Robin Green: Advisor Search Best Practices

For over 30 years, Robin Green has provided Investment Consultants and DC Advisors with competitive analyses, practice management coaching, client service strategies, and sales consulting. She started her career as a plan sponsor, overseeing retirement plans in the healthcare and manufacturing sectors. After being recruited by Ann Schleck at Deloitte Consulting, she dedicated 11 years to the retirement plan and health benefits industries. Prior to launching her own consulting firm in 2017, she served as Head of Research at Ann Schleck & Co., and then as Senior Vice President at Fi360 where she managed the Fiduciary Score. Throughout 2023 and 2024, Robin collaborated with many of the top 100 DC Advisor practices in the United States to help them benchmark their business against industry standards. This work involved RFP analysis, win/loss assessments, client satisfaction research, client retention strategies, and a competitive review of products and services, as well as coaching on business models and internal processes. Her consulting practice is underpinned by confidential, competitive insights collected from retirement advisors through the 2024 Level Up - DC Advisor Practice Management Benchmarking Study, which engaged 84 DC Specialist Advisors across 319 offices. Robin and her team conducted both qualitative interviews and quantitative research to gain insights into how retirement specialists manage their operations. Fortune 500 Benefit Providers engage Robin and WinMore Plans for ongoing coaching aimed at enhancing RFP responses, strengthening sales relationships, and ultimately securing more business. Robin provides tailored coaching, develops impactful messaging and collateral, refines existing communication, and streamlines processes to enhance efficiency and improve win rates.In this episode, Eric and Robin Green discuss:Making communications client-centricFinding the right cultural fitHaving the right attitude during the search processBenchmarking against industry standards Key Takeaways:Advisors should focus on using "you/your" language in their written communications rather than "we/I/us" to make it more client-centric.Plan sponsors should work with a professional to conduct a thorough advisor evaluation and RFP process to ensure they find the right cultural fit.Both advisors and plan sponsors should be kind and appreciative throughout the advisor search process, even for those not selected.Advisors should learn more about benchmarking their practices against industry standards and strategies so that they could win more business.“The number one reason why I see plan sponsors choose one firm over another, is chemistry.” - Robin GreenConnect with Robin Green:Website: https://winmoreplans.com/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/robingreen/ Connect with Eric Dyson: Website: https://90northllc.com/Phone: 940-248-4800Email: [email protected] LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/401kguy/ The information and content of this podcast is general in nature and is provided solely for educational and informational purposes. It is believed to be accurate and reliable as of the posting date but may be subject to changeIt is not intended to provide a specific recommendation for any type of product or service discussed in this presentation or to provide any warranties, investment advice, financial advice, tax, plan design or legal advice (unless otherwise specifically indicated). Please consult your own independent advisor as to any investment, tax, or legal statements made.The specific facts and circumstances of all qualified plans can vary and the information contained in this podcast may or may not apply to your individual circumstances or to your plan or client plan-specific circumstances.