Navigating the complex world of financial advising requires more than just a knack for numbers. Deepak Agrawal from Noida, India, an MDRT member for four years, has discovered key practices that have significantly contributed to his success. Drawing from his experiences, he shares four essential strategies for financial advisors to enhance their skills and better serve their clients.

1. Embrace lifelong learning

In his journey as a financial advisor, Agrawal has realized that pursuing knowledge is a continuous and rewarding endeavor. Attending industry conferences, enrolling in specialized courses, and staying updated on market trends have been crucial. For instance, he shares, “I attended the Global Financial Planning Conference last year, which provided invaluable insights into the latest financial strategies and market behaviors. The conference included sessions on emerging market trends, risk management techniques, and the integration of artificial intelligence in financial planning. These insights have helped me stay ahead of industry developments and offer cutting-edge advice to my clients.

On another occasion, I completed an advanced derivatives trading course. This course covered complex topics such as options pricing models, futures contracts, and various hedging strategies. By enhancing my understanding of these instruments, I can now craft more sophisticated and tailored investment strategies for my clients to help them manage risk more effectively and achieve their financial goals.”

His keen interest in derivatives trading allowed him to share unique options strategies with clients, deepen conversations and build trust. “One notable example is when I advised a client on a tailored options strategy that gave him the confidence to transfer his substantial relationship worth ₹200 crore to HDFC Bank. This not only bolstered his financial security but also strengthened our professional bond. By constantly seeking knowledge and staying abreast of industry developments, I have been able to offer innovative and effective solutions to my clients,” he adds.

2. Cultivate effective communication skills

Agrawal firmly believes communication is the heartbeat of his profession. Reflecting on his experiences, he found that refining communication skills is an ongoing process. Whether it’s explaining complex financial concepts or collaborating with team members, effective communication is paramount.

He explains with an example, “During a particularly challenging meeting where I was offering a financial restructuring plan for a client's company, I faced the task of simplifying a complex concept. The company was struggling with financial instability, and the client was skeptical about the proposed changes. To make the restructuring plan more relatable, I used a simple analogy: I compared the plan to renovating a house. I explained that just as one would reinforce the foundation and upgrade essential systems to ensure the house's stability and future value, we would similarly strengthen the company's core financial structure and optimize its operations to ensure its long-term success.

For instance, I detailed how we would 'reinforce the foundation' by cutting unnecessary costs and streamlining operations, much like fixing a house's structural issues. 'Upgrading essential systems' involved investing in new technologies and processes, akin to modernizing a home's electrical and plumbing systems. This analogy helped the client visualize the benefits of the plan and understand its value.

The client felt confident in the proposed changes and agreed to move forward with the restructuring plan, leading to the securing of a major contract. Additionally, participating in workshops on public speaking and interpersonal communication has further enhanced my ability to convey complex ideas clearly and persuasively, whether in client meetings or team briefings.”

He has also found that being a good listener is just as important as being a good speaker. “By truly understanding my clients’ concerns and goals, I can offer more personalized and effective advice. This focus on clear and empathetic communication has been instrumental in building strong, trust-based relationships with my clients,” says Agrawal.

3. Embrace technological advancements

“In the age of digitalization, integrating technology is not just a choice; it’s a strategic move,” he feels. Staying updated with this constantly evolving digital era is a must for insurance advisors. Incorporating cutting-edge tools has streamlined his processes and enhanced the overall client experience.

For instance, he shares, “The rise of e-commerce has necessitated a strong technological foundation to handle high transaction volumes. I successfully converted several corporate clients by integrating our payment application with their enterprise resource planning (ERP) systems, which simplified their financial operations. This seamless integration provided ease of business and consolidation of financial transactions, greatly improving client satisfaction.”

By staying at the forefront of technological advancements, Agrawal has been able to offer innovative solutions that meet the evolving needs of his clients.

4. Foster a client-centric approach

Putting clients at the forefront of every decision has been a guiding principle in Agrawal’s practice. Understanding their unique needs and tailoring services accordingly has been transformative. He says, “For example, I worked with a co-working space company that typically relied on non-bank financial companies (NBFC)s for funding due to a lack of collateral. By offering a customized product that provided funding on a 40% fixed deposit-backed basis, we significantly improved their liquidity and turnover. This approach not only addressed their immediate financial needs but also positioned us as a trusted partner in their growth journey.”

Similarly, by taking a holistic view of each client’s financial situation, Agrawal has been able to offer niche solutions that reduce competitive risks and foster long-term relationships. “One client’s business, for example, benefited significantly from a tailored financial plan that optimized their cash flow and reduced their financing costs. This client-centric approach has been instrumental in building long-term relationships and ensuring client satisfaction,” he adds.

These four pillars — lifelong learning, effective communication, technological integration, and a client-centric approach — have played a pivotal role in Agrawal’s growth as a financial advisor. He says, “By continuously embracing these principles, we can not only enhance our professional capabilities but also provide exceptional value to our clients. Through dedication to these core practices, financial advisors can navigate the complexities of the industry and achieve sustained success.”

Contact: MDRTeditorial@teamlewis.com

Four essential things financial advisors in India should do to grow their skills