I became a CFP Professional because I was frustrated as an insurance agent, and I wanted to make more of a difference in the lives of my clients. By any measure, I had been successful. From my first year as an agent, I was one of the top 100 in my company in sales. That, however, is exactly what I was doing: selling. I felt tremendous pressure to close deals and sell products, but no matter how many policies I sold, I still felt that I wasn’t serving my clients the way I wanted to serve them. Certainly, I wanted to produce, but I also wanted to help people. I just didn’t know how to combine those two goals. How could I know that the products I sold my clients were what they really needed? And how could I shift my focus from my commissions to the clients’ needs?
Why I Became a CFP Professional
In those first years as an agent, I thought more credentials in the insurance industry would give me the ability to help people. I became a Registered Representative and then a Chartered Financial Consultant. When those didn’t give me what I was looking for, I earned my credentials as a CFP Professional.
I attended the Financial Planning Association Residency Program, and there, the pieces came together. On that first afternoon, my mentor, Rich Buscillo, CFP® told us his business philosophy. “My clients,” he shared, “are more than account numbers and sources of commissions. They are people who entrust their hopes and dreams to me.” Hopes and dreams—that’s what I’d missed in my conversations with my clients. I had focused on selling products, but I had missed the hearts of the people.
Money Bible Mission for CFP Professionals
Rich and our other mentors assured all of the new CFP Professionals in our workshop that uncovering what matters most to our clients is ultimately the most important thing we can learn. Then, and only then, can a CFP Professional connect their clients’ resources to what matters most. In those days in the Residency Program, Rich explained that our calling as CFP Professionals is to connect with people on the deepest level—at their hearts’ desires—and earn their trust so they’ll share their dreams with us. For too long, I’d focused on my dreams, and my goal was to earn a commission from selling a product to the person sitting across from me. But now, I could focus on others’ dreams, needs, and desires, and I could tailor my advice to fit their goals. Using the same process other CFP Professionals taught me solidified relationships so that me and my clients felt far more fulfilled. Rich summarized his business philosophy when he told the CFP Professionals in the room, “When clients share their most heartfelt dreams with me, I consider that a sacred trust.” I’ve never forgotten that statement. It’s become the central, driving spirit of my approach as a CFP Professional and it is that same spirit that drove me to create Money Bible. I’m asking my friends who are CFP Professional to join Money Bible in our mission:
“To Help People Manage The Risk of Everyday Life,
Recover From the Unexpected,
and Realize Their Life Purpose“
How it Works for CFP Professionals
Money Bible connects CFP Professionals with people around the world using iPad, iPhone, Android, and BlackBerry devices. CFP Professionals are invited to share their stories, strategies, and financial tips on Money Bible. Its FREE, Fun, and Fulfilling.
Money Bible contributors are invited to provide quality content to help people manage the risk of everyday life, recover from the unexpected, and realize their dreams. Content can include articles, financial tips related to your area of expertise, stories about money, life, and relationships. If you or your firm currently publish a newsletter or blog, I would be happy to review and respond.
Your Questions and Answers – Start Here!
The Money Bible team is working hard to create an extraordinary experience for our users and we want your input. Start by registering at MoneyBible.org so that you can leave your comments on this article. As a CFP Professional, I am most interested in what you have to say. I want your input and the most valuable way you can help us help you is start here. Register today and leave a comment. I’ve responded to hundreds of emails over the last few weeks and I’m thrilled to have a private conversation with any CFP Professional.
Register Now to Ask a Question or Leave a Comment
Thank you for visiting MoneyBible.org. On behalf of the entire team, I want to extend a warm invitation for you as a CFP Professional to consider joining the conversation and the Money Bible community. Please register by clicking here. Once you are registered at MoneyBible.org, you will be able to comment, ask or answer questions, and contribute quality content for the benefit of Money Bible users around the world.
Contact Information for the Managing Editor
Please feel free to reach out by phone, email, Skype, or stop by my office if you’re in the area. I’m easy to reach:
Jim Munchbach, Managing Editor
1402 Sunset Drive
Friendswood, Texas 77546
Cell: 281-728-8691 (text is okay, too)
Email: Jim@MoneyBible.org
Skype: JimMunchbach
Please don’t forget to register HERE. This is the best (and fastest) way to interact with me! I look forward to talking with you soon!
PS: Your Comments Will Show Soon!
PS: For all of our CFP friends who have already posted comments here, please note that we have disabled “show comments” at this time in order to prepare for the launch of Money Bible iPad. Once Money Bible is launched, all of your comments will show on the website and the mobile app. Thanks for your patience.