The Efficient Advisor: Tactical Business Advice for Financial Planners

In today’s episode, Libby breaks down exactly what The First 100 Days course is, who it’s designed for, and why a remarkable onboarding experience can completely transform a financial advisory business. From creating smoother operations to increasing referrals and client retention, this episode gives advisors a behind-the-scenes look at how intentional onboarding impacts every stage of the client relationship.

In this episode, you’ll learn:

The GOAT is here!!! If you’ve ever referenced client experience, onboarding, or retention in your business, you’ve probably already felt his influence. This conversation goes deep into why the first 100 days matter more than most advisors realize, and why so many businesses are leaking clients before they ever have a chance to become long-term relationships. If you’ve ever thought “our onboarding is fine,” this episode might challenge that in the best possible way.

Today’s episode is a powerful reminder that even the best financial planning recommendations can be overshadowed by a broken onboarding experience. Libby shares the story of how a process mistake during a client onboarding led to losing a nearly $2 million account — and the lessons advisors can take away to create smoother, more intentional client experiences during the first 100 days.

In this episode, you’ll learn:

In this episode, Libby sits down with advisor Aaron Schmerling to unpack what happens when you take a process most advisors overlook and turn it into a strategic advantage. 

Aaron shares how his business was already successful and growing, but like many advisors, he hadn’t given much intentional thought to the onboarding experience. After being introduced to the First 100 Days framework, he began implementing a few key changes and quickly realized the impact on both his client experience and internal efficiency. From reducing delays in paperwork to creating a more engaging and confidence-building experience for clients, thi...

It’s not just *what* you give, it’s *when* you give it. And that timing alone can completely change how your client perceives your gift or gesture. 

In this episode, we’re breaking down a counterintuitive but powerful approach to client gifting that helps you move from transactional relationships to deeply