The Advisor Advancement Podcast Network

Advisor Advancement is a network for independent financial advisors from industry professionals. Powering the entrepreneurial spirit of the financial advisor profession, we cover topics like practice management, marketing, compliance, business development, and much more.

Financial Advisor Marketing Playbook: Behavioral Finance, Simplified: 5 Biases Advisors Must Use in Their Marketing 12/30/2025

Financial Advisor Marketing Playbook: Behavioral Finance, Simplified: 5 Biases Advisors Must Use in Their Marketing In this episode of Financial Advisor’s Marketing Playbook, host Mark Mersman breaks down five core behavioral biases—loss aversion, status quo bias, anchoring, choice overload, and social proof—and shows how each can be translated into clear, compliant marketing messages that resonate with real human decision-making. You’ll learn how to reduce cognitive load, make emotion visible, eliminate friction, and set deliberate anchors in your website copy, emails, seminars, and first meetings. If you want your marketing to reflect how clients actually think and choose advisors, this practical framework will help you shift from a purely logical approach to one that validates emotions first—and earns trust that clients can later justify with facts. The Financial Advisor Marketing Playbook is a podcast/video series for high-performing financial planning professionals that are committed to improving their craft, helping their clients, and growing their business. Hosted by Mark Mersman, Chief Marketing Officer at USA Financial, this series contains a wide variety of content – from quick win ideas to long-form interviews, each episode provides actionable marketing ideas and insights that can be implemented easily into your practice. From digital marketing to traditional direct-response marketing, each episode delivers straight-forward and engaging content that any financial professional can use to improve their bottom line and grow their practice. Consider subscribing for continued insights from USA Financial: https://www.youtube.com/@USA-Financial For more of the Financial Advisor Marketing Playbook: https://www.usafinancial.com/insights/financial-advisor-marketing-playbook Contact us: Phone (888) 444-0125 https://www.usafinancial.com/ https://www.facebook.com/usafinancial/ https://www.linkedin.com/company/usafinancial Powered by USA Financial #usafinancial #advisoradvancement #futurezeros /episode/index/show/advisoradvancement/id/39494460

RARE Advisor: Year-End Planning with Purpose: Becoming the Advisor of the Future 11/25/2025

Financial Advisor Marketing Playbook: The Power of Storytelling: 3 Essential Stories Every Financial Advisor Needs 11/18/2025

RARE Advisor: Building a Client-Centered Practice: Insights from Duncan MacPherson & Pareto Systems 11/13/2025

RARE Advisor: Building a Client-Centered Practice: Insights from Duncan MacPherson & Pareto Systems In this episode of the Rare Advisor, host Aaron Grady sits down with Duncan MacPherson of Pareto Systems to unpack the “Always On” client experience from The Blue Square Method—showing financial advisors how to move from personality-driven to process-driven, scalable firms. You’ll learn the four quadrants (Onside, Onboard, Ongoing, Onward), why a documented fit process and onboarding sequence create professional contrast, how the 12-4-2 service model competitor-proofs relationships, and why systematizing moments of truth builds advocacy and referrals. We cover turning know-how into intellectual property (playbooks/SOPs), becoming “fee-worthy” and referable, leveraging the Pareto principle for AAA clients, and shifting from B2C to B2B growth. Consider subscribing for continued insights from USA Financial: https://www.youtube.com/@USA-Financial For more of The RARE Advisor: https://www.usafinancial.com/insights/rare The RARE Advisor is also a podcast! Subscribe today via Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, or your preferred podcast listening service for easier on-the-go listening. The RARE Advisor is a business model supercharged by Recurring And Repeatable Events. With decades of experience coaching successful advisors, your host, along with other leaders in the industry, discusses what it takes to grow a successful practice. With the aim of helping financial professionals and financial advisors take their business to the next level, this podcast shares insights and success stories that will make a real impact. Regardless of the stage of your practice, The RARE Advisor will provide thoughtful guidance, suggestions for developing systems and processes that work, and ideas for creating an authentic experience for your clients. Contact us: Phone (888) 444-0125 https://www.usafinancial.com/ https://www.facebook.com/usafinancial/ https://www.linkedin.com/company/usafinancial Powered by USA Financial #usafinancial #advisoradvancement #therareadvisor #rareadvisor /episode/index/show/advisoradvancement/id/38997030

