TRUST is the single most important element for any good business relationship, especially when it comes to the relationship between a client and a Financial Professional. Intuitively we all know this to be true, and the research on this subject has consistently confirmed the importance of trust.

This became glaringly apparent to me when I was a new financial advisor in the mid-1980s being taught and applying sales techniques to “get” clients. The mantra was, “Find the need, make it hurt, and close, close, close!!!” Shockingly enough, many of these archaic techniques for selling to fear and greed still pervade the financial services industry today. Is it any wonder so many people are skeptical about financial advisors?

How ironic that we would be taught to use sales and marketing tactics that pretty much guarantee we will NOT be trusted! Obviously, the fastest way to cause someone to distrust you is to show up behaving like a salesperson.

Fortunately, I was inspired to break away from the industry norm and developed a philosophy and methodology to help clients make smart choices about their money and their life so they achieve their goals in a way that fulfills their values, regardless of the current economic cycle. It’s called Values-Based Financial Planning™. The by-product is a high-trust client relationship. It’s a long-term relationship of mutual respect and honor predicated on a genuine desire to help and a process that creates a predictable result.

Clients are happier and more loyal. The Financial Professional enjoys a more prosperous business that is much more emotionally gratifying.

Since 1988 BAI has been teaching and coaching financial professionals to build communities of Ideal Clients through the successful implementation of Values-Based Financial Planning™ and we’re pleased to have the opportunity to help you do the same. Contact us to arrange a complimentary Success Road Map^® consultation with one of our Accountability Coaches to determine if Values-Based Financial Planning™ is a good fit for you.

On behalf of our entire BAI leadership team, our coaches, and our staff we welcome you to the beginning of your Values-Based Financial Planning™ Journey toward an even better quality of life of Balance, Achievement, and Integrity.

At BAI, we believe that a Financial Professional’s focus should start and end with the Clients’ values and goals in mind … and financial plans should be developed with the intent to create the highest probability of achieving those goals. That is what professionals do.

Classic sales training focuses on achieving the company’s and salespersons’ goals. Conversely, true professionals focus on providing the services that are required to achieve their Clients’ goals. Consider how doctors and attorneys concentrate solely on their patients’ and clients’ needs. As a result, their patients and clients trust them, follow their advice, and refer other people to them.

A delegation of decision-making responsibility does not represent an abdication of interest on the Client’s part but rather an acknowledgment of the professional’s superior knowledge. It is an informed transference of responsibility based on trust. We believe that Values-Based Financial Professionals™, who truly serve their Clients as Trusted Advisors, earn this level of trust.

Our philosophy requires that the client relationship be developed upon a foundation of trust with a singular focus on the Clients’ values and goals. We concentrate on helping you help your Clients establish BALANCE in their lives, experience ACHIEVEMENT of their goals, and do so in a way that maintains the INTEGRITY of their values. In turn, this will bring Balance, Achievement and Integrity to your professional and personal life. Essentially, we believe that you and your Clients deserve to “Live Life on Purpose.”

We welcome you and look forward to sharing your journey and celebrating the success you bring to your Clients as you help them live inspiring lives … while living an inspiring life yourself!