Replay
UncommonCents #67 -Mergers, Acquisitions, and Strategy: Lessons from Mitch Ramsbotham
In Episode 67 of UncommonCents, Dean Holmes is joined by Mitch Ramsbotham, Head of Growth and Strategy at Coastal Advice Group. Together, they dive deep into the complexities of business growth in financial planning, exploring strategies for mergers, acquisitions, and team scalability. Mitch shares insights from his journey from advisor to business strategist, along with lessons learned in integrating new acquisitions and optimising operations across a rapidly expanding enterprise. This episode is packed with practical advice for navigating growth challenges while maintaining vision and purpose.
UncommonCents #66 -Building a Safe Digital Practice: Cybersecurity and Client Portals Explained
In Episode #66 of UncommonCents, Dean Holmes is joined by Ross Marais from Absolute Wealth Advisors to tackle cybersecurity risks in financial planning. They discuss common vulnerabilities, especially in smaller practices, and share real-life cases where email hacking led to significant financial losses. The conversation explores how digital client portals can help secure sensitive transactions, reducing reliance on email for document sharing and approvals. Dean and Ross also offer actionable cybersecurity tips, from cleaning out old emails to educating clients on safe practices. This episode provides essential insights for advisors looking to protect their practices and clients from evolving digital threats.
UncommonCents #65 -Quarterly Planning for Success: Strategies for Growth and Focus
In episode #65 of UncommonCents, Dean Holmes dives solo into the importance of structured business planning. He walks listeners through the Bloom Growth business plan template, emphasising the role of company values, quarterly planning, and clear goal-setting to drive success. This episode provides a step-by-step breakdown of aligning values, strategies, and measurable goals to ensure continuous growth and accountability.
UncommonCents #64 -From Vineyard to Vision: The Montalto Story with Heidi Williams
In episode #64 of UncommonCents, Craig and Dean host Heidi Williams from Montalto Winery for a special live podcast. They discuss the origins and growth of the family-run winery, the unique values and passion driving the business, and how Montalto balances the challenges of agriculture, hospitality, and tourism. Heidi shares insights into managing a premium vineyard, staying true to their roots, and delivering extraordinary customer experiences.
UncommonCents #63 -The True Cost of Financial Advice: Are You Charging Enough?
Dean and Craig delve into the topic of pricing for financial advice services. They explore common mistakes advisors make when pricing their services, such as undercharging and providing inconsistent fees, and the impact it has on their business, team, and clients. They emphasise the importance of setting clear pricing policies, communicating value effectively, and ensuring the business captures a fair share of the value it creates for clients.
UncommonCents #62 -Live from Future Proof: Trends in Financial Advice
In episode 62 of UncommonCents, Dean and Craig broadcast from the Future Proof Festival in Huntington Beach, California. They discuss their experiences at the festival, including AI's impact on financial advice, the ongoing relevance of human-led advice, fee structures, and industry changes in the U.S. vs. Australia. They also reflect on key trends like intergenerational wealth transfer and client engagement through digital solutions. The episode ends with light-hearted moments, including market research into $29 bottles of oxygen-infused water.
UncommonCents #61 -The Fine Line Between Inventing and Innovating
In this episode, we're diving into the topic of innovation versus invention in everyday processes that impact our professional and personal lives. Craig shares his recent experiences with airline boarding innovations and how small changes can make significant impacts. We also discuss the importance of involving the right people in the innovation process, including compliance and governance, and keeping the client's perspective at the forefront. Join us as we explore how embracing small innovations can lead to big improvements in efficiency and client satisfaction.
UncommonCents #60-Unlock the Secrets of Effective Pricing
In this episode, we delve into the art of setting profitable prices and confidently communicating them to clients. Over the next 15 minutes, you'll learn why appropriate pricing is crucial for business success, how to handle requests for lower fees without sacrificing quality, and practical strategies for presenting your fees clearly. Discover valuable lessons from real-world examples and enhance your pricing approach to strengthen client relationships and ensure profitability. Don’t miss this essential guide to mastering your pricing strategy!