Financial Advisor Marketing Playbook: From SEO to AEO: How Financial Advisors Can Rank in ChatGPT & Google AI 10/28/2025

Financial Advisor Marketing Playbook: From SEO to AEO: How Financial Advisors Can Rank in ChatGPT & Google AI In this episode of The Financial Advisor Marketing Playbook, Mark Mersman explores the fast-emerging concept of Answer Engine Optimization (AEO)—how advisors can adapt their websites and content strategies for the AI-driven search era. As traditional SEO gives way to AI search tools like ChatGPT and Google’s AI Overviews, Mark explains what this shift means for financial advisors and how to stay visible in a world where consumers ask questions directly to AI instead of clicking through search results. He shares practical, actionable steps—like writing with user intent in mind, expanding website depth and breadth, structuring Q&A sections, and earning external credibility—to help advisors ensure their content is surfaced in AI-powered search results. If you want your firm to show up when prospects ask financial questions to AI, this episode is a must-watch. #EarnedMedia #LeadGeneration #FinancialAdvisorMarketing The Financial Advisor Marketing Playbook is a podcast/video series for high-performing financial planning professionals that are committed to improving their craft, helping their clients, and growing their business. Hosted by Mark Mersman, Chief Marketing Officer at USA Financial, this series contains a wide variety of content – from quick win ideas to long-form interviews, each episode provides actionable marketing ideas and insights that can be implemented easily into your practice. From digital marketing to traditional direct-response marketing, each episode delivers straight-forward and engaging content that any financial professional can use to improve their bottom line and grow their practice. Consider subscribing for continued insights from USA Financial: https://www.youtube.com/@USA-Financial For more of the Financial Advisor Marketing Playbook: https://www.usafinancial.com/insights/financial-advisor-marketing-playbook Contact us: Phone (888) 444-0125 https://www.usafinancial.com/ https://www.facebook.com/usafinancial/ https://www.linkedin.com/company/usafinancial Powered by USA Financial #usafinancial #advisoradvancement #futurezeros /episode/index/show/advisoradvancement/id/38646210

RARE Advisor: How Gratitude Can Grow Your Practice: Thanksgiving Lessons for Financial Advisors 10/23/2025

RARE Advisor: How Gratitude Can Grow Your Practice: Thanksgiving Lessons for Financial Advisors In this episode of The Rare Advisor, host Aaron Grady shares why Thanksgiving is one of the most powerful — and underutilized — times of year for financial advisors to connect with their top clients. He explains how this quieter, gratitude-filled season offers a unique opportunity to build deeper relationships, foster loyalty, and create memorable client experiences that drive advocacy. From heartfelt handwritten cards to “annual anchor” gifts that become part of clients’ traditions, Aaron outlines practical ways to operationalize gratitude and turn it into a repeatable, referable process. Tune in to learn how to transform a simple gesture into a lasting impression — and make Thanksgiving a cornerstone of your client relationship strategy. Consider subscribing for continued insights from USA Financial: https://www.youtube.com/@USA-Financial For more of The RARE Advisor: https://www.usafinancial.com/insights/rare The RARE Advisor is also a podcast! Subscribe today via Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, or your preferred podcast listening service for easier on-the-go listening. The RARE Advisor is a business model supercharged by Recurring And Repeatable Events. With decades of experience coaching successful advisors, your host, along with other leaders in the industry, discusses what it takes to grow a successful practice. With the aim of helping financial professionals and financial advisors take their business to the next level, this podcast shares insights and success stories that will make a real impact. Regardless of the stage of your practice, The RARE Advisor will provide thoughtful guidance, suggestions for developing systems and processes that work, and ideas for creating an authentic experience for your clients. Contact us: Phone (888) 444-0125 https://www.usafinancial.com/ https://www.facebook.com/usafinancial/ https://www.linkedin.com/company/usafinancial Powered by USA Financial #usafinancial #advisoradvancement #therareadvisor #rareadvisor /episode/index/show/advisoradvancement/id/38646115

