The reason we say that branding is a continual effort is because the law of optimization reminds us that we have to continually refine and optimize to rejuvenate, in order to keep up with natural decline. Think of exercise. Have you noticed that disciplines take far longer to compound than neglect requires to erode them? Don’t misinterpret this. We are glass-half-full optimists, but we’re always mindful of competitive forces, commoditization and the law of familiarity. You might have heard the joke about the parkour enthusiast jumping from building to building and feeling energized, and on one jump missing the landing and falling. According to the story, someone on the fifth floor heard him yell, “So far so good!” If we allow ourselves to take things for granted, we can engineer our own collision course with obsolescence.

Are you a fan of lumpy mail?

If yes, you should play this short clip below.

In this clip for the most recent episode of ‘Always On’ Duncan shares an example of a financial advisor who has been using lumpy mail to effectively connect with clients and foster deeper relationships!

Stream the entire new episode here: paretosys.co/AODM_45

Join us as we delve into the heart of strategic planning, exploring the journey from crystallizing visions on paper to understanding the intricate paths businesses traverse. From envisioning your ultimate business goals to ensuring continuity, learn why the road to success isn’t always a straight line.

Watch on YouTube

For more on this, and other actionable best practices, download Chapter 1 from Duncan’s book "The Blue Square Method" today at thebluesquaremethod.com

Getting something special in your mailbox... it’s such a wonderful feeling.

When was the last time you sent something special to your clients? (It can be something as simple as a greeting card.)

Play this short clip as Cathi Durrell highlights the power of sending greeting cards to your clients on special occasions.

Stream the entire new episode here: paretosys.co/AODM_45 

I’ll be at a conference and an advisor will come up to me and say “I like what you talked about, and I think I’m ready to fire some clients.” And I’m like, “fire clients?” I would much rather hear “I think I’m doing everybody a disservice by having so many clients…”

This is an excerpt from episode 44 of the ‘Always On with Duncan MacPherson’ podcast with Martin Luc Derome. Stream the entire newest episode, and find links to previous episodes, by clicking here: paretosys.co/AODM_ep44

"I spoke with an advisor who wants to become franchise ready, wants to go out and buy businesses…. I said the first thing we have to do is make you obsolete. It can’t be the Barry show…"

This is an excerpt from episode 44 of the ’Always On with Duncan MacPherson’ podcast with Martin Luc Derome.

Stream the entire newest episode, and find links to previous episodes, by clicking here: paretosys.co/AODM_ep44

In their recent conversation on the ’Always On’ podcast, Duncan MacPherson and Martin Luc Derome, President of Queenston, discussed the key factors that buyers and sellers should consider.

Catch their full conversation here: paretosys.co/AODM_ep44

You manage money, business, and people. You have to apply the same level of importance to all three!

This means when you sell your business, you have to ensure your clients are left in good hands.

You may also need to downsize the number of clients if you are unable to serve them all effectively.

Gain deeper insight into the "people" aspect of your business, especially M&A transactions, in the latest episode of Always On: paretosys.co/AODM_ep44

If you received six referrals in the last 12 months, you were probably talked about and endorsed 30 times. It’s about a five-to-one ratio between endorsement and introduction. Closing that gap is not only where the lowest-hanging fruit lives, but your growth model elevates you from transacting…

Click to read more on LinkedIn

"Do you consider your business a straight line or a loop? The traditional business development model is: you acquire a client, execute for the client, and get compensated by the client—both initially at the signing ceremony and continually through new business and advocacy. What I want you to consider is closing that loop and ensuring that every investment of effort you make in working on your business creates an accretive business."

For more on this, and other actionable best practices, download Chapter 1 from Duncan’s book "The Blue Square Method" today at thebluesquaremethod.com