The Efficient Advisor: Tactical Business Advice for Financial Planners

Libby Greiwe

Ever wish you knew an Advisor who built a 7-figure practice--while only working 3 days a week--that was willing to share her systems, processes, and business hacks with you? Meet the Efficient Advisor Podcast host Libby Greiwe. Her specialty? Breaking down the functions of a financial planning practice into actionable step-by-step processes designed to get you results and get you out of overwhelm. Expert interviews, done-for-you templates, and easy to implement solutions… all tied together by her MISSION to create ease in your business. She promises to deliver actionable step-by-step solutions you can implement right away to save time, money, and frustration. The goal--to lead you from overwhelm to efficiency. She started her own financial planning business in 2004. And, over the years she scaled into a 7-figure single-advisor firm while working only 25-hours a week so she could be super involved while raising her kiddos and loving on her hubby. She knows what it takes to build a 100% referral-only practice and to not have to GRIND out the hours to be successful. She ran her own planning business for 16 years culminating in a sale to an enterprise firm in 2019. Now, she’s simply just obsessed with helping other amazing advisors do the same thing. So if you’re an advisor who’s got the hang of planning and is now looking to grow to that first 500k of take-home pay… you are in the right place! 

  1. 1 DAY AGO

    359: Overwhelmed to On Track: Advice You Don’t Hear Very Often from a Coach

    In this episode, we’re flipping the script on how financial advisors approach growth and process-building. Instead of chasing perfection or trying to build everything at once, you’ll hear why thinking smaller is actually the fastest way to make meaningful progress. If you’ve ever felt stuck, overwhelmed, or unsure where to start, this conversation will give you a practical and refreshing way forward. In this episode you will learn: Why trying to go from zero to 100 is the biggest mistake advisors make when improving processesHow focusing on small, manageable steps leads to faster and more sustainable progressA simple framework to identify quick wins you can implement in under an hourHow imperfect action consistently beats overplanning and inactionAt the end of the day, building an efficient advisory business doesn’t come from doing everything at once. It comes from doing a few things well, consistently, and improving them over time. Start small, stay consistent, and trust the process. Learn more about the Group Coaching & Mastermind HERE! Check out The First 100 Days Course: The Advisor's Blueprint for a Remarkable Client Experience HERE! Learn more about Asset-Map financial planning software HERE! Learn more about our sponsor Beemo Automation HERE!    Check out the Efficient Advisor YouTube Channel HERE! Connect with Libby on LinkedIn HERE! Successful businesses don’t get built alone. You need community! You need collaboration! Join us in The Efficient Advisor Community on Facebook.

    10 min
  2. 4 DAYS AGO

    358: CEO DAY - Your Q1 Business Review Agenda

    There are two types of advisors heading into Q2: those stuck in reactive mode, feeling busy but behind, and those who intentionally step back to lead their business forward. In this episode, Libby walks through what it actually looks like to shift into CEO mode by conducting a quarterly business review. Drawing from her own recent CEO retreat, she breaks down simple but powerful ways advisors can step out of the day-to-day, recalibrate their priorities, and make smarter decisions about where to focus next. This is about getting out of the weeds long enough to design a business that actually works for you, not the other way around. In this episode you will learn: How to shift from operator mode into CEO mode and why that shift is the key to scaling your businessA simple framework for conducting a Q1 business review, including how to evaluate goals, identify gaps, and recalibrate for Q2How to use data instead of gut instinct to assess your offers, conversion rates, and overall business performanceHow to identify capacity constraints, reduce operational load, and create more time through delegation, automation, and process improvements If you’ve been feeling busy but not necessarily clear or productive, this episode is your invitation to step back and get intentional. Even a few hours spent thinking like a CEO can dramatically change the trajectory of your next quarter. Watch My Goal Setting Video HERE! Learn more about the Group Coaching & Mastermind HERE! Check out The First 100 Days Course: The Advisor's Blueprint for a Remarkable Client Experience HERE! Learn more about Asset-Map financial planning software HERE! Learn more about our sponsor Beemo Automation HERE!    Check out the Efficient Advisor YouTube Channel HERE! Connect with Libby on LinkedIn HERE! Successful businesses don’t get built alone. You need community! You need collaboration! Join us in The Efficient Advisor Community on Facebook.

    38 min
  3. 3 APR

    357: The #1 Growth Ceiling You Don’t Realize You Have

    If you’ve ever wondered why some advisors seem to keep leveling up no matter how successful they already are, this episode is a powerful reminder that it’s not about knowing more—it’s about staying open. After speaking to a room full of elite, top-performing advisors, I walked away noticing a shared trait: they’re relentlessly coachable, curious, and willing to tweak even what’s already working. In this episode you will learn:  How to identify if your reaction to new ideas is quietly capping your growth  A simple mindset shift to move from “I already know that” to actual execution  Why top advisors focus on small refinements instead of massive overhauls  How to apply the “marginal gains” approach to continuously improve your business The best advisors aren’t waiting until something breaks to improve it—they’re actively looking for ways to get just a little bit better every day. This episode will challenge you to take a closer look at how you respond to new ideas and where you might be leaving growth on the table. Learn more about the Group Coaching & Mastermind HERE! Check out The First 100 Days Course: The Advisor's Blueprint for a Remarkable Client Experience HERE! Learn more about Asset-Map financial planning software HERE! Learn more about our sponsor Beemo Automation HERE!    Check out the Efficient Advisor YouTube Channel HERE! Connect with Libby on LinkedIn HERE! Successful businesses don’t get built alone. You need community! You need collaboration! Join us in The Efficient Advisor Community on Facebook.

