The Efficient Advisor: Tactical Business Advice for Financial Planners

Libby Greiwe
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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! 

  1. 1D AGO

    370: Never Lose A Customer Again - Author Joey Coleman is Here!

    The GOAT is here!!! If you’ve ever referenced client experience, onboarding, or retention in your business, you’ve probably already felt his influence. This conversation goes deep into why the first 100 days matter more than most advisors realize, and why so many businesses are leaking clients before they ever have a chance to become long-term relationships. If you’ve ever thought “our onboarding is fine,” this episode might challenge that in the best possible way. Why the first 100 days determine whether a client stays for five years or quietly walks awayThe eight phases of the client journey—and where most advisory firms completely drop the ballSimple, practical ways to create a remarkable client experience (even in a virtual world)How small, intentional touches can accelerate referrals before you’ve even “proven” your valueThis is one of those conversations that hits both strategically and tactically. It reinforces that client experience isn’t about big, flashy overhauls—it’s about intentional, repeatable moments that make people feel seen, known, and confident in their decision to work with you. If you’re serious about building a referral-driven practice and increasing client lifetime value, this is the kind of episode you don’t just listen to—you implement. 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.

    54 min

  2. 5D AGO

    369: My $2 Million Dollar Mistake… and How to Fix it with Onboarding

    Today’s episode is a powerful reminder that even the best financial planning recommendations can be overshadowed by a broken onboarding experience. Libby shares the story of how a process mistake during a client onboarding led to losing a nearly $2 million account — and the lessons advisors can take away to create smoother, more intentional client experiences during the first 100 days. In this episode, you’ll learn: Why the first 100 days of a client relationship are emotionally criticalHow undocumented processes create friction, mistakes, and lost revenueWhat advisors can do to reduce client anxiety during onboardingHow intentional touchpoints can increase referrals, retention, and client satisfactionLibby walks through the real-life experience of losing a major client due to small operational breakdowns and explains how that moment became the catalyst for building a more structured onboarding process. She also shares how advisors can shift from “winging it” to creating a repeatable, high-touch experience that clients remember. If your onboarding process feels reactive instead of intentional, this episode will give you practical insight into creating a smoother experience for both your clients and your team. 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.

    25 min

  3. MAY 12

    368: The Onboarding Upgrade That Created Massive ROI with Aaron Schmerling

    In this episode, Libby sits down with advisor Aaron Schmerling to unpack what happens when you take a process most advisors overlook and turn it into a strategic advantage.  Aaron shares how his business was already successful and growing, but like many advisors, he hadn’t given much intentional thought to the onboarding experience. After being introduced to the First 100 Days framework, he began implementing a few key changes and quickly realized the impact on both his client experience and internal efficiency. From reducing delays in paperwork to creating a more engaging and confidence-building experience for clients, this conversation highlights how small, thoughtful process improvements can drive meaningful results in a relatively short period of time. In this episode you will learn: How improving your onboarding process can directly impact referrals, client trust, and overall business growthWhy most advisors overlook onboarding and how to identify hidden opportunities within your current processSpecific strategies like the onboarding meeting, pizza tracker, and simplifying data gathering to reduce friction and save timeThe real ROI of investing time into systems and processes, including faster implementation, fewer client delays, and increased team efficiencyThis episode is a powerful reminder that your onboarding process is not just a formality, but a critical moment to build trust, create momentum, and set the tone for the entire client relationship. By making a few intentional changes, you can elevate the experience for your clients while also creating more efficiency and scalability inside your business. Learn More About The First 100 Days Course 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.

    47 min

  4. MAY 8

    367: When NOT to Give a Client Gift: Timing is Everything

    It’s not just *what* you give, it’s *when* you give it. And that timing alone can completely change how your client perceives your gift or gesture.  In this episode, we’re breaking down a counterintuitive but powerful approach to client gifting that helps you move from transactional relationships to deeply personal client connections. You’ll learn how to use timing, intention, and personalization to make your clients feel seen, valued, and remembered for the right reasons. If you’ve ever wondered how to make your client experience feel more meaningful without just adding more “stuff,” this one’s for you. What you’ll walk away with: Why giving a gift at the point of transaction can actually weaken your client relationship instead of strengthening itHow timing your client gifts outside of onboarding creates more emotional impact and memorabilityThe difference between marketing swag and true client gifts (and why logos change everything)How to use personalization to make clients feel genuinely seen, heard, and valued in a scalable wayBy the end of this episode, you’ll rethink not just what you give your clients, but when you give it. So here’s the takeaway: great client gifting isn’t about being more generous in the moment—it’s about being more intentional over time. When you step away from transactional timing and lean into thoughtful, personalized gestures, you turn everyday business into a relationship-building experience your clients actually remember. If this episode made you rethink your approach, your next step is simple: look at your current client journey and ask where a surprise-and-delight moment would actually feel meaningful, not mechanical. That’s where real differentiation happens. 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.