UncommonCents #59-Adapting to Industry Trends: Insights from Annual Planning Day
Dean Holmes hosts a solo session to discuss recent industry insights shared at his annual planning day. He covers key trends affecting financial advisors, including the growing demand for retirement advice, the evolving expectations of younger Australians, the importance of digital integration, and the implications of intergenerational wealth transfer. Dean also highlights the need for advisors to review pricing strategies and stay updated with technological advancements. He emphasizes the importance of understanding client needs and adapting business models accordingly.
UncommonCents #57 - Creating a Welcoming Client Experience Inspired by Nespresso
Dean Holmes and Craig Kamis discuss innovation in financial planning, using a case study from Nespresso. Craig shares his experience with Nespresso's new machines, highlighting their innovative approach with barcoded capsules for perfect, consistent coffee. They relate this to financial planning, emphasizing the importance of creating a welcoming client experience and adopting a structured approach to innovation. They caution against change fatigue and stress the value of revisiting past ideas with an open mind while maintaining a strategic process.
UncommonCents #58 - Identifying and Combating Change Fatigue in Your Business
Dean Holmes and Craig Kamis discuss change fatigue in businesses, using the TV series "The Bear" as an example. They highlight the importance of identifying symptoms like increased stress and decreased productivity. The conversation emphasizes the need for effective communication, planning, and appropriate resourcing to manage change. They also discuss the significance of understanding team dynamics and decision-making processes to prevent change fatigue and ensure successful implementation of new initiatives.
UncommonCents #56 - Prioritisation and Time Management
In this session, Dean Holmes guides us through effective techniques to achieve business, career, and personal goals. He'll explore how to identify the most important tasks and tackle them first. Dean will also provide strategies to overcome procrastination by understanding and shifting motivations. Also, learn about creating consistent habits and the tools and frameworks Dean uses to help streamline success. Join Dean to get focused and stay on track!
UncommonCents #55 - Client Connections: Reviving Seminars and Modern Communication in Finance
In this episode of our video podcast, Dean and Craig dive into why seminars are still crucial for financial planning and the key aspects of organizing them effectively. They also explore various methods of client communication, from traditional approaches to modern digital options. Join Dean and Craig as they discuss the best practices for engaging and maintaining relationships with clients in the financial industry. Tune in to learn how to enhance your client interactions and make your seminars more impactful.
UncommonCents #54 - Starting a New Financial Planning Business
In this episode of our video podcast, Dean and Craig take you through the foundational steps of launching a successful financial planning business. As industry experts, they share invaluable insights on overcoming initial hurdles and discovering untapped market opportunities. Whether you're a seasoned financial professional or just starting out, Dean and Craig provide the expertise and guidance needed to establish a thriving financial planning enterprise.
UncommonCents #53 - Working with Virtual Staff
in the Philippines
In this session, Craig is joined by the man behind all of the UncommonCents podcast, Bentley, who is based in Cebu, Philippines. They both discussed on how to work more efficiently with remote staff and why Australian companies are increasingly turning to the skilled, English-proficient workforce in the Philippines to enhance scalability. Hear firsthand about the benefits and challenges of these cross-continental collaborations.
UncommonCents #52 - Building Relationships with the Right People in the Business
In this session, Dean and Craig discussed the art of building relationships with the right people in business. They share their personal experiences and the strategies that have helped them connect with key influencers and industry leaders. Expect practical tips on networking effectively, maintaining those connections, and leveraging them to propel your career forward. Whether you're a budding entrepreneur or a seasoned professional, this episode is packed with insights that will help you navigate the business world more efficiently.
UncommonCents #50 - Holistic Path to Success: Empowering Business and Well-being
In this episode, Dean and Craig with guest speaker John Purl, uncovered the secrets to living a happy life daily, establishing routines and systems that not only sustain us but propel us forward. We understand the unique challenges faced by financial advisers and business owners, and this session would help guide you through making holistic health an integral part of your success story.