    14 min
  4. 31 MAR

    356: How Advisors Are Attracting HNW Clients Weekly Without Referrals

    This episode dives into a powerful and often overlooked strategy for financial advisors: using targeted digital marketing to consistently attract high-net-worth clients. Through a real-world case study, you’ll hear how a repeatable system using short-form video ads can generate meaningful conversations with qualified prospects every single week. The discussion highlights not only the marketing strategy itself, but also the importance of clarity in messaging, operational readiness, and long-term commitment to growth. Here’s what you’ll learn in this episode:  How to turn a complex financial service into a clear, compelling marketing message that attracts the right clientsWhy focusing on one specific client pain point can outperform broad, generic messagingThe evolution from traditional marketing methods to scalable digital campaigns that actually convertWhat systems and processes must be in place to successfully handle and close high-quality inbound leadsThis conversation is a strong reminder that effective marketing is not about doing more, but about doing the right things consistently. When paired with the right infrastructure and mindset, digital marketing can become a scalable and predictable growth engine for advisory firms.  Connect with Skyler: skyler@valiconsulting.com Learn more about Vali here: http://valiconsulting.com/ Learn more about the Group Coaching & Mastermind HERE! Check out The First 100 Days Course: The Advisor's Blueprint for a Remarkable Client Experience HERE! Learn more about Asset-Map financial planning software HERE! Learn more about our sponsor Beemo Automation HERE!    Check out the Efficient Advisor YouTube Channel HERE! Connect with Libby on LinkedIn HERE! Successful businesses don’t get built alone. You need community! You need collaboration! Join us in The Efficient Advisor Community on Facebook.

    57 min
  5. 27 MAR

    355: Stop Overwhelm in Its Tracks - 5 Steps to Take Control

    Imagine your inbox is multiplying like rabbits, your calendar looks like a jigsaw puzzle, and every client seems to need you yesterday. Overwhelm is real, especially for financial advisors juggling tax season, client requests, and life outside the office. In this episode, Libby Greiwe walks you through practical strategies to regain clarity, take control of your time, and move from feeling paralyzed to feeling empowered and productive. In this episode, you’ll learn: How to prepare in advance for high-demand seasons and build buffer days that actually save your sanity.The power of clearing your physical and mental space to gain clarity and prioritize effectively.Techniques to distinguish between must-do tasks and nice-to-dos, and how to schedule them in your calendar strategically.Ways to delegate, outsource, and reflect to prevent overwhelm from repeating in future seasons.By the end of this episode, you’ll have actionable steps to regain control of your calendar, prioritize like a pro, and approach high-pressure seasons with confidence. You’ll walk away knowing that overwhelm doesn’t have to derail your productivity or your peace of mind. Learn more about the Group Coaching & Mastermind HERE! Check out The First 100 Days Course: The Advisor's Blueprint for a Remarkable Client Experience HERE! Learn more about Asset-Map financial planning software HERE! Learn more about our sponsor Beemo Automation HERE!    Check out the Efficient Advisor YouTube Channel HERE! Connect with Libby on LinkedIn HERE! Successful businesses don’t get built alone. You need community! You need collaboration! Join us in The Efficient Advisor Community on Facebook.

    23 min
  6. 24 MAR

    353: The 4 Pillars of Advisor Independence (and What It Really Takes to Make the Leap)

    In this episode, I sit down with Rob Bartenstein (President) and Scott Wilson (Senior Managing Partner), the co-founders of Kestra Private Wealth Services, to explore how the industry has evolved over time and what independence looks like now. From their early days at broker dealers to leadership roles at major wirehouses, they share the pivotal moments that led them to build a business centered around the advisor-client relationship. We talk through the challenges advisors face within traditional firm structures and what it really takes to transition into a more supported, independent model. In this episode you’ll learn:  The key differences between corporate-driven advisory models and advisor-first independence The four core pillars every advisor should consider when transitioning to independenceWhat advisors often underestimate about running their own businessAnd, how to properly prepare for a smooth and successful transition, including client retention strategiesThis episode is all about helping you think more intentionally about your business model and what’s possible if it truly aligned with your values and goals. Learn more about the Group Coaching & Mastermind HERE! Check out The First 100 Days Course: The Advisor's Blueprint for a Remarkable Client Experience HERE! Learn more about Asset-Map financial planning software HERE! Learn more about our sponsor Beemo Automation HERE!    Check out the Efficient Advisor YouTube Channel HERE! Connect with Libby on LinkedIn HERE! Successful businesses don’t get built alone. You need community! You need collaboration! Join us in The Efficient Advisor Community on Facebook.

