The Efficient Advisor: Tactical Business Advice for Financial Planners

Libby Greiwe
  • 4.8 (135)
  • Entrepreneurship
  • Updated Weekly

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. 16h ago

    395: 3 Hard Truths Keeping Advisors From a $1 Million Business

    This episode is a little different. Instead of another tactical strategy or productivity hack, Libby shares three hard truths that may be the very things holding talented financial advisors back from building the business they truly want. Drawing from more than 25 years in the industry, her own experience investing in high-level coaching, and years of working with hundreds of advisors, she challenges listeners to stop searching for more information and start becoming the kind of leaders who consistently execute. If you're ready for an honest conversation about what's really standing in your way, this episode is for you. In this episode, you'll learn: Why your biggest challenge probably isn't a lack of information, but a lack of consistent implementation—and how to finally bridge that gap.The difference between buying information and investing in accountability, proximity, and environments that create lasting transformation.Why many advisors unknowingly try to solve million-dollar business problems with transactional solutions, and what it takes to break that cycle.How shifting your identity from someone who starts to someone who finishes can completely change your business, your leadership, and your results.If you've been feeling stuck despite reading the books, attending the conferences, and buying the courses, this episode offers a refreshing perspective on what actually creates lasting change. Sometimes the next breakthrough isn't found in learning something new—it's found in finally implementing what you already know. Join the Systems to Scale Group Coaching Program HERE!  Register for the Asset+Map Do It Together Webinar HERE!  Check out The First 100 Days Course: The Advisor's Blueprint for a Remarkable Client Experience HERE! Learn more about T2MWorks 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.

  2. 3d ago

    394: The Fee Increase That Added $420,000 (Without Losing a Single Client)

    One of the hardest conversations many financial advisors avoid isn't about investments or markets—it's about their own fees. If you've ever looked at your client list and realized your fee schedule has evolved over the years into something inconsistent, you're not alone.  In this very candid conversation, Libby sits down with advisor Todd Lester to discuss how he tackled a firm-wide fee increase after more than 30 years in the business. Todd shares the mindset shifts, compliance considerations, communication strategies, and surprising results that came from finally aligning his fees with the value his firm provides. In this episode, you'll learn: Why inconsistent fee schedules create both compliance concerns and fairness issues across your client base, and how to recognize when it's time to make a change.How Todd delegated fee increase conversations to a trusted team member, why that approach worked so well, and what advisors can learn from using a third-party communicator.The biggest fears advisors have around raising fees, why those fears are often exaggerated, and how clients actually responded when presented with the changes.The remarkable outcome of Todd's fee increase project, including the recurring revenue added to his practice, the clients he retained, and the lessons he'll carry into future pricing decisions.If you've been putting off reviewing your fee schedule because the conversation feels uncomfortable, this episode will give you both the confidence and the practical ideas to move forward. You'll walk away with a fresh perspective on pricing, value, and why charging appropriately isn't just good for your business—it's also part of serving clients fairly and sustainably. Join the Systems to Scale Group Coaching Program HERE!  Register for the Asset+Map Do It Together Webinar HERE!  Check out The First 100 Days Course: The Advisor's Blueprint for a Remarkable Client Experience HERE! Learn more about T2MWorks 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.

  3. Aug 7

    393: The Business Advice I Think We've Been Getting Wrong

    I changed my mind on a very common piece of business advice.  It's one of the most common messages we hear as entrepreneurs: build a business that runs without you. But what if we've been chasing the wrong goal? In this episode, Libby shares a mindset shift that completely changed the way she thinks about systems, delegation, and business ownership. Drawing on a recent personal experience and an unexpected epiphany, she explores why freedom and absence are not the same thing—and why building a business that allows you to spend more time doing the work you love is a much healthier and more sustainable goal. In this episode, you'll learn: Why "build a business that runs without you" may not be the right goal for most financial advisors—and what to strive for instead.The difference between freedom and absence, and how shifting your perspective can reduce burnout and increase fulfillment.A simple "Freedom Audit" exercise to identify which responsibilities energize you and which ones are holding you back.How to use systems and delegation to protect your energy, operate in your zone of genius, and create a business that supports the life you want.If you've ever felt like your business still depends too much on you, this episode offers a refreshing perspective. Rather than trying to remove yourself from your business entirely, you'll learn how to intentionally design your role so you can spend more time doing the work that only you can do—and that you genuinely enjoy. It's a practical mindset shift that can help you build a business that serves you, instead of one that simply demands more from you. Join the Systems to Scale Group Coaching Program HERE!  Register for the Asset+Map Do It Together Webinar HERE!  Check out The First 100 Days Course: The Advisor's Blueprint for a Remarkable Client Experience HERE! Learn more about T2MWorks 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.

