Commission, nor does it indicate that RFG or any associated investment advisory representative has attained a particular level of skill or ability.
