Monday Morning Mojo

If you believe that your clients prefer a purely professional relationship, you may want to rethink your understanding. Bringing a level of personality to your relationships can enhance the experience for every party involved. In today’s episode, we explore how moving the conversation from the office to a more personal location can make  the difference in establishing trust and loyalty with your clients. Resources: Michael Oana, Retirement Planning Specialist: http://www.michaeloana.com Please send comments, questions, and feedback to: mojo@cannonfinancial.com Please send First Friday Feedback submissions to: mojo@cannonfinancial.com

Hearing the phrase “I’ll Take Care Of It” is comforting when you are in a crisis, but it’s the actions following this mantra that bring genuine reassurance. By promptly delivering on the promises you make to your clients, you will lay the foundation for relationships built on trust and confidence. As the last third of the year begins, we challenge you to evaluate the delivery of your company’s services through the eyes of your clients. Listen as we discuss how establishing a pattern of reliability and exceptional service can lead to brand loyalty in your client relationships. Resources: Otis Jones III, Accredited Advisor of Insurance: http://matrixins.com/index.php/about-us/bios/ Please send comments, questions, and feedback to: mojo@cannonfinancial.com Please send First Friday Feedback submissions to: mojo@cannonfinancial.com

With the advent of and mounting dependence on social media outlets like Facebook and LinkedIn for connection and communication, it is imperative for professionals to develop interpersonal skills to distinguish themselves. Because our information is so easily accessed and disseminated, the ability to hold genuine, impactful conversation can be the difference between landing that big client or losing them. In today’s episode, we discuss how having meaningful conversation can build trust and confidence in your relationships with clients, colleagues, and partners. Listen in today to learn how to master this critical skill and see your relationships thrive. Resources: Please send comments, questions, and feedback to: mojo@cannonfinancial.com Please send First Friday Feedback submissions to: mojo@cannonfinancial.com

Are you guilty of writing off a piece of new information as unimportant or irrelevant simply because you don’t understand it? While it is easy to dismiss challenging tasks or unfamiliar technology, we encourage you to make an effort to understand and overcome these obstacles. In most cases, you will be surprised by how far an open mind can take you. Being introduced to new ideas and technology is an inevitability. It is best to take an optimistic approach to make sure you are maximizing your ability. Tune in as we discuss the opportunities that are lost by a “can’t-do” attitude and outline how a simple shift in perspective can make all the difference in your success. Resources: Please send comments, questions, and feedback to: mojo@cannonfinancial.com Please send First Friday Feedback submissions to: mojo@cannonfinancial.com

While team meetings can sometimes feel monotonous and unnecessary, they can actually be a key factor of a productive workplace when they are planned correctly. By keeping them quick and concise, team meetings vastly improve connectivity and communication between employees. Join us today as we explore the role of purposeful team meetings as a tool for improving communication within the workplace. By following our four-pronged guide, outlined in today’s podcast, you are sure to make the most of your team meetings. Resources: Please send comments, questions, and feedback to: mojo@cannonfinancial.com Please send First Friday Feedback submissions to: mojo@cannonfinancial.com

Have you ever cut a corner to get a job done? Have you ever shown disregard for a rule that you thought shouldn’t apply to you? Of course, at one point or another, almost everybody has been guilty of breaking a rule, whether intentional or not. While these transgressions are generally minimal and relatively harmless, the problem arises when a person regularly and intentionally defies the rules. Listen in today as Phil discusses the consequences of abusing the system and brings to light the benefits that we all experience by practicing respect for the rules and one another. Resources: Please send comments, questions, and feedback to: mojo@cannonfinancial.com Please send First Friday Feedback submissions to: mojo@cannonfinancial.com

Do you take too narrow of an approach in defining your client? In order to continue serving our clients from generation to generation, it is essential that we transform the definition of “client” from an individual to the entire family unit. Join us as we explore the importance of including the whole family in financial planning. We challenge you to encourage longevity in your client relationships and witness them thrive. Resources: Please send comments, questions, and feedback to: mojo@cannonfinancial.com Please send First Friday Feedback submissions to: mojo@cannonfinancial.com References: James E. Hughes - Family Wealth: Keeping It in the Family: https://amzn.to/2Ow3RmZ