UncommonCents #51 - Transforming Vision into Victory: Mastering Goals with Jason Dunn
Join us on this podcast with hosts Dean and Craig, featuring our inspiring guest speaker, Jason Dunn. Dive deep into the essence of building confidence to achieve your goals, and discover how the teamwork dynamics of sports can be seamlessly integrated into the business world for ultimate success. Learn from Jason's pivotal moment of regret and the transformative steps he took to move forward. This episode is not just about professional growth but also emphasizes the importance of a positive mindset and facing your fears.
UncommonCents #48 - Four F's in Financial Planning Business
In this insightful episode, Dean and guest speaker Adele Martin explore the fundamental principles of financial planning encapsulated by the 4 Fs: Friction, Focus, Future, and Fun. Adele addresses challenges facing advice businesses, offers tips for adviser focus, discusses the future of the industry, and emphasizes the importance of making financial planning enjoyable for both advisers and clients.
UncommonCents #49 - Lessons from Absolute Wealth Advisers Conference in Cebu and Change of Ownership in AFSL.
Join Dean and Craig in this enlightening episode as they share valuable lessons and insights from the Absolute Wealth Advisers Conference in Cebu. They'll take you through the highlights and transformative strategies discussed, as well as the implications of the recent change in ownership within the Australian Financial Services Licence (AFSL). Get an insider's perspective on how these shifts are influencing the finance sector and what it means for you.
UncommonCents #47 - Business Resolutions | Goals 2024
Join Dean and Craig as they dive into a discussion about their bold new ventures for 2024! Discover what groundbreaking activities they're embarking on this year that were just mere ideas last year. It's a session brimming with inspiration and fresh starts!
UncommonCents #46 - Recap & Preview: A Look Back at 2023 and Ahead to 2024
Join Dean and Craig as they delve into the highlights and key takeaways from the 2023 Uncommoncents podcast series! In this engaging video, our dynamic duo revisits the most impactful moments, insightful discussions, and groundbreaking ideas that shaped the financial world last year. But that's not all - they also share their forward-thinking perspectives and exciting predictions for what 2024 holds.
UncommonCents #45 - Communication with Business Owners & Leaders
Join Dean and Craig in this engaging session as they explore the critical role of communication between business owners, leaders, and their teams within the financial planning sector. Discover key strategies for fostering clear, efficient, and impactful interactions that can drive business success and team cohesion.
UncommonCents #44 - Breaking Bad Habits
Transform your life with our latest video, where Dean and Craig share game-changing insights on breaking common habits: reading emails first thing, multitasking, procrastination, and resisting feedback. Get actionable tips from our speakers to overcome these challenges and elevate your personal and professional growth.
UncommonCents #43 - The Debrief
In this insightful video session of "The Debrief," Dean and Craig delve into the four fundamental questions of the After Action Review (AAR) and how they apply to the world of financial planning. They discuss the importance of reflecting on what was intended, what actually occurred, and identifying any gaps, whether positive or negative. They also share practical examples of how these questions can be applied to real-life financial planning scenarios, shedding light on the valuable insights and improvements that can be gained through this structured debriefing process.
UncommonCents #41 - Business Protection and Succession Planning, Advisory, Debt & Death
During this session, Dean, Craig, and Paul Milbourne engaged in a comprehensive discussion, delving into the essential topics of personal protection strategies, business safeguarding, succession planning, advisory services, debt management, and the intricate aspect of planning for unforeseen events such as mortality.
UncommonCents #42 - Insights from Paragem Conference
During this session, Dean and Craig talked about their takeaways from Paragem Conference held in Fiji last 9th - 13th October 2023.
UncommonCents #40 - Advice Practice in UK vs. Australia
Join us for an insightful podcast session as Dean dissects the contrasting landscapes of the United Kingdom and Australia across a spectrum of crucial facets in financial planning industry. Dive deep into the distinctions between these two nations concerning their pension systems, legislative frameworks, professional standards, the influx of young advisors into the industry, cutting-edge technology adoption, and the intriguing world of advice practices and fee structures.