  4. Jul 31

    392: How to Make Your Systems Stick When Things Get Busy

    You built the process... so why aren't you (or your team) following it?  This episode is all about the difference between creating great processes and actually getting your team to follow them. While most advisors spend time documenting workflows, the real challenge is building habits that stick when business gets busy. Libby shares practical strategies for turning systems into your firm's default way of operating, helping advisors reduce mistakes, create consistency, and build a business that can truly scale without relying on constant oversight. In this episode, you'll learn: Why implementation is a completely different skill than process design, and why even great systems fail without consistent execution.Simple ways to help your team build new habits, including creating "pause points," making SOPs easy to access, and eliminating exceptions.How to create a culture that rewards following the process instead of celebrating lucky shortcuts that eventually create more work.Practical leadership strategies for auditing your systems, encouraging team feedback, and building lasting process adoption through repetition and accountability.If you've ever built a process only to watch your team slowly drift back to the old way of doing things, this episode will give you a practical framework for making change stick. Small, consistent improvements—paired with intentional implementation—can transform the way your business operates, creating a smoother experience for both your team and your clients while helping your firm scale with confidence. Join the Systems to Scale Group Coaching Program HERE!  Register for the Asset+Map Do It Together Webinar HERE!  Check out The First 100 Days Course: The Advisor's Blueprint for a Remarkable Client Experience HERE! Learn more about T2MWorks 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.

  5. Jul 31

    391: Diagnose Your Firm in 20 Minutes - The 4 Systems I Always Check in a Backend Audit

    If you only had 20 minutes to diagnose why your advisory firm feels chaotic, where would you look first? In this episode, Libby walks you through the same rapid-fire audit she uses to identify the biggest operational bottlenecks inside an advisory practice. Instead of focusing on working harder or becoming more disciplined, you'll learn how to quickly pinpoint the systems that are creating unnecessary stress, consuming your time, and keeping you stuck as the bottleneck in your business.  By the end of this episode, you'll have a simple framework you can use to perform your own 20-minute operational audit and identify exactly where to focus next. In this episode, you'll learn: The four core systems Libby evaluates first to quickly identify operational bottlenecks inside an advisory practice.How to perform your own 20-minute business audit to uncover where your firm is losing the most time and creating unnecessary stress.The common warning signs that your onboarding, service model, service requests, or internal projects need attention.How to identify the one process improvement that will create the biggest impact instead of trying to fix everything at once.Building a more efficient business doesn't require reinventing your entire practice overnight. It starts with identifying the one system that's creating the biggest drag on your time, energy, and client experience. Take 20 minutes, complete the audit, and commit to improving just one process this quarter. Small, intentional improvements compound into a business that gives you more capacity, more consistency, and ultimately more freedom. Join the Systems to Scale Group Coaching Program HERE!  Register for the Asset+Map Do It Together Webinar HERE!  Check out The First 100 Days Course: The Advisor's Blueprint for a Remarkable Client Experience HERE! Learn more about T2MWorks 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.

  6. Jul 28

    390: Behind the Scenes of Systems to Scale (And How to Know If It's Right for You)

