In this exciting episode of the Model FA Podcast, co-founders David DeCelle, Graham Gardner, and Dan Allison share fresh insights and actionable strategies straight from their thriving membership platform, The Exchange. Each month, they highlight key posts, discussions, and breakthroughs from within the community that offer high-value advice to financial advisors looking to grow and scale their practices. This episode is no exception as they dive deep into topics that matter most to advisors: refining your client segmentation process, the art of building a second-chair advisor role, and actionable tips for reaching your 2025 business goals. Whether you’re looking to streamline your client experience, automate key areas of your business, or sharpen your marketing strategies, this episode offers a treasure trove of ideas and tools to help you elevate your practice. Get ready for a fun, insightful, and engaging conversation packed with practical takeaways you won’t want to miss! Key Highlights: Client Segmentation with Adam Swerdlow Adam’s new approach to client segmentation goes beyond just revenue. He uses a point system considering revenue, referral potential, wealth trajectory, service time, and client engagement. This method helps identify A, B, and C clients based on both qualitative and quantitative factors. If you're a member of the Exchange, search for “Client Segmentation” by Adam Swerdlow for more details and a downloadable Google doc. Key Takeaway: Evaluate your clients holistically—not just by the revenue they generate, but by their potential to refer new business and the energy they bring to your practice. Hiring a Second Chair Advisor A second-chair advisor can help advisors offload lower-value clients while maintaining service to your top-tier clients. This approach can help you scale your practice without losing relationships or revenue. Key Takeaway: Hiring a second chair advisor early on can make transitions smoother as you prepare to step back from day-to-day operations. It’s a long-term play that ensures business continuity and client satisfaction. Michael Kitsis and the Power of Referral Strategies Paul McManus helps advisors become authors. He was recently featured on Michael Kitsis' podcast, and his calendar is already full for January. For advisors thinking about authoring a book, Paul’s services can help bring your ideas to life and make you a bestseller. Key Takeaway: Networking with industry influencers, like Michael Kitsis, can significantly elevate your business and exposure. Automation and Operational Efficiency Ariel from Sphinx Automation and Jason Mirabella from Deliver Advice are contributing new courses and monthly calls on improving operational efficiency and automating business functions. Key Takeaway: Efficient automation can save valuable time and allow advisors to focus on high-impact activities. Google Reviews and Testimonial Strategies Building and systematizing a Google review program is crucial for advisors looking to enhance their online presence. Michael Kitsis discusses this in his podcast. Key Takeaway: Set up automation for requesting reviews, integrate them into your CRM, and ensure you aren’t bombarding clients who’ve already given a review. January Webinar on Google Reviews Save the Date: On January 23rd, at 12 PM ET, join David DeCelle and Andrew Johnson for a webinar on how to leverage testimonials and Google reviews for your practice. Register here (available before the event). VIP Mastermind and Member Highlights Congrats to Melody Brady, Joe Moss, and David Daley for reaching Level 6 in the Exchange. These members will participate in the first VIP mastermind, where Dan, Graham, and David will help them refine their business strategies. Key Takeaway: Engaging and contributing to the community can unlock opportunities for deeper business development through personal coaching. Setting Strategic Goals for 2025 Graham shares a framework for setting strategic goals for 2025 using the SMART methodology (Specific, Measurable, Attainable, Repeatable, Time-bound). Key Takeaway: Focus on 1-3 key goals for each area of your business, then work backwards to develop tactics that will move the needle. Avoid getting caught up in tactical noise. Sports Moment Graham shares his excitement about his Washington Commanders making the playoffs, and David (with his Tampa Bay background) provides a humorous take on sports fandom. Useful Links: Join The Exchange: skool.com/exchange Webinar Registration (January 23rd, 12 PM ET): Register here Tune in for more valuable content like this each month on the Model FA Podcast! Connect with Dan: Website: https://www.fa.exchange Email: dallison@bchlife.com Connect with Graham: Website: https://www.fa.exchange Email: graham@modelfa.com LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/theonlinemarketer/ About the Model FA Podcast The Model FA podcast is a show for fiduciary financial advisors. In each episode, our host David DeCelle sits down with industry experts, strategic thinkers, and advisors to explore what it takes to build a successful practice — and have an abundant life in the process. We believe in continuous learning, tactical advice, and strategies that work — no “gotchas” or BS. Join us to hear stories from successful financial advisors, get actionable ideas from experts, and re-discover your drive to build the practice of your dreams. Did you like this conversation? Then leave us a rating and a review in whatever podcast player you use. We would love your feedback, and your ratings help us reach more advisors with ideas for growing their practices, attracting great clients, and achieving a better quality of life. While you are there, feel free to share your ideas about future podcast guests or topics you’d love to see covered. Our Team: President of Model FA, David DeCelle If you like this podcast, you will love our community! Join the Model FA Community on Facebook to connect with like-minded advisors and share the day-to-day challenges and wins of running a growing financial services firm.