    41 min
  7. 17 MAR

    352: Stop Assigning Client Homework: A Better Way to Gather Data and Move Plans Forward Faster

    In this episode, Libby explores one of the most common sources of friction inside advisory firms: the homework advisors give their clients. While assigning tasks like uploading statements, linking accounts, or completing paperwork may seem efficient from the advisor’s perspective, it often slows the process down and creates frustration for clients who already have full, busy lives. Libby shares practical examples from her own firm and her First 100 Days onboarding framework to explain why client homework creates drag in the planning process and how advisors can redesign their workflows to make doing business easier for clients. Why assigning homework to clients often creates friction that slows down onboarding, data gathering, and implementation How advisors accidentally ask clients to solve the very problem they hired an advisor to help with—getting organized Practical ways to reduce friction in the data-gathering process, including simplifying checklists, removing unnecessary requests, and hosting a guided “get organized” meeting How scheduling tasks like application paperwork, account setup, and onboarding steps with clients can dramatically speed up implementation and improve the overall client experienceUltimately, reducing friction is not just about creating a better experience for clients—it also leads to a more efficient business for advisors. When advisors help clients complete tasks together instead of assigning them homework, processes move faster, information becomes more accurate, and clients feel more supported throughout the planning journey. Learn more about the Group Coaching & Mastermind HERE! Check out The First 100 Days Course: The Advisor's Blueprint for a Remarkable Client Experience HERE! Learn more about Asset-Map financial planning software HERE! Learn more about our sponsor Beemo Automation HERE!    Check out the Efficient Advisor YouTube Channel HERE! Connect with Libby on LinkedIn HERE! Successful businesses don’t get built alone. You need community! You need collaboration! Join us in The Efficient Advisor Community on Facebook.

    33 min
  8. 10 MAR

    351: Want More Referrals? Try This 3-Step Conversation

    In this episode, Libby and Robyn Crane tackle a topic that makes a lot of advisors uncomfortable: referrals. But instead of rehashing outdated scripts or awkward one-liners, this conversation goes much deeper into the psychology behind why clients do or do not refer, what makes referral conversations actually work, and how advisors can position themselves to attract better-fit clients more consistently. They also explore the connection between capacity, client experience, messaging, and marketing, making this a valuable episode for advisors who want to grow intentionally instead of just hoping the next introduction shows up. Why traditional referral asks often feel awkward and inconsistent, and what to do instead How the psychology of safety, emotional alignment, and micro-commitments influences whether clients will make an introduction Why knowing your ideal client and being able to describe them clearly is essential for better referrals and stronger marketing How advisors can think beyond referrals and use positioning, messaging, and platforms like LinkedIn to attract ideal clients more consistently Referrals are not just about asking more often. They are about creating the kind of conversations, client experience, and brand positioning that make people want to introduce you in the first place. If you have ever struggled with how to ask for referrals without sounding awkward, or if you are ready to become more intentional about attracting the right clients, this conversation will give you plenty to think about. To learn more about Robyn's upcoming webinar, go HERE!  To learn more about Robyn's Position Yourself For Profits Event, go HERE!  Learn more about the Group Coaching & Mastermind HERE! Check out The First 100 Days Course: The Advisor's Blueprint for a Remarkable Client Experience HERE! Learn more about Asset-Map financial planning software HERE! Learn more about our sponsor Beemo Automation HERE!    Check out the Efficient Advisor YouTube Channel HERE! Connect with Libby on LinkedIn HERE! Successful businesses don’t get built alone. You need community! You need collaboration! Join us in The Efficient Advisor Community on Facebook.

    48 min

About

Ever wish you knew an Advisor who built a 7-figure practice--while only working 3 days a week--that was willing to share her systems, processes, and business hacks with you? Meet the Efficient Advisor Podcast host Libby Greiwe. Her specialty? Breaking down the functions of a financial planning practice into actionable step-by-step processes designed to get you results and get you out of overwhelm. Expert interviews, done-for-you templates, and easy to implement solutions… all tied together by her MISSION to create ease in your business. She promises to deliver actionable step-by-step solutions you can implement right away to save time, money, and frustration. The goal--to lead you from overwhelm to efficiency. She started her own financial planning business in 2004. And, over the years she scaled into a 7-figure single-advisor firm while working only 25-hours a week so she could be super involved while raising her kiddos and loving on her hubby. She knows what it takes to build a 100% referral-only practice and to not have to GRIND out the hours to be successful. She ran her own planning business for 16 years culminating in a sale to an enterprise firm in 2019. Now, she’s simply just obsessed with helping other amazing advisors do the same thing. So if you’re an advisor who’s got the hang of planning and is now looking to grow to that first 500k of take-home pay… you are in the right place! 

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