The Uncommon Advisor

Transitioning from free advice to paid financial planning can feel uncomfortable—especially when you've been serving your existing clients for years without charging for it. In this episode of The Uncommon Advisor, business strategist Alicia Byers breaks down how to make the shift to fee-based planning within your current book of business—without damaging relationships or starting from scratch. Many advisors feel stuck between two worlds: continuing to over-serve existing clients for free or building a new business model from the ground up. But the truth is, your current book isn't a problem—it's your greatest opportunity. In this episode, Alicia covers: Why you're not "going backwards" by charging—your business is evolving The key difference between product-based advice and true financial planning How to clearly define and communicate your planning value Why client education is the most important step in making the transition How to identify the right clients to introduce fee-based planning first Because this isn't about fixing the past—it's about elevating how you serve and getting paid for the value you now deliver. Book time with Alicia: https://calendly.com/byersstrategygroup/new-meeting

Being responsive, available, and always saying yes might make you a great advisor—but it can also quietly burn you out. In this episode of The Uncommon Advisor, business strategist Alicia Byers unpacks the hidden cost of being "the nice advisor." While over-delivering may feel like exceptional service, it often leads to overextension, lack of boundaries, and a business that starts running you. The truth? This isn't a client problem—it's an expectation problem. When advisors operate without structure, they unintentionally train clients to expect constant access, immediate responses, and unlimited availability. And over time, that becomes unsustainable. In this episode, Alicia shares: Why "service without structure" leads to burnout How advisors unknowingly train client expectations The shift from reactive service to intentional structure Simple ways to reset boundaries without sacrificing client experience Because being a great advisor isn't about being endlessly available—it's about being clear, intentional, and sustainable in how you serve. Book time with Alicia: https://calendly.com/byersstrategygroup/new-meeting

Should you actually segment your book of business—or is it just another administrative exercise that changes nothing? In this episode of The Uncommon Advisor, business strategist Alicia Byers breaks down one of the most common pieces of advice financial advisors hear: "You should segment your clients." While segmentation can be incredibly powerful, many advisors turn it into a complicated scoring system that takes hours to build—and ultimately has zero impact on how the business actually operates. The real purpose of segmentation isn't labeling clients. It's creating clarity around how you allocate your time, attention, and service model so your business can grow without burning out. In this episode, Alicia covers: Why most client segmentation strategies fail The real reason advisors are encouraged to segment their book How to simplify segmentation into just a few meaningful categories How segmentation should directly shape your service model, boundaries, and client experience Because when segmentation is done correctly, it becomes one of the most powerful tools for scaling your practice—allowing you to serve the right clients deeply while still maintaining excellent service across your business. Book time with Alicia here: https://calendly.com/byersstrategygroup/new-meeting

Prospecting is one of the most common frustrations for financial advisors. When the pipeline slows down, the instinct is usually the same: I just need to meet more people. But what if the real problem isn't prospecting—it's clarity? In this episode of The Uncommon Advisor, business strategist Alicia Byers explains why many advisors struggle with new client growth even while working hard, networking, and staying active. The issue often isn't effort—it's scattered activity without a clear focus on who you serve best. When advisors get specific about their ideal client, everything changes: their message becomes sharper, their network understands how to help them, and prospecting starts to feel like natural conversations instead of pressure. In this episode, Alicia shares: Why prospecting often feels harder than it should The real reason pipelines tend to dry up How clarity around your ideal client transforms your growth A simple four-question exercise to help you define your niche Because most advisors don't need more leads—they need clearer direction on who they're meant to serve. Book time with Alicia: https://calendly.com/byersstrategygroup/new-meeting