RARE Advisor: Ideal Client Events in Action: Transition, Reframing, Celebration 10/09/2025

RARE Advisor: Client Retention Strategies through Rare Experiences 09/25/2025

RARE Advisor: Client Retention Strategies through Rare Experiences In this episode of The Rare Advisor, host Aaron Grady sits down with Steve Phillips, Chief Practice Management Officer at USA Financial, to unpack the concept of the Ideal Client Event. Unlike traditional appreciation events, these gatherings are designed exclusively for your very best clients—the advocates and relationships you most want to replicate. Aaron and Steve explore the “what,” “why,” and “how” behind these events, from honoring advocacy and building community to creating a consistent client experience that drives organic growth and long-term loyalty. If you’re a financial advisor looking for ways to deepen client relationships and inspire advocacy inside your practice, this conversation is packed with practical insights and best practices you can apply right away. Consider subscribing for continued insights from USA Financial: https://www.youtube.com/@USA-Financial For more of The RARE Advisor: https://www.usafinancial.com/insights/rare The RARE Advisor is a business model supercharged by Recurring And Repeatable Events. With decades of experience coaching successful advisors, your host, along with other leaders in the industry, discusses what it takes to grow a successful practice. With the aim of helping financial professionals and financial advisors take their business to the next level, this podcast shares insights and success stories that will make a real impact. Regardless of the stage of your practice, The RARE Advisor will provide thoughtful guidance, suggestions for developing systems and processes that work, and ideas for creating an authentic experience for your clients. Contact us: Phone (888) 444-0125 https://www.usafinancial.com/ https://www.facebook.com/usafinancial/ https://www.linkedin.com/company/usafinancial Powered by USA Financial #usafinancial #advisoradvancement #therareadvisor #rareadvisor /episode/index/show/advisoradvancement/id/38309065

Financial Advisor Marketing Playbook: Financial Advisor PR Strategy with Michelle Lawless (Media Minefield) 09/16/2025

Financial Advisor Marketing Playbook: Financial Advisor PR Strategy with Michelle Lawless (Media Minefield) In this episode of Financial Advisor Marketing Playbook, Mark sits down with Michelle Lawless, VP at Media Minefield, to unpack how PR powers growth for advisory firms—especially in a world where AI search favors credible, third-party sources. Michelle explains the difference between advertising and earned media, why local TV news and thought-leadership placements boost trust, and how to pair traditional media with strategic LinkedIn to win in no-click search. We also discuss ROI (Return On Investment), and Media Minefield’s process—from messaging sessions and story development to market exclusivity and national opportunities. If you want to elevate credibility, increase inbound, and become the go-to expert in your market, this conversation is your playbook. Subscribe for more advisor-focused marketing tactics! #EarnedMedia #LeadGeneration #FinancialAdvisorMarketing The Financial Advisor Marketing Playbook is a podcast/video series for high-performing financial planning professionals that are committed to improving their craft, helping their clients, and growing their business. Hosted by Mark Mersman, Chief Marketing Officer at USA Financial, this series contains a wide variety of content – from quick win ideas to long-form interviews, each episode provides actionable marketing ideas and insights that can be implemented easily into your practice. From digital marketing to traditional direct-response marketing, each episode delivers straight-forward and engaging content that any financial professional can use to improve their bottom line and grow their practice. Consider subscribing for continued insights from USA Financial: https://www.youtube.com/@USA-Financial For more of the Financial Advisor Marketing Playbook: https://www.usafinancial.com/insights/financial-advisor-marketing-playbook Contact us: Phone (888) 444-0125 https://www.usafinancial.com/ https://www.facebook.com/usafinancial/ https://www.linkedin.com/company/usafinancial Powered by USA Financial #usafinancial #advisoradvancement #futurezeros /episode/index/show/advisoradvancement/id/38183605