UncommonCents #39 - Clients and Marketing
In this session, Dean discussed about:
▶️sales and marketing in financial planning business
▶️determining personality profile of clients
▶️reaching your ideal clients
▶️what is hyper targeted and hyper personalised
UncommonCents #38 - Business Succession, Valuations, and Equity Plans
In this session, Dean and Craig are joined by Tim Lane who is a partner of Accru Hobart. Together they discussed about:
▶️Business Succession
▶️Business Valuations
▶️Equity plans
If you are in the market to buy, sell or transition your business, this one's for you.
UncommonCents #37 - Business Succession Planning
In this session, Dean and Craig unlock the secrets to successful planned succession in the financial planning realm. They also discussed about proven strategies for building a strong succession framework, nurturing successors, and ensuring a client-centered transition.
UncommonCents #36 - Power of Consistency, Delegation & Focus
In this session, Dean and Craig talked about how to be consistent in doing at least one thing in life or in business for 100 days and not breaking the chain.
They also discussed about the importance of delegation within the business and provided techniques on how to maintain focus or eliminating distractions in your day-to-day activities.
UncommonCents #35 - 6-month In-Review and Reflection
In this session, Dean and Craig talked about their performance, learnings and challenges in running financial planning business for the first half of 2023.
UncommonCents #34 - LinkedIn Marketing and Sales Process
In this session, Dean and Craig Kouimanis, along with Celia Polkinghorne (Bonsai Digital Marketing) discussed the following:
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Building organic marketing strategy
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Right type of content for your target audience
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Vanity metrics
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Automation Tools
UncommonCents #33 - Use of Technology in Financial Planning Business
In this session, Dean and Craig Kouimanis, along with Craig Apps from Hub 24 discussed the following topics:
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people and technology
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choosing a technology provider that protects your business and your clients' data
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using mobile apps more securely
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importance of security authentication and automation.
UncommonCents #32 - Company Values
In this session, Dean and Craig talked about the importance of company values and bringing this across to staff members and clients.
UncommonCents #31 - Client Portal
In this session, Dean is joined by Peter Worn - Joint Managing Director of Finura Group and talked about the importance of using an online portal for financial planning business. They also discussed how online portals can help streamline workflow, improve communication with clients, and enhance the overall client experience.
UncommonCents #30 - Licensee Landscape
During the session, Dean and Craig explored several issues and challenges that arise when transitioning to a new licensee for financial planning firms. They also provided a set of guiding questions to help in making the decision to switch. In addition, they discussed the fee model or pricing associated with joining a licensee and highlighted the various roles that a licensee can play in supporting your financial planning business.
UncommonCents #29 - Accountability
In this session, Dean and Craig talks about holding people accountable over time. This becomes a challenge, especially if you move into the "Friend Zone".
UncommonCents #28 - Client Buying Journey
In this session, Dean and Craig discussed about the importance of a client's buying journey in financial planning. They also shared their thoughts on "being your own client", understanding the process, keeping good client data and being accessible and responsive of the team in the business.
UncommonCents #27 - Random Rants
In this session, Dean and Craig shared their thoughts or "rants" on superannuation changes, mortgage and interest rates, outbound communication and some random people behaviour at the airport.
UncommonCents #26 - Business Cadence
In this session, Dean and Craig talked about cadence in advice business.
UncommonCents #25 - Business Quarterly Review and Planning
In this session, Dean talked about the importance of having quarterly review and planning, accountability and removing distractions to accomplish business goals.
UncommonCents #24 - Reflection of Key Things in 2022
In this session, Dean and Craig talk about some principles in business operations that were discussed in previous live web events that are highlights to success in 2022.
UncommonCents #23 - Hiring Employees in the Business
In this video, Mark talks about recruiting the top-performing employees into the right job position. He also shares the importance of having personality assessments for all staff members to better manage people.
UncommonCents #22 - Employing Finance Graduates in Financial Planning Business
In this session, Jason tells us his experience on attracting finance graduates into his financial planning firm, retaining them in the company and building career path for them.