*]:pointer-events-auto scroll-mt-[calc(var(--header-height)+min(200px,max(70px,20svh)))]" dir="auto" tabindex="-1" data-turn-id= "request-69ab5167-dcc4-8326-9710-f12b23b31ddc-0" data-testid= "conversation-turn-6" data-scroll-anchor="true" data-turn= "assistant"> What if the key to building a meaningful advisory career isn't just measuring progress—but remembering it? In this episode of The Uncommon Advisor, business strategist Alicia Byers shares a personal tradition that has shaped how she thinks about business, growth, and reflection. Each year, she and her husband choose a word and a small object to represent their year together—creating a visual reminder of the moments that shaped their journey. It raises an important question for financial advisors: Are you intentionally remembering the story of your business? While metrics help advisors measure growth, they also serve another powerful purpose—they create a record of the journey. Without intentional reflection, years of progress, lessons, and meaningful client moments can quietly fade into the background. In this episode, Alicia explores: Why visual reminders help us process and remember important moments How tracking metrics creates a narrative of your business over time Why advisors should set aside intentional time each year to reflect on their practice A simple exercise to help you capture the story of your business year by year Because you're not just building production numbers—you're building a career, relationships, and a legacy. And the advisors who build meaningful businesses are the ones who choose to remember the journey along the way.   Book time with Alicia: https://calendly.com/byersstrategygroup/new-meeting

Are you tracking the numbers that actually drive growth in your advisory business—or just the ones that tell you what already happened? In this episode of The Uncommon Advisor, business strategist Alicia Byers breaks down the three simple metrics every financial advisor should be tracking to understand the true health and momentum of their practice. Most advisors focus on revenue and production—but those are rearview mirror metrics. If you want to grow with intention, you need visibility into the leading indicators that signal what's coming next. In this episode, Alicia walks through the three numbers that reveal whether your business is growing, maintaining, or about to slow down: Meaningful Client Conversations Referral Conversations Initiated Opportunities in Motion These metrics help you move from operating on hustle and guesswork to leading your business with clarity, predictability, and strategy. If you want fewer peaks and valleys—and a practice that grows on purpose—this episode will show you exactly where to start. Book some time with Alicia: https://calendly.com/byersstrategygroup/new-meeting

In this episode of The Uncommon Advisor, Alicia tackles one of the most overlooked skills in an advisor's career: how to introduce yourself in a way that actually creates conversation. You're at a networking event. Someone asks, "So what do you do?" If your answer sounds like, "I do retirement planning" or "I offer comprehensive financial plans," chances are the conversation quietly dies. Not because your work isn't valuable. But because you led with a feature instead of a transformation. In this practical, tactical episode, Alicia shares a simple but powerful framework called "laddering" to help you: Move from features → to function → to outcome → to emotional impact → to identity shift Stop sounding like a walking product brochure Trigger curiosity instead of evaluation Introduce yourself in a way that communicates authority and transformation Use real-life case studies to make your value tangible and memorable You'll learn how to answer "What do you do?" in a way that opens doors instead of closing them—and how to articulate the real change your clients experience because of your partnership. Because uncommon advisors don't introduce themselves by what they sell. They introduce themselves by who their clients become. If you're ready to sound different, stand out instantly, and create more meaningful conversations, this episode is your blueprint. Subscribe and share with another advisor who's ready to become not just productive—but unforgettable. Book time with Alicia: https://calendly.com/byersstrategygroup/new-meeting

In this episode of The Uncommon Advisor, Alicia dives into a conversation most high performers don't see coming: the addiction to productivity. What if the anxiety you're feeling isn't because you're behind… but because you don't know how to stop? For financial advisors and entrepreneurs, measurable progress is everywhere—revenue goals, meetings, launches, client growth. Every completed task delivers a small dopamine hit, reinforcing the cycle of doing more. But dopamine doesn't measure meaning. It only rewards completion. And over time, productivity can quietly become how we regulate our emotions. In this honest and personal episode, Alicia shares: The subtle difference between healthy discipline and productivity addiction The neuroscience behind dopamine, reward loops, and why "getting things done" feels so good How high achievers unknowingly stay in a constant stress cycle Why rest can become just another box to check Practical ways to practice true stillness (without turning it into a productivity hack) If you're hitting your goals but still feel restless… if your calendar looks manageable but your nervous system feels maxed out… this episode will challenge you in the best way. The most uncommon advisors aren't just productive. They're regulated. They have margin. They enjoy their lives. This week, instead of asking, "What can I move forward?" try asking, "Where can I disengage?" Subscribe and share with another advisor who's ready to build a business rooted not just in growth—but in peace. Book a time with Alicia: https://calendly.com/byersstrategygroup/new-meeting