It is inevitable that undesirable situations will arise, and oftentimes they will be out of your control. However, failing to acknowledge the issue is never the appropriate course of action. By clearly communicating with all parties involved and acknowledging the problem, you can effectively do your part to diffuse the situation at hand. Your transparency will not go unrecognized, and those affected are more likely to appreciate your efforts in maintaining a positive customer experience. Resources: Please send comments, questions, and feedback to: mojo@cannonfinancial.com Please send First Friday Feedback submissions to: mojo@cannonfinancial.com

Confirmation bias (n.): “the tendency to process information by looking for, or interpreting, information that is consistent with one’s existing beliefs.” Because of the constant connectivity we experience today due to technological advancements, confirmation bias is more prevalent than ever. How can you combat this phenomenon to ensure that you learn from perspectives that differ from your own? Resources: Please send comments, questions, and feedback to: mojo@cannonfinancial.com Please send First Friday Feedback submissions to: mojo@cannonfinancial.com References: Confirmation bias: https://bit.ly/2pDnMp1 Dylan Marron, “Conversations with People who Hate Me”: https://bit.ly/2vfbVxF

Communication is key to building trust in relationships. Do you know how to properly communicate? Has anyone ever taught you how to properly communicate? Probably not. Today, we aim to pinpoint the most important components of strong communication: respect, tone, speed, and consistency. We will discuss the ways in which to advance one’s communication skills and further develop trust in professional relationships. Resources: Please send comments, questions, and feedback to: mojo@cannonfinancial.com Please send First Friday Feedback submissions to: mojo@cannonfinancial.com References: Jack Myers Development: https://bit.ly/2KuoaTy Weber & Associates: https://bit.ly/2MJi3XV

The significance of work extends far beyond the paycheck and the financial stability that comes as a result. Working creates an opportunity for us to not only make meaningful contributions to the world but also, elevate our self-esteem. This week, we challenge you to be proactive. Create opportunities for future generations to gain experience in professional work environments. The skills they will learn and the value they will add through these opportunities will undoubtedly create a sense of purpose for them, which will lead to a more fulfilled life. Resources: Please send comments, questions, and feedback to: mojo@cannonfinancial.com Please send First Friday Feedback submissions to: mojo@cannonfinancial.com

Let’s think back to when we first started our professional careers. We had a go-getter mentality: taking opportunities, prospecting and seeking unique solutions. However, as time has gone by, we have found ourselves protecting the status we have built rather than searching for new, expansive opportunities. Citing an article by thought leader Patrick Lencioni, Phil emphasizes the importance of shifting from a defensive strategy to playing offense in the workplace. After all, not playing offense is often the riskiest move of all. Resources: Patrick Lencioni on Playing Offense: https://bit.ly/2MsMBgL Please send comments, questions, and feedback to: mojo@cannonfinancial.com Please send First Friday Feedback submissions to: mojo@cannonfinancial.com

Many successful professionals attribute their long-term success to the passion they feel for the field in which they work. This makes sense, as passionate individuals are likely to feel more energized, more engaged, and more fulfilled than their counterparts. Today, we explore the power of passion and how we should use it to drive our careers. Though it may seem risky at first glance, you might be surprised by the results that follow. References: Travis Howard: https://bit.ly/2JUyl3n Michael Waddell: https://bit.ly/2ytEf6n Resources: Please send comments, questions, and feedback to mojo@cannonfinancial.com Please send First Friday Feedback submissions to mojo@cannonfinancial.com

What is the most impactful life lesson have you learned? Where did it originate? Was it a person or experience that taught you this lesson? Throughout our lives, we learn many different lessons and these lessons come from life experiences, interactions with others and even society. Today, Phil shares with us five life lessons that he has learned  from both playing and observing the game of golf. Resources: Please send comments, questions, and feedback to: mojo@cannonfinancial.com Please send First Friday Feedback submissions to: mojo@cannonfinancial.com Phil on Twitter: https://twitter.com/PhilBuchananCFI Phil on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jphilbuchanan/

