Growing your business as a certified financial planner (CFP) can be a formidable challenge, fraught with hurdles that test even the most seasoned professionals. The financial planning industry is highly competitive, constantly changing due to regulations, market conditions, and client expectations. As a CFP, building a client base requires not only expertise in complex financial strategies but also a keen ability to market yourself online for networking and client acquisition. Establishing trust and demonstrating value in a crowded market is no small feat, especially when you’re vying for the attention of high-net-worth individuals who are bombarded with offers from every direction. The path to success demands not only dedication and skill but also innovative strategies that can set you apart and drive meaningful growth. In this interview, we interview certified financial planner Seema on how she added $500K+ in commissions with Lux Sales Consulting’s SLS Framework.
Bilal Malas: Hello everyone, I’m Bilal Malas, Head of Client Success at Lux Sales Consulting. Today, I’m joined by one of our dear students, Seema Sharma. Seema has been with us for about two to three months now and has made impressive strides with our SLS Framework Mastermind. She’s now generating eight to ten appointments per week with high-net-worth medical professionals, including surgeons and pharmacists. Seema’s career spans over 27 years as a financial planner, and her success story is one worth sharing. Seema, thank you so much for joining me today. Your progress has been remarkable. To start, could you please introduce yourself and tell us a bit about what you do?
Seema Sharma: Sure, Bilal. Thank you for the opportunity. My name is Seema Sharma, and I’m a financial planner based in the Greater Toronto Area (GTA). I’ve been in the industry for just over 27 years. Although it feels like 30 years when mentioned, I thoroughly enjoy my work. I was initially skeptical about prospecting through LinkedIn, wondering if it might come off as intrusive. However, the process has been surprisingly smooth, and I’m very thankful for that.
Bilal Malas: It’s great to hear that you’re enjoying the process. Can you elaborate on your value statement and how you help your clients?
Seema Sharma: Absolutely. With my extensive knowledge and experience, I focus on working with clients who respect both my time and theirs. I target the top one percent in Canada—high-net-worth medical professionals. I help them by designing corporate strategies to save taxes, grow their net worth efficiently, transfer wealth to the next generation, and provide effective retirement income. These strategies are crucial for clients who face high income taxes and want to maximize their financial outcomes.
Bilal Malas:That’s a valuable approach. Let’s discuss your sales process before joining the SLS Framework Mastermind. You mentioned doing a lot of cold calls and in-person meetings. How was your experience before and during the early stages of the Mastermind?
Seema Sharma: My journey started back in 1993, where I would wait for long periods at doctors’ offices just to have a brief meeting. Five years ago, I shifted to a corporate role and then started my own brokerage. However, I was still working with clients from other advisors, which wasn’t as fulfilling. Joining the SLS Framework Mastermind gave me the edge I needed. Instead of a pushy, old-school approach, I now have clients reaching out to me, which is a dream come true for any advisor.
Bilal Malas: It sounds like the SLS Framework Mastermind has brought significant changes to your practice. Can you describe how you now manage to get eight to ten appointments per week with high-net-worth medical professionals?
Seema Sharma: The shift has been incredible. For the first time, I was able to schedule six high-net-worth medical professionals in one day for virtual appointments. This efficiency is a far cry from my previous experience where cold calling and in-person meetings consumed a lot of time and energy. Now, with streamlined processes and effective messaging, I’ve moved from a salesy approach to being seen as a trusted advisor. It’s gratifying to have clients approach me for advice.
Bilal Malas: That’s a huge achievement. How does it feel to have appointments lined up and a more structured approach to your practice?
Seema Sharma: It’s a game-changer. I used to rely on a push strategy, but now I’m experiencing an abundance mindset. I receive messages from potential clients eager to connect, which is a complete turnaround from my previous methods. This new system is so much more efficient and enjoyable.
Bilal Malas: It’s great to hear that you’re experiencing such positive changes. Can you share one specific moment that made you realize the SLS Framework Mastermind was truly transforming your practice?
Seema Sharma: Certainly. One memorable moment was when I had six back-to-back virtual appointments with high-net-worth medical professionals. I was initially nervous, but everything went smoothly, and none of the clients canceled. It was a stark contrast to my old cold-calling days, where booking appointments and traveling was much more unpredictable and exhausting. This efficient, automated system has truly revolutionized my practice.
Bilal Malas: That’s an inspiring story. Lastly, you’ve started coaching new financial planners. Can you tell us more about that and how others can reach out to you for guidance?
Seema Sharma: I continue to work with advisors through my consulting business, helping them navigate the industry and build their own client base. For those in the GTA area or across Canada looking for coaching, they can reach me through my LinkedIn profile or visit www.wefci.com. I’m always happy to assist new advisors in finding their path and achieving success.
Bilal Malas: Thank you, Seema, for sharing your journey and insights with us today. Your story is a testament to the impact of embracing new approaches and tools in the financial planning industry.
Seema Sharma: Thank you, Bilal. I’m grateful for the support and excited to see where this new approach will take me and others in the industry.
The SLS Framework is designed to be that game-changer for CFPs who are finding it difficult to expand their business. By integrating the SLS Framework, financial planners can use cutting-edge digital marketing for prospecting, client acquisition, and build meaningful connections with high-net-worth individuals. This system simplifies the process of securing appointments and provides CFPs with the tools they need to achieve significant growth and success. If you’re interested in trying the SLS Framework, you can book a call with one of their experts on their website. It could be the key to unlocking your full potential, and the push you need to scale to new heights as a CFP.