    11 min

  5. MAY 5

    366: Delegation in Real Life - What It Looks Like Day-to-Day

    In this episode, I’m getting really tactical about what delegation actually looks like in real life—not just the idea of it. I’m joined again by Kyle Willis  from Belay, and we’re breaking down exactly what you can hand off to a virtual assistant, how to do it, and what changes when you stop trying to do everything yourself. I share what I’m seeing inside my coaching programs as advisors step into the CEO role—building processes, defining responsibilities, and then hitting that very real question: “Okay, but how do I actually delegate this?” What delegation looks like before, during, and after client meetings How I think about handing off prep work, scheduling, and follow-up without losing controlThe 10-80-10 rule and how I use it to stay involved without doing everythingHow I’ve seen email go from a constant distraction to something I barely touchWhy giving feedback to your assistant is not optional—and how it actually makes everything easierHow to handle the “unexpected” work (NIGOs, paperwork issues, client fires) without it ruining your dayWhy a great assistant is not just support—but a true extension of how you run your businessIf you’ve been wondering what delegation actually looks like in practice, this episode will give you a clear, realistic picture of how to start. Get the Delegation Guide & Book a Call with BELAY 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.

    53 min

  6. MAY 1

    365: Why Your First 100 Days Are Costing You Referrals (And How to Fix It)

    Have you ever noticed how polished and proactive your process feels when you’re winning a new client… and then how it subtly shifts once the paperwork is signed? In this episode, we’re digging into what really happens in that first 100 days after a client says yes, and why it might be the most overlooked and highest-impact part of your entire business. If you’ve ever felt like your onboarding is “fine” but could be better, this conversation will challenge you to rethink what’s possible and show you what happens when you design that experience with intention instead of letting it happen by default. Why the first 100 days is the most friction-filled phase of your client experience and how small inefficiencies here quietly impact everything elseThe four major business effects of a well-designed onboarding process, including increased client longevity, higher lifetime value, more referrals, and a dramatically better client experienceHow a standout early experience creates a unique “novelty window” that drives faster referrals, often before you’ve even fully delivered your long-term valueThe practical byproducts of improving your onboarding, like faster processing times, getting paid sooner, fewer dropped balls, and a more organized, less reactive businessIf you’ve been putting off refining your onboarding because nothing feels broken, this is your reminder that “not broken” isn’t the same as optimized. When you elevate your first 100 days, everything downstream gets easier, from operations to referrals to client relationships. It’s one of the highest-leverage improvements you can make in your practice. Now, can you craft an intro and outro that I can do for this podcast? Keep the tone fun, uplifting, and professional. Highlight what the advisors listening will get out of this episode, but I want to catch their attention in the first two sentences. 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.

    25 min

  7. APR 28

    364: How to Buy Back 10+ Hours a Week Without Hiring Full-Time

    If you’ve ever felt like you’re the bottleneck in your business, or like you just need a few more hours in the day to get everything done, this episode is going to challenge that thinking. In this conversation, we unpack the real cost of trying to do it all on your own and explore what it actually looks like to buy back your time in a way that moves both your business and your life forward. From delegation to decision-making to stepping into your role as CEO, this episode is all about helping you create more capacity without burning out. Why doing everything yourself is quietly limiting your growth, your client experience, and your personal lifeThe difference between getting time back and actually using that time to drive your business forwardWhat tasks financial advisors should be delegating first to reclaim 10 to 15 hours per weekHow to think about hiring support in a lower-risk, more flexible way so you can grow without overwhelmThe biggest takeaway is that buying back your time is not just about getting tasks off your plate. It is about creating the space to think, lead, and operate at a higher level. When you stop trying to do everything yourself, you give your business the opportunity to grow and your life the opportunity to feel a whole lot better. Get the Belay Delegation Guide 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.

    41 min

  8. APR 24

    363: How to Say No to Clients (And Still Deliver an Incredible Experience)

    If you’ve ever had a client ask for something and your immediate reaction was “ugh… I really don’t want to do that,” but then you said yes anyway… this episode is for you. We’re talking about one of the most important skills for advisors: how to say no without making it weird, without damaging the relationship, and without creating a bunch of friction in your business. In this episode, we’ll discuss:  Why saying yes to out-of-scope requests quietly blows up your calendar, creates hidden work, and makes your process feel… not like a process anymoreWhere scope creep actually shows up in real life, from AUM-only clients asking for planning work to all those “quick favors” that somehow take 30 minutesA super simple four-part framework you can use to say no in a way that still feels kind, clear, and really professionalExact language you can borrow to redirect clients, offer a path forward, and reinforce your value without overexplaining or apologizingAt the end of the day, this is really about clarity. Your best clients don’t need you to do everything—they need you to do the right things really, really well. And when you can say no with a path, you’re not pushing people away… you’re actually building more trust and protecting the experience for everyone, including yourself. Want to learn more about having your own app? Join us for the May 14th Show & Tell 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.

    14 min
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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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