    If you've ever wondered whether Systems to Scale Group Coaching is the right next step for your business, this episode is for you. Libby pulls back the curtain on exactly who the program is designed for, who should wait, and why so many successful advisors eventually realize they don't have a revenue problem—they have a capacity problem. You'll hear the philosophy behind the program, what transformation advisors can expect over the 10-month coaching experience, and answers to many of the most frequently asked questions about how the program works, what the commitment looks like, and what you can expect if you decide to join. In this episode, you'll learn: Why the biggest bottleneck in a growing advisory firm is often the advisor themselves, and how documented systems create more capacity without sacrificing client experience.The three core beliefs that shape the Systems to Scale coaching program and why incremental process improvements outperform trying to overhaul your business all at once.What actually happens during the 10-month group coaching program, including how the live coaching, small accountability pods, templates, office hours, and implementation support work together to help you build lasting systems.Who the program is the best fit for, who should wait before joining, and how to determine whether now is the right time to focus on building the operational foundation for your business.If you've built a successful practice but still feel like everything depends on you, this episode will help you determine whether it's time to stop being the bottleneck and start building a business that can consistently deliver an exceptional client experience without relying on your memory. Whether you decide to join the program now or sometime in the future, you'll walk away with a clearer understanding of what it takes to transition from busy advisor to true CEO. Join the Systems to Scale Group Coaching Program HERE!  Register for the Asset+Map Do It Together Webinar HERE!  Check out The First 100 Days Course: The Advisor's Blueprint for a Remarkable Client Experience HERE! Learn more about T2MWorks 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.

  7. Jul 24

    389: The CEO Exercise That Shows You Exactly What Process to Improve Next *FREE DOWNLOAD*

    If you've ever looked around your business and thought, "I know I need better systems, but I have no idea where to start," this episode is for you. In today's conversation, Libby shares one of the most impactful exercises from a recent CEO Day with her alumni community—an exercise that gives advisors immediate clarity on where to focus next. Instead of chasing every new idea, you'll learn how to identify the one or two processes that will create the biggest impact in your business over the next 90 days. In this episode, you'll learn: How to assess the eight core processes every advisory firm needs to build a scalable business.A simple five-level framework to evaluate the maturity of each process, from "winging it" to delivering an exceptional client experience.Why incremental improvements consistently outperform trying to overhaul your entire business at once.How to use the Process Assessment Wheel to prioritize the next system or workflow that will create the greatest momentum in your firm.Building a business that runs more efficiently doesn't happen by tackling everything at once. It happens by making intentional improvements one process at a time. This exercise will help you gain clarity, focus your energy where it matters most, and create meaningful progress without feeling overwhelmed. Be sure to download the accompanying worksheet and use it during your next CEO Day to measure your progress and plan your next steps. DOWNLOAD THE ASSESSMENT HERE!  Join the Systems to Scale Group Coaching Program HERE!  Register for the Asset+Map Do It Together Webinar HERE!  Check out The First 100 Days Course: The Advisor's Blueprint for a Remarkable Client Experience HERE! Learn more about T2MWorks 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.

  8. Jul 21

    388: The One Exercise That Shows You Exactly Who Should Be Doing What

    One of the biggest mistakes I see growing advisory firms make is waiting too long to define roles and responsibilities. When your team is small, it's easy for everyone to pitch in wherever needed. But as your firm grows, those blurry lines quickly turn into confusion, duplicated work, bottlenecks, and frustration. In this episode, I share one of the exercises we teach inside our Systems to Scale Group Coaching Program that helps advisors create clear job roles before they become a problem.  You'll learn why well-defined roles aren't about creating bureaucracy—they're about giving your team clarity, creating better accountability, making delegation easier, and building a business that's ready to scale. Whether you have one employee or ten, this framework will help you stop building jobs around people and start building a business that can grow intentionally. In this episode, you'll learn: Why every advisory firm needs clearly defined roles and job descriptions long before you think you do.How to identify the core functions of your business and organize responsibilities so everyone knows exactly what they own.The difference between building a role around a person versus hiring the right person for a well-defined role—and why that distinction changes everything as you scale.How creating an organizational chart and role structure today makes delegation, hiring, annual reviews, and future growth dramatically easier.The strongest businesses aren't built by adding more people—they're built by creating clarity. When every person understands their role, how they contribute to the firm's vision, and where opportunities for growth exist, your business becomes easier to lead, easier to scale, and far less dependent on you being involved in everything. It's one of the simplest CEO exercises you can do today that will continue paying dividends as your firm grows. Join the Systems to Scale Group Coaching Program HERE!  Register for the Asset+Map Do It Together Webinar HERE!  Check out The First 100 Days Course: The Advisor's Blueprint for a Remarkable Client Experience HERE! Learn more about T2MWorks 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.

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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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