Chartwell Financial Planners started less than a year ago. One of the biggest decisions I had to make was whether to invest in premises. Initially my feelings were that an office was an absolute requirement. From my own perspective my mind was fixated with the traditional advice experience and the fact that not having an office seemed to have negative connotations, that we would not be a ‘proper’business.
That was until…my clever fellow Director highlighted to me the positive benefits to our clients if I were to meet them at their homes.
This still took a bit of convincing; I truly don’t see myself as the man from the Pru, remembering evenings as a child when my brother and I would be banished upstairs while the important man in a suit called round. But I realised.
1. Clients don’t want to drive into town desperately asking the car park fairy (maybe that’s just me?!) to find them a space and then pay an extortionate amount for an hour of parking.
2. Clients don’t want to traipse in a suitcase of paperwork with them.
3. Clients do want you to be able to meet them at a time convenient to them, when they have relaxed and aren’t thinking about what is next on their jobs list.
4. Clients do want to meet you somewhere that is convenient to them and where they can put their hands on any information needed.
So, we decided to give it a try. We did our research and found the best technology that would allow us to work from home and to meet clients anywhere, both efficiently and safely, and off we went. However, my reticence to believe these benefits was overwhelming so I asked each and every one of our clients if they honestly would prefer us to have premises. They all said NO.
My friends and I had our first group video chat last night –it felt bizarrely miraculous (especially as no one had thought of it sooner??) and whilst it is not the same as catching up in person – it was truly lovely.
If you are looking for financial planning advice please do not be daunted by the new world of working, we are still meeting clients old and new via the power of technology and it isn’t that much different. You will still receive great financial planning advice that could change your life.
Please call us on 801409.
