April 09, 2025

Never Be Closing! How to Manage the First Meetings with a Prospective Client

30 min listen
Kenneth Haman | Managing Director—AB Advisor Institute
Scott M. Tatum, CIMA, CFP® | Director—AB Advisor Institute

For years advisors have been taught the importance of closing a prospective client quickly – if possible, during the first meeting. On closer look advisors will have much more success if they slow down, take their time and give the client time to fully appreciate what the advisor has to offer. There has always been a dynamic tension for advisors between taking the time to build trust in a new relationship and getting the client to sign on the dotted line. Especially when new clients seem scarce, advisors can feel a compelling need to get the new relationship started, even if it means offering a steep discount. In this fast-paced conversation, Ken and Scott explore how the thoughtful advisor can manage the first few meetings with a client to provide powerful experiences that build trust, reveal value and stimulate strong feelings of confidence. The program includes specific strategies that advisors can use to create meaningful experiences for clients in the first few meetings.

The information contained herein reflects the views of AllianceBernstein L.P. or its affiliates and sources it believes are reliable as of the date of this production, February 15, 2024. AllianceBernstein L.P. makes no representation or warranties concerning the accuracy of any data. There is no guarantee that any projection, forecast or opinion in this material will be realized. Past performance does not guarantee future results. The views expressed here may change at any time after the date of this publication. This podcast segment is for informational purposes only and does not constitute investment advice. AllianceBernstein L.P. does not provide tax, legal or accounting advice. It does not take an investor's personal investment objectives or financial situation into account; investors should discuss their individual circumstances with appropriate professionals before making any decisions. This information should not be construed as sales or marketing material or an offer or solicitation for the purchase or sale of any financial instrument, product or service sponsored by AB or its affiliates. References to specific securities are presented solely in the context of industry analysis and are not to be considered recommendations by AB. AB and its affiliates may have positions in, and may affect transactions in, the markets, industry sectors, and companies described herein.

It is important to note that not all Financial Advisors are consultants or investment managers; consulting and investment management are advisory activities, not brokerage activities, and are governed by different securities laws and also by different firm procedures and guidelines. For some clients, only brokerage functions can be performed for a client, unless the client utilizes one or more advisory products. Further, Financial Advisors must follow their firm’s internal policies and procedures with respect to certain activities (e.g., advisory, financial planning) or when dealing with certain types of clients (e.g., trusts, foundations). In addition, it is important to remember that any outside business activity including referral networks be conducted in accordance with your firm’s policies and procedures. Contact your branch manager and/or compliance department with any questions regarding your business practices, creating a value proposition or any other activities (including referral networks). It is important to remember that (i) all planning services must be completed in accordance with your firm’s internal policies and procedures; (ii) you may only use approved tools, software and forms in the performance of planning services; and (iii) only Financial Advisors who are properly licensed may engage in financial planning. For financial representative use only. Not for inspection by, distribution or quotation to, the general public.


Kenneth Haman
Kenneth Haman
Managing Director—AB Advisor Institute
20
Years
At AB
20
Years
Experience
LocationNew York, US

Kenneth Haman is the Managing Director of the AB Advisor Institute (AB AI). AB AI provides insights from the behavioral sciences, including behavioral finance, to client-facing financial advisors to improve their marketing outreach and relationship-building efforts with investors. Haman began his cu ...

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Scott M. Tatum, CIMA, CFP®
Scott M. Tatum, CIMA, CFP®
Director—AB Advisor Institute
18
Years
At AB
40
Years
Experience
LocationDallas, US

Scott Tatum is the Director of the AB Advisor Institute, where he delivers consulting and training to financial advisors at AB’s partner firms, specifically in the areas of client acquisition, client communication and team management strategies. His goal is to help advisors, teams and managers be mo ...

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