u/CrunchwrapKing

Last year, I left a very litigious bank to go independent. After having my agreement reviewed by an attorney, I was advised that my contract included a pretty broad no-contact provision, direct or indirect, and that it was enforceable. I took his advice and have been very careful about respecting it.

If you've gone independent, you know there are former clients you were extremely close with and others where you're not quite sure where their loyalty lies, or frankly, whether they're a snitch 😂.

For those "unknowns," what was your strategy once your restriction expired?

1. How did you reach out? Did you reach out directly? Send a general announcement? Connect on LinkedIn? Use some other soft-touch approach?
2. How did you explain the year of silence? Did you proactively address it when you reached out, or just connect normally and explain it if they asked?

Would love to hear how others handled that first conversation after the restriction expired.

Thank you!

For those of you running independent firms, what has your experience been with office space in a walkable downtown or Main Street type location?

I'm considering purchasing office space for my firm and have always been drawn to the idea of a storefront-style office in a downtown area rather than a traditional office park. Think a location where people walk by regularly, there are restaurants and coffee shops nearby, and the office is visible from the street.

For those who have done it:
Did it generate any meaningful business or referrals?

Do clients seem to value the location?

Has the visibility helped your brand?

Any unexpected downsides?

If you had to do it over again, would you choose the same type of location?

I'd love to hear from advisors who have had both a Main Street/downtown office and a traditional office park location.

Thanks!

For those of you running your practice as a DBA, tuck-in, or under another RIA’s platform, what title do you use with clients and prospects?

This is geared more toward advisors who don’t technically own the RIA, even if they own/run their own practice under that structure. RIA owners are welcome to chime in too, but I’m specifically curious about situations where titles like Founder, CEO, or President may not be allowed, as is my case.

How do you balance sounding credible and clearly communicating that you lead the client relationship without using traditional owner/officer titles?

Do you use something like:

Financial Planner

Wealth Advisor

Principal Advisor

Managing Director

Chief Investment Officer

Private Wealth Advisor

Something else entirely?

Also curious whether your title is more planning-focused, investment-focused, or meant to signal leadership of the client relationship.

I was using Chief Investment Officer and Financial Advisor, but it was just too much for emails/business cards. I’ve since cut it down to Chief Investment Officer, but I’m starting to think prospects wonder wtf that even means.