UncommonCents #21 - Creating a team of professional staff in your financial advice business
In this session, Raymond Pecotic, discuss about different roles among key professionals within the financial planning business, building career path and recognition among team members, and retention strategy.
UncommonCents #20 - Cyber Security and Privacy
In this session, Dean and Craig, together with guest speaker Fraser Jack, discuss the importance of cyber security within the financial planning business and ensuring client's data are kept secure and private.
UncommonCents #19 - Common Practice of Large and Small Business
In this session, Dean and Craig discuss about what we can learn from a large corporate business in terms of best practices contrasting it to a small business.
UncommonCents #18 - The Statement of Advice should be free!
In this session, Dean and Craig discuss about Quality Advice Review
UncommonCents #17 - Telling your story through video
In this session, Dean and Craig discuss with our guest speaker, Cameron Fink, his journey and how he helps people tell their stories on video. Cameron has helped Dean and Craig become more comfortable, engaged, and relaxed while telling their stories on camera.
UncommonCents #16 - How we learn from other Professionals
In this session, Dean and Craig discuss how we can learn from 8 other professionals and apply them to your advice business.
UncommonCents #15 - Tips and Traps of working with a remote team
In this session, Dean, Craig, and our guest speaker, Brian Jones discuss expanding remote teams the right way.
UncommonCents #14- Client Handovers
Dean discusses how to handle transition of clients between financial advisers.
UncommonCents #13-2022 Reflection and 2023 Planning.
Dean and Craig discuss the importance of reviewing your 2022 performance and how to setup 2023 to be a successful year.
#12-Adviser speak to client speak
Meet our very first guest, Lisa Greensill. Lisa helps advisers turn adviser speak to clients speak through website words and marketing content.
#11-Self Licensing or get an AFSL company
#10 - How to have difficult conversations.
In this session Dean and Craig talks about the difference of being self licensed and picking a licensee company.
In this session Craig shares his 5 tips on how to have difficult conversations. 1. Simplify the language 2. Honesty is the best policy 3. Listen 4. Stop Waffling 5. Excercise your body and mind
#9 - May Madness: Working through Ideas with the Speed of Execution
#8 -Emyth: Wearing Different Hats as a Business Owner
#7 - Advice April Pt 2
In this session Dean shares how we can reduce friction in the client journey and how we can improve the front and back office experiences within our practices.
Dean and Craig dive into the complexities of wearing multiple hats in a financial advice business—being an advisor, CEO, and business owner. They explore key insights from The E-Myth and discuss how advisors can balance growing client demand while ensuring their business operations and teams remain sustainable. Through strategic delegation, regular business check-ins, and focusing on the long-term goals, they emphasize the importance of stepping out of advisor mode to wear the CEO hat and make informed decisions for the future success of the practice.
In this session Dean shares the last 3 of the 6 ways, you can refresh your advice practice. Turning the fact find into an experience Turn SOA presentations into enjoyable and efficient meetings Updating review meeting to make it more about the client’s journey
#6 - Advice April Pt 1
In this session Dean shares 3 of the 6 ways, you can refresh your advice practice. Communicating a Proven Process in an initial client meeting Building case studies to help explain how we add value Client Contact calendar to systemise your client communications
#5 - Succession Planning
#4 - Building Teams
Are we the plumbers with the leaky taps?
In this session Dean and Craig discuss building teams; how to find them, how to keep them, and how to reward them. Often it's not just about the money, so how do we build high a performing team?
#3 - Outsourcing vs Team
This week we discuss Outsourcing. The process of successfully outsourcing business roles and how it is better to build a relationship with your teams over time.
#2 - Licensee vs Service Company Advice to Coaching
#1 - Licensee vs Service Company
Dean shares why and how he has moved into the coaching of Financial Advisers and how he has built successful businesses over the past 5 years.
The launch event, get to know Craig and Dean and learn about the motivation to start UncommonCents and why they are both passionate about advice.
I'll email you with something new twice a week.
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Inspiration
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Practical business tips
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Occasional loose ramblings otherwise known as wisdom
IT'S FREE and usually helpful.