Most financial advisors don't have a goal problem — they have a standards problem. In this episode of The Uncommon Advisor, Alicia Byers challenges the traditional New Year rhythm of setting bigger goals and instead uncovers the real reason advisors stay stuck year after year: your goals can only grow as high as the standards you hold yourself to. Alicia breaks down the difference between inspiration and commitment, outcomes and behaviors, and why chasing new goals without elevating your standards leads to burnout, stagnation, and frustration. You'll learn how to:  Raise your standards for communication, prep, leadership, and client experience Build rhythm and routines that support your standards Stop relying on motivation and start relying on structure Align your daily habits with the goals you say you want Create a business that rises to meet a new level of excellence If you've ever wondered why your goals keep getting bigger while your results stay the same, this episode gives you the clarity — and the challenge — you've been waiting for. Connect with Alicia here:  https://calendly.com/byersstrategygroup/new-meeting

Asking for feedback is powerful… but acting on it? That's where the transformation happens. In this episode of The Uncommon Advisor, Alicia Byers takes you deeper into the world of client feedback—specifically how to ask the questions that actually matter and how to turn client responses into clarity, confidence, and real business growth. You'll learn: The difference between random feedback and purposeful, actionable feedback How to choose the right questions for onboarding, plan delivery, and annual reviews Why multiple-choice questions often get you better honesty than open-ended ones How to "close the loop" and use feedback to generate referrals naturally What to do after a client shares something meaningful (the step most advisors skip!) If you've ever felt unsure about what to ask, when to ask, or how to apply feedback once you have it, this episode gives you a clear, simple roadmap to follow. When you invite feedback—and actually use it—you create more trust, more loyalty, and more clients talking about you in the best way possible. Your free resource: 20 Feedback Questions for Financial Advisors.  Book your session with Alisha:  https://calendly.com/byersstrategygroup/new-meeting

Grab your feedback guide here: https://byersstrategygroup.myflodesk.com/feedbackquestions Feedback isn't criticism—it's clarity. In this episode of The Uncommon Advisor, Alicia Byers reframes the way financial advisors think about client feedback. Instead of fearing it, she shows you how to use feedback as a mirror—one that reflects what's working, what's not, and how your clients truly experience your business. You'll learn how to: Ask for feedback with confidence (and consistency) Turn client responses into actionable data and strategy Build deeper trust, stronger retention, and more referrals Identify patterns that reveal your firm's strengths and opportunities If you've been avoiding feedback because you're afraid of what you might hear, this episode will help you see it for what it really is—a growth tool that shapes how you lead, serve, and succeed. Schedule Time with Alicia Here: https://calendly.com/byersstrategygroup/new-meeting

Can AI actually make your advisory practice more human? In this powerful episode of The Uncommon Advisor, Alicia Byers sits down with Alison Simmons, founder and CEO of Lead Smarter Co., to talk about how financial advisors can use AI not as a gimmick—but as a strategic thought partner. Alison pulls back the curtain on practical, approachable ways to integrate AI into your business operations without losing your personal touch. You'll learn how to: Use AI to reclaim your time (and your sanity) Build custom systems that actually sound like you Train your team to adopt tech without fear Turn AI from an intimidating tool into your most reliable assistant Whether you're AI-curious or already experimenting, this episode will help you cut through the noise and focus on what matters most: using technology to serve your clients better, not faster. Stay up-to-date with Alison & her workshops here: https://alison-leigh-simmons.kit.com/62ca2afa2d Book with Alison & learn more here: https://leadsmarterco.com Schedule Time with Alicia Here: https://calendly.com/byersstrategygroup/new-meeting

