Practice
Management

Planning the Ideal Day

For most advisors doubt is the enemy, not fear. Doubt is the father of all negative emotions and the firms create their own success-ceiling by not paying enough attention to developing a consistent practice. To advance to the next level, advisors must design a method of planning their “Ideal Day” and “Ideal Week” that will create a reliable consistency of activity – what needs to be done, and when it should be done to maximize time.

Advisors should set-up their calendar each week the same way – with times set for internal meetings, client meetings, case preparation and planning, and so on. Set goals for the optimum number of appointments each week, and block-off time for each. Sticking to a strict schedule, by not letting other activities interfere with what is really important, begins to pay dividends almost immediately.

We have attached a downloadable sample outline for the “Ideal Week” that is a good starting point for advisors who want to begin developing their plan for success. The form, available free from WCA, offers suggestions on how to develop a core structure of consistency – which allows advisors to work more efficiently by defining the structure that many advisors lack. The structure of an advisor’s week should always reflect both specific goals for meeting with clients and prospects, and for office work and case development. Once established, it is easy to see what the entire day/week looks like, and allows the advisor to focus on each task at hand.

The following adage has probably been repeated, ad nauseam, because it offers a simple yet powerful piece of advice, “Plan your work, and work your plan.”

At World Class Advisors we find scheduling a formal weekly meeting between an advisor and their assistant is an important component for growth. A basic agenda framework is used for all internal advisor meetings, providing a consistent process and meeting structure. Scheduling these meetings on a regular basis at the same on the same day every week helps to reduce the normal interruptions of the day, and allow all involved to know exactly what is expected of them – maximizing their time together. This systemic approach allows for a focused organization that results in shorter and more productive meetings.

We hope you will return often as we discuss the WHAT and WHY of the elements for developing a world-class practice. Future discussion subjects will include CopyTalk, the Million Dollar Office, and Event/Workshop theory.