You'd probably never believe this… One of the most common comments I hear as a financial advisor is, "I used to do that." You wouldn't believe how many people have told me they used to be financial advisors. Why is this such a common occurrence? Because 80-90% of financial advisors quit and leave the business within three years. Many of them take internal roles within their firms, so when a financial advisor needs help, they can say, "When I was on your side of the desk." Sometimes it's annoying, awkward, or hard to hear, "I used to be a financial advisor." Did I succeed because I worked harder than they did? Or were they simply cannon fodder for a sleazy organization (which is quite common)? I like to think of it as being lucky, or as God's way of placing me exactly where He wants me. Have I worked through exceedingly difficult conversations, managed challenging relationships, long hours, high stress, education requirements, compliance, self-governance, and maintained general friendliness? Absolutely. Did that put me among the top 10%, 5%, or 3% of financial advising professionals? You bet. But when I meet others, I remind myself that I don't know their stories, and they don't know mine. I think deep down... they have some insight, some wisdom that I never got. If you were an FA and have left, what lessons have you learned that could help those starting out? What lessons did you learn to help out a vet like me? (photo is of me, with zero days experience as a financial advisor, 14 years ago 😶 )
I was fortunate to be in proximity to a very successful advisor and I learned a lot from him..there have been a few other advisors that have helped me become successful as well. I could definitely see how I might not be an advisor today if I had not been in the right place at the right time, or if other advisors had not helped me. Lastly, even though I left employment at Jones, I still am thankful for my time there and helped me become successful. There were some excellent people at Jones, I still talk to advisors there and I always encourage new Jones FAs even though they are my competitors.
I thought this was Nikola Jokic.
That big green machine just churns 'em out! (myself included!)
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7moAnd based on that style of photo I’d say you started at Jones! Sounds like it was a good spring board for you!