Besides having the goal of serving you so that you come back and refer others, all of these people must have excellent communication skills. We all must listen to what you want, make suggestions and set realistic expectations.
Your wait person cannot simply bring whatever s/he grabs in the kitchen; you must tell her/him what it is you want to eat. It’s the same with your financial planner; we need to know what it is you are trying to achieve with your financial resources, not tell you what it is you should want.
Your hair stylist may make suggestions for what might work with your type of hair or your face’s shape. Your financial planner will do the same, suggesting strategies that may help you achieve your goals, based on your unique situation.
Expectations cannot be met unless they are understood. Your wait person may let you know “your salads are coming right out” so you know how soon you will eat. Your hair stylist needs to understand what you expect from her/him in terms of how it is you want your hair to look. S/he may indicate to you what you can expect in terms of styling your hair (blow drying, irons, product). Your financial planner will discuss expectations used in crafting recommendations for you (such as for inflation, rates of return and cost), and must know what you expect from her/him in terms of frequency of contact and what service(s) you will to receive. With your financial planner, however, it’s best to get these expectations and assumptions in writing in an agreement or contract. That way, s/he knows how to best serve you.
LIFE: Live Inspired, Financially Empowered 