Change can be hard for financial advisors and their firms, but have you considered the consequences of not changing your ideas or upgrading your systems when it comes to technology? Regardless of the ‘type’ or age of clients you work with, they ARE using technology daily. Banking, email, bill pay, work communications, account access, and almost half of their entertainment and media access comes through technology via the internet.
Where does that leave you if your ‘technology’ isn’t up to date or is frustrating for your clients to use? It leaves you behind the competition. It positions you and your advisory business as outdated or incapable of changing in order to meet your client’s needs. Consider these forms of technology your clients use:
Account Access
If accessing their account is complicated due to slow loading systems or a website that doesn’t format to all mobile devices, clients have to phone in to access information that should be easily available to them anytime.
Client Newsletters
Clients shouldn’t have to ‘link’ to anything to read your newsletter.
- Is that newsletter a PDF file that doesn’t allow them to access any additional information?
- Does it come directly from you or is it ending up in a spam folder due to security settings on their computer?
- Is it dynamic in nature, meaning it is like an actual website or is it being mailed and possibly ending up in the trash along with the ‘junk mail’?
Your Website
Does your website format to all devices regardless of who made them? IPads, mobile phones, and all tablet and computer screen sizes should accommodate your website information and format automatically when accessed. If your website doesn’t do this, it is outdated even from the search engine perspective and makes potential client searches of your website impossible. Google analytics has changed the way searches come up for financial advisors and their firms, which hinders access to ‘old technology’ websites.
Client Portfolio Presentations
- Do your clients have access to presentations done electronically through the web?
- Are you able to send documents to them electronically while presenting remotely?
Client Documents
Clouding, CRM systems, and internal firm programs should allow clients to access real time statements and information regarding their accounts. Documents for account set up should be easily accessible and not always in ‘paper copy’ but on tablets for advisors to use efficiently and accurately with clients. Advisors should use updated document systems and transition to new technology in order to spend more time with clients and less time on paperwork. Client statements should always be available with electronic delivery.
Social Media
Clients should be able to access you and your company through social media posts. Having a social media presence validates you and your company in the financial services industry. Having posts are informational, compliant, and present you in a professional manner is essential.
Embracing up to date technology will allow you more time with clients, to reach more clients and potential clients, and position you as an expert in your field with less effort. So, what are you waiting for?
