I hear from so many financial advisors that they need to find a way to outsource some of their tasks so they can focus more on their clients and prospective clients but they don’t want to hire full-time staff. In other words, they are realizing they only have so many hours in the day and to truly grow a business, you need more than one hand on deck. However, you don’t need to spend tons of money on office space, office equipment, and trying to keep someone busy when there isn’t enough work. This is where a virtual assistant fits in perfectly.
Once someone makes the decision to hire a virtual assistant, they are next faced with the dilemma of what to outsource. I’ve compiled a list of things that a financial advisor could outsource to an assistant.
NOTE: When hiring a virtual assistant, please check with compliance to make sure that the tasks you have your virtual assistant doing are compliant with your regulatory board. Some companies do have different compliance measures to follow and you want to make sure that when you are hiring a virtual assistant, you are doing so within the confines of that compliance.
Tasks an experienced and professional virtual assistant in the financial services industry could do:
Process paperwork. So much is electronic now and you may need someone to chase the paperwork and make sure it gets in the proper channels. Having an assistant to do this could save you a lot of time.
Client follow-ups and/or working with clients regarding paperwork questions. Sometimes clients call in for something super simple and your assistant can help with those calls.
Schedule annual reviews with clients. This is something that must be done but as your company grows it would be nice to have someone else in charge of keeping track of who needs to be seen for an annual review. This is the second most common task a financial advisor hires someone on my team for.
Schedule appointments with leads and referrals. You paid for leads or clients are giving you referrals. These need to be called immediately! Don’t sit on a potential sale. Have your assistant call these people to schedule a meeting. This is the most common task a financial advisor hires someone on my team for.
Write and mail thank you cards and birthday cards. These take time and are easily outsourced.
Event planning. Plan and organize Lunch and Learns, Golf Outings, Clam Bakes, etc. You have good intentions of doing some client appreciation events or lead-generating events but just don’t have the time. Outsource this to your virtual assistant.
Maintain websites, social media, and other digital and print marketing efforts.
Database management. Your assistant can keep your database organized and easy to use.
Order promotional items. You need pens, water bottles, beach towels, flip-flops, coolers, etc. You name it! Your assistant could put your logo on it.
Personal tasks. You may want your assistant to order flowers, schedule hair appointments, purchase gift cards, etc.
Expense reports. Have your assistant keep track of money going out and money coming in. You can’t run a successful business without knowing your expenses.
I’m sure you may be able to think of other things you just aren’t finding time to do. Whatever it is, hire an assistant. And if you need help hiring the perfect assistant … I just might know one or two.
- Danae
Danae Branson is the founder of Elite Scheduling Services. She provides scheduling and virtual assistant services to wholesalers, financial advisors, and other professionals in the financial industry. You can learn more about her at www.EliteSchedulingServices.com.
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