If it causes you to rush, it's not the right opportunity. In this honest and transparent episode of The Uncommon Advisor, Alicia Byers gets real about the cost of constantly saying "yes." She challenges the glorified pace of hustle culture and explores why rushing undermines your best work, your peace, and your client relationships. You'll learn how to: Identify rushed opportunities that drain focus and energy Set boundaries that protect your clarity and purpose Say no with confidence—and reshape opportunities instead of abandoning them Build a business that moves at the pace of your purpose, not pressure If you've ever felt like you're living in business Tetris, trying to make everything fit, this episode is your permission to slow down—and your strategy to do it well. Schedule Time with Alicia Here: https://calendly.com/byersstrategygroup/new-meeting

Most advisors help clients with money—yet avoid looking at their own numbers. In this eye-opening episode of The Uncommon Advisor, Alicia welcomes tax strategist, Enrolled Agent, business owner and overall powerhouse Sarah Tatum to expose the hidden mistakes advisors make with their business finances. They unpack how to confidently understand your numbers, choose the right entity, build a proactive tax plan, and stop leaving money on the table. You'll also learn how to collaborate better with tax professionals and build a financial system that supports growth—not stress. If you've ever felt a little "embarrassed" handing your books to your CPA… this episode is your wake-up call (and your roadmap forward). Book a Consult Call with Sarah here: https://tostrategicadvisory.taxdome.com/en-us/signup" Connect with Sarah on LinkedIn here:  https://www.linkedin.com/in/sarah-tatum/ Schedule Time with Alicia Here: https://calendly.com/byersstrategygroup/new-meeting

Most advisors treat policy and product clients like transactions. Uncommon Advisors turn them into relationships. In Episode 13 of The Uncommon Advisor, Alicia Byers shows you how to welcome product and policy clients with intention—so they feel seen, valued, and excited to work with you long after the paperwork is signed. Discover how small, meaningful welcome gifts can build loyalty, spark referrals, and set you apart in an industry obsessed with efficiency. You'll learn how to create gifts that reflect your brand, personalize them for each client, stay compliant, and scale the process without losing authenticity. Because transactions don't build loyalty—experiences do. Schedule Time with Alicia Here:  https://calendly.com/byersstrategygroup/new-meeting

When a client says "yes" to financial planning, it's more than a transaction—it's a moment of trust. And that moment deserves more than a confirmation email. In this episode of The Uncommon Advisor, Alicia Byers shows you how to design thoughtful, memorable onboarding gifts that reinforce trust, reflect your brand, and make clients feel truly seen. No expensive baskets or cheesy swag—just intentional, scalable ideas that create emotional connection and set the tone for a long-term relationship. You'll learn: Why small, meaningful gestures build massive loyalty How to create gifts that reflect YOU as the advisor How to personalize gifts so clients feel known and valued Ways to stay compliant while still being creative If you want clients to feel confident, cared for, and excited to work with you from day one, this episode is packed with inspiration you can use right away. Schedule Time with Alicia Here: https://calendly.com/byersstrategygroup/new-meeting  

In Part 2 of the High-Performance Team series, Alicia Byers takes you beyond building a strong foundation of drive and talent — and into creating lasting results. Learn how to generate real impact, grow an engaged audience, and expand your team's reach so the world experiences the work you do. Plus, discover how to spot and eliminate the silent killer of team performance: self-defeating thinking. If you want your team to create results people notice — and enjoy working together while doing it — this episode is your playbook. Schedule Time with Alicia Here: https://calendly.com/byersstrategygroup/new-meeting

High-performing teams don't just happen—they're built with intention. In this first of a two-part series, Alicia Byers unpacks the two essential foundations of every high-performing team: drive and talent. Learn how to craft a mission your team actually rallies behind, use purpose to fuel perseverance, and uncover and develop the natural strengths of your team members. If you're ready to create a team that's engaged, productive, and excited about their work, this episode is your starting point. Schedule Time with Alicia Here: https://calendly.com/byersstrategygroup/new-meeting  

Too many advisors treat rest like a reward — something they get after a busy season or major event or accomplishment. In this episode, flip the script and learn why rest should be a strategy built into your business plan. Learn why consistent time off leads to better creativity, sharper decision-making, and more effective leadership, plus practical ways to schedule daily, weekly, and quarterly rest so you can fuel great work without burning out.   Schedule 1:1 time with Alicia here: https://calendly.com/byersstrategygroup/new-meeting       