RARE Advisor: The Power of FORM: Turning Conversations Into Advocacy 09/11/2025

RARE Advisor: The Power of FORM: Turning Conversations Into Advocacy In this episode of The Rare Advisor, Aaron Grady dives into one of the simplest yet most powerful tools for building lasting client relationships: the acronym FORM acronym—Family, Occupation, Recreation, and Money. More than just a data-gathering technique, it’s a practice management mindset for financial advisors and planners who want to connect on a deeper, more human level with their clients. Aaron shares how to gather, store, and use FORM data to create personalized client experiences, build trust, and trigger natural advocacy. You’ll learn how to improve client service and build trust with clients by moving conversations beyond the portfolio. From onboarding to ongoing relationship management, learn how intentional curiosity and genuine care can help you grow your advisory business and foster client advocacy. Consider subscribing for continued insights from USA Financial: https://www.youtube.com/@USA-Financial For more of The RARE Advisor: https://www.usafinancial.com/insights/rare The RARE Advisor is a business model supercharged by Recurring And Repeatable Events. With decades of experience coaching successful advisors, your host, along with other leaders in the industry, discusses what it takes to grow a successful practice. With the aim of helping financial professionals and financial advisors take their business to the next level, this podcast shares insights and success stories that will make a real impact. Regardless of the stage of your practice, The RARE Advisor will provide thoughtful guidance, suggestions for developing systems and processes that work, and ideas for creating an authentic experience for your clients. Contact us: Phone (888) 444-0125 https://www.usafinancial.com/ https://www.facebook.com/usafinancial/ https://www.linkedin.com/company/usafinancial Powered by USA Financial #usafinancial #advisoradvancement #therareadvisor #rareadvisor /episode/index/show/advisoradvancement/id/37737045

Financial Advisor Marketing Playbook: AI vs. Financial Advisors: Strategies to Future-Proof Your Practice 09/02/2025

Financial Advisor Marketing Playbook: AI vs. Financial Advisors: Strategies to Future-Proof Your Practice AI is reshaping every industry, and financial advice isn’t immune. Are you prepared? In this episode of The Financial Advisor Marketing Playbook, Mark Mersman unpacks a recent Microsoft study ranking personal financial advisors among the occupations most at risk of AI disruption—and explains why some advisors should be worried. More importantly, he outlines five practical strategies to stay relevant and thrive in the age of AI: doubling down on relationships, positioning yourself as a trusted guide, embracing holistic planning, staying tech-savvy, and deepening your niche expertise. Discover how to combine human connection with technology to build an unshakable practice in an AI-driven world. Whether you're a solo advisor, part of an RIA, or work at a larger firm, this episode gives you the roadmap to not just survive the AI revolution—but profit from it. #legacyplanning #familywealthpodcast #intergenerationalwealth The Financial Advisor Marketing Playbook is a podcast/video series for high-performing financial planning professionals that are committed to improving their craft, helping their clients, and growing their business. Hosted by Mark Mersman, Chief Marketing Officer at USA Financial, this series contains a wide variety of content – from quick win ideas to long-form interviews, each episode provides actionable marketing ideas and insights that can be implemented easily into your practice. From digital marketing to traditional direct-response marketing, each episode delivers straight-forward and engaging content that any financial professional can use to improve their bottom line and grow their practice. Consider subscribing for continued insights from USA Financial: https://www.youtube.com/@USA-Financial For more of the Financial Advisor Marketing Playbook: https://www.usafinancial.com/insights/financial-advisor-marketing-playbook Contact us: Phone (888) 444-0125 https://www.usafinancial.com/ https://www.facebook.com/usafinancial/ https://www.linkedin.com/company/usafinancial Powered by USA Financial #usafinancial #advisoradvancement #futurezeros /episode/index/show/advisoradvancement/id/37983595

RARE Advisor: The Advocacy Blueprint: It All Starts with The First 30 Days 08/28/2025

RARE Advisor: Your Business Map: Growth, Expansion, Legacy 08/07/2025

RARE Advisor: Your Business Map: Growth, Expansion, Legacy In this episode of The Rare Advisor, Aaron Grady is joined once again by Steve Phillips, Chief Practice Management Officer at USA Financial, for an insightful conversation about the three phases of an advisory practice: growth, expansion, and legacy. Discover how to identify where your financial advisory business stands today—and why understanding your current phase is just as important as knowing where you're headed. Whether you’re an independent financial advisor scaling your team, planning a succession strategy, or navigating the evolution of your firm, this episode offers actionable insights to increase enterprise value, improve team retention, and build a lasting legacy. Perfect for financial advisors seeking clarity on business growth, practice management, succession planning, and future planning. Don’t forget to like and subscribe for more advisor-focused content on building a successful financial practice. Consider subscribing for continued insights from USA Financial: https://www.youtube.com/@USA-Financial For more of The RARE Advisor: https://www.usafinancial.com/insights/rare The RARE Advisor is a business model supercharged by Recurring And Repeatable Events. With decades of experience coaching successful advisors, your host, along with other leaders in the industry, discusses what it takes to grow a successful practice. With the aim of helping financial professionals and financial advisors take their business to the next level, this podcast shares insights and success stories that will make a real impact. Regardless of the stage of your practice, The RARE Advisor will provide thoughtful guidance, suggestions for developing systems and processes that work, and ideas for creating an authentic experience for your clients. Contact us: Phone (888) 444-0125 https://www.usafinancial.com/ https://www.facebook.com/usafinancial/ https://www.linkedin.com/company/usafinancial Powered by USA Financial #usafinancial #advisoradvancement #therareadvisor #rareadvisor /episode/index/show/advisoradvancement/id/37486690

Financial Advisor Marketing Playbook: 2025 Seminar Marketing Trends for Financial Advisors 08/05/2025

Financial Advisor Marketing Playbook: 2025 Seminar Marketing Trends for Financial Advisors In this episode of the Financial Advisor’s Marketing Playbook, Mark Mersman breaks down the latest seminar marketing trends based on real-world data collected over the past several years at USA Financial. He explores the age-old question every advisor faces: Should you serve a meal at your seminar or not? Mark compares response rates from meal and non-meal events dating back to 2018, reveals how pandemic-era shifts and election cycles have influenced performance, and highlights which topics are driving the strongest turnout in 2025. If you’re a financial advisor planning your next seminar, this data-driven analysis will help you make smarter decisions and maximize your results heading into fall and winter. #legacyplanning #familywealthpodcast #intergenerationalwealth The Financial Advisor Marketing Playbook is a podcast/video series for high-performing financial planning professionals that are committed to improving their craft, helping their clients, and growing their business. Hosted by Mark Mersman, Chief Marketing Officer at USA Financial, this series contains a wide variety of content – from quick win ideas to long-form interviews, each episode provides actionable marketing ideas and insights that can be implemented easily into your practice. From digital marketing to traditional direct-response marketing, each episode delivers straight-forward and engaging content that any financial professional can use to improve their bottom line and grow their practice. Consider subscribing for continued insights from USA Financial: https://www.youtube.com/@USA-Financial For more of the Financial Advisor Marketing Playbook: https://www.usafinancial.com/insights/financial-advisor-marketing-playbook Contact us: Phone (888) 444-0125 https://www.usafinancial.com/ https://www.facebook.com/usafinancial/ https://www.linkedin.com/company/usafinancial Powered by USA Financial #usafinancial #advisoradvancement #futurezeros /episode/index/show/advisoradvancement/id/37608470

RARE Advisor: Wealth, Practice & Relationship: Your Practice Health Check 07/24/2025

RARE Advisor: Wealth, Practice & Relationship: Your Practice Health Check In this episode of The Rare Advisor, Aaron Grady and Steve Phillips, Chief Practice Management Officer at USA Financial, explore the three-core business processes every financial advisor must master: wealth management, practice management, and relationship management. Learn a practical self-assessment tool to identify opportunity gaps within your advisory practice and discover how elevating client experience can lead to greater client retention and advocacy. Whether you're in growth, expansion, or legacy phase, this conversation offers actionable insights to help financial advisors scale their business, deepen client relationships, and create professional contrast in a competitive market. This goes beyond birthdays and highlights outdated methods and the future of financial advisor client relationships. Don’t forget to like and subscribe for more expert guidance on building a next-level advisory practice. Consider subscribing for continued insights from USA Financial: https://www.youtube.com/@USA-Financial For more of The RARE Advisor: https://www.usafinancial.com/insights/rare The RARE Advisor is a business model supercharged by Recurring And Repeatable Events. With decades of experience coaching successful advisors, your host, along with other leaders in the industry, discusses what it takes to grow a successful practice. With the aim of helping financial professionals and financial advisors take their business to the next level, this podcast shares insights and success stories that will make a real impact. Regardless of the stage of your practice, The RARE Advisor will provide thoughtful guidance, suggestions for developing systems and processes that work, and ideas for creating an authentic experience for your clients. Contact us: Phone (888) 444-0125 https://www.usafinancial.com/ https://www.facebook.com/usafinancial/ https://www.linkedin.com/company/usafinancial Powered by USA Financial #usafinancial #advisoradvancement #therareadvisor #rareadvisor /episode/index/show/advisoradvancement/id/37374605

Financial Advisor Marketing Playbook: A Simple Way to Connect With The Next Generation 07/15/2025

Financial Advisor Marketing Playbook: A Simple Way to Connect With The Next Generation In this episode of The Financial Advisor Marketing Playbook, Mark Mersman shares a smart, strategic way for financial advisors to turn the often-overlooked trusted contact form into a powerful marketing opportunity. By reframing this regulatory requirement as a chance to connect with the next generation—especially the “alpha child” often listed as a trusted contact— financial advisors can strengthen multi-generational relationships, reduce future asset attrition, and position themselves as a family’s long-term financial resource. Learn how to proactively educate clients and reach out to trusted contacts in a compliant yet relationship-building way. It’s important to communicate wealth values to the next generation and help clients engage adult children in financial planning. If you're looking for creative marketing ideas, tools to enhance client retention, and ways to future-proof your practice, this episode is a must-watch. #legacyplanning #familywealthpodcast #intergenerationalwealth The Financial Advisor Marketing Playbook is a podcast/video series for high-performing financial planning professionals that are committed to improving their craft, helping their clients, and growing their business. Hosted by Mark Mersman, Chief Marketing Officer at USA Financial, this series contains a wide variety of content – from quick win ideas to long-form interviews, each episode provides actionable marketing ideas and insights that can be implemented easily into your practice. From digital marketing to traditional direct-response marketing, each episode delivers straight-forward and engaging content that any financial professional can use to improve their bottom line and grow their practice. Consider subscribing for continued insights from USA Financial: https://www.youtube.com/@USA-Financial For more of the Financial Advisor Marketing Playbook: https://www.usafinancial.com/insights/financial-advisor-marketing-playbook Contact us: Phone (888) 444-0125 https://www.usafinancial.com/ https://www.facebook.com/usafinancial/ https://www.linkedin.com/company/usafinancial Powered by USA Financial #usafinancial #advisoradvancement #futurezeros /episode/index/show/advisoradvancement/id/37373055