You’re probably aware of the power and importance of having networks, both socially and professionally. Are you, however, properly managing and maintaining your networks? On this week’s episode, we discuss the benefits that come from keeping consistent communication with your connections as well as the various methods in which you can do so. Join us as we discuss how and why we should aim to increase the value of our networks. Resources: Please send comments, questions, and feedback to: mojo@cannonfinancial.com Please send First Friday Feedback submissions to: mojo@cannonfinancial.com References: Estee Jimerson, Head of Asset Management at Envestnet: https://bit.ly/2xnFV0n

What is more important: price or quality? Many intellectuals would argue quality, and Phil agrees. By ensuring top quality service and working quickly and efficiently to fix problems, we can expect higher demand and customer satisfaction. Tune in as we explore the issue of fee compression in today’s wealth management industry, noting how advisors should view it as an opportunity to better serve their clients rather than as a personal loss. Resources: Please send comments, questions, and feedback to: mojo@cannonfinancial.com Please send First Friday Feedback submissions to: mojo@cannonfinancial.com References: Benjamin Franklin quote: https://bit.ly/2IHXfTd Price & value quote as related to the wealth management industry: https://bit.ly/2IZX3y7

On today’s episode, Phil speaks to the value that can come from tackleing challenges. By making it a goal to pursue a number of tasks that with hard work and persistence can be completed within one year, he himself has learned what can come from new, seemingly difficult practices. Phil shares five takeaways that have surfaced throughout his recent endeavor of pursuing flight lessons. You too can apply the lessons to your own experiences in order to reap the benefits. Resources: Please send comments, questions, and feedback to: mojo@cannonfinancial.com Please send First Friday Feedback submissions to: mojo@cannonfinancial.com

Amidst the busyness and chaos of today’s world, we, unfortunately, see too many examples of poor social behavior and lack of manners: on planes, in restaurants, and in offices. However, the way we engage with others—especially those who cannot offer us something—is a true reflection of our individual character. As humans, we seek positive self-esteem through our interactions with others; therefore it is highly important to lift others up rather than bring them down. As Noel Polk said, “Manners operate as a general commitment to niceness.” Use this thought to guide your actions this week and always. Resources: Please send comments, questions, and feedback to: mojo@cannonfinancial.com Please send First Friday Feedback submissions to: mojo@cannonfinancial.com Noel Polk quote: https://bit.ly/2wRGUpk

We are far too often consumed by the aspects of our daily lives that we fail to spend time thinking about and checking in on the people most important to us. We owe it to these people to ensure that they know we are there for them in times of triumph and times of adversity. This week, we challenge you to make it a priority to call five people you genuinely care about and ask, “How are you doing?” Ask real, authentic questions and really listen to their answers in order to help them think through a course of action. Through this act of affirming that you care, you are bound to see growth in your personal relationships and feel more fulfilled as a result.  Resources: Please send comments, questions, and feedback to mojo@cannonfinancial.com Please send First Friday Feedback submissions to mojo@cannonfinancial.com “The Goal” by Eliyahu Goldratt: http://ht.ly/sJgN30jr5Q4

Failures may seem like just that at the time they occur—failures. However, if viewed and responded to properly, they have the potential to act as great learning opportunities. Recognize failures as chances to grow as an individual and a professional and the outcome may just become more rewarding than detrimental. One instance of doing the right thing does not always guarantee success as a result. More importantly, we must learn from the failures we are sure to experience until we develop a consistent pattern of success. Join us today as Phil shares narratives of failures and the knowledge gained from them. Resources: Please send comments, questions, and feedback to: mojo@cannonfinancial.com Please send First Friday Feedback submissions to: mojo@cannonfinancial.com Freakonomics Radio- Ray Dalio Interview: http://freakonomics.com/podcast/ray-dalio/