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Is it time for you to be independent?

Maybe it’s the moment you see a tech demo at a conference and realize your firm won’t ever agree to use it. Or maybe it’s when you get a great idea for a new marketing campaign but quickly remember how long the process of walking through compliance ad review actually takes. Maybe it’s just the suit and fluorescent lighting that you’re tired of enduring. Those are the moments when that tiny voice in your head suggests it again – it’s time to go independent. 

Even if you like your current firm, the freedom that an independent RIA firm has is incredibly appealing. The natural inclination of anyone is to be in control of your future and your own means of making money. Running an independent RIA is often your best chance at gaining that level of control.  

It goes without saying that there’s a lot to consider when it comes to becoming an independent advisor. Leaving the security of a firm is no easy decision, but it may be one of the most rewarding ones. 

Here are some things to consider before embarking on your own venture. 

 

Can you provide more value?

When the independence bug bites, the angel and devil on your shoulder tend to show up. Maybe you’ve heard one of them ask you, “How are you going to service your clients equally or better than you do right now?” You know that client care is one thing, but figuring out how to handle all the other business amenities (front office build outs, receptionists, staff, back office technology selection and maintenance, HR concerns and so much more) that your current firm provides, can feel like too much to manage. 

How can you be everything to everyone? You don’t have to be. Building everything from the ground up without any assistance isn’t just really difficult, it’s also not necessary. Buying solutions that are simple to implement still requires a lot of maintenance on the other side. But partnering with those who understand you and your business implicitly? That’s when business gets fun. 

You don’t have to cut a completely new path through the forest of financial advising. You can and, we believe, should partner with a team that encourages you to be the kind of leader you want to be – focused on nurturing your clients and team members while building the life you’ve dreamed of. 

 

Is this the Right Time? 

Only you can know if becoming an independent advisor will suit you. We’d love to help guide you through your questions, concerns and thoughts about starting your own independent Registered Advisory Firm. 

Remember the adage, “If you want to go fast, go alone, but if you want to go far, go together.” 

Let’s talk together.