Chaos isn't a strategy—and neither is cramming everything into every day.  In this episode of The Uncommon Advisor, Alicia Byers shows you how to use theme days to protect your top priorities, stay focused, and stop the constant pivoting that drains your energy. Learn how to group your glass-ball activities, build predictable rhythms for your team and clients, and finally take back control of your week. Schedule Time with Alicia Here: https://calendly.com/byersstrategygroup/new-meeting

Most advisors don't have a time management problem—they have a prioritization problem. In this episode of The Uncommon Advisor, Alicia Byers introduces the powerful "glass balls vs. ping pong balls" framework to help you identify what really matters in your business. Learn how to protect the priorities that keep your business thriving, avoid getting lost in busywork, and stop chasing every distraction that bounces your way. If you're ready to regain focus, protect what's most important, and lead with intention, this episode is for you. Schedule a Discovery Session with Alicia Here: https://calendly.com/byersstrategygroup/new-meeting

Referrals aren't just a script to memorize—they're the natural outcome of creating client experiences worth talking about. In this episode of The Uncommon Advisor, Alicia unpacks the final piece of the client experience puzzle: advocacy. Discover how to generate both intentional and unintentional referrals, use feedback to deepen relationships, and turn satisfied clients into true advocates for your business. If you want clients who share your name in rooms you'll never be in, this episode is your roadmap. Schedule with Alicia here: https://calendly.com/byersstrategygroup/new-meeting

Happy clients are good. Loyal clients? Game-changing. In this episode of The Uncommon Advisor, Alicia Byers shares how to move beyond "satisfied" and build lasting loyalty through intentional retention strategies. From making annual reviews something clients actually look forward to, to creating memorable touchpoints that spark referrals and advocacy—this episode is packed with ideas you can put to work right away. If you want a more profitable practice (and clients who rave about you), don't skip this one.   Schedule time with Alicia here: https://calendly.com/byersstrategygroup/new-meeting

Engagement is the difference between a transaction that ends with a signature and a relationship that grows for years. The truth is, frequent and relevant communication is the number one predictor of client satisfaction in financial services. In this episode of The Uncommon Advisor, Alicia Byers shares how to design intentional, ongoing engagement that keeps you top of mind and tip of tongue. From creating communication that's regular, meaningful, and collaborative to delivering value between reviews, you'll learn how to transform ordinary touchpoints into opportunities for connection, loyalty, and growth. Because it's not your client's job to remember you — it's your responsibility to make sure they never get the chance to forget.

It's time to stop doing the same old thing in the same old way — and start creating first impressions that last.  In this episode of The Uncommon Advisor, Alicia Byers unpacks how to turn ordinary first impressions into remarkable ones. From your website and inquiry response to your first meeting and that first "wow" moment, you'll learn how each touchpoint sets the tone for trust, loyalty, and referrals.

Your client journey is like a puzzle — every piece matters. If even one is missing, the whole picture feels incomplete. In this episode of The Uncommon Advisor, Alicia breaks down the four essential pieces of your client journey and show how they connect to one another. You'll see why one piece in particular is built on the foundation of the other three — and why getting this part right is what separates advisors who are simply "good" from those who are truly memorable. If you'd like Alicia to come guest speak at your Study Group or General Office, please send inquiries to [email protected] 

Your business isn't built just on the services you provide — it's built on the experiences you create. And in today's market, client experience isn't a "nice to have" — it's your single greatest growth strategy. In this first episode of The Uncommon Advisor, I'm showing you how exceptional client experience becomes the hidden multiplier in your business. We'll connect the dots between how you show up for clients, how you lead your team, and how you measure what matters — and you'll leave with practical steps to move from what's expected to what's memorable. If you want to grow your practice without feeling like you have to sell harder or market louder, this is where you start. To learn more: www.byersstrategygroup.com 

In The Uncommon Advisor, business strategist Alicia Byers shares practical strategies, real stories, and proven tools to help you stand out for all the right reasons and become the kind of advisor clients can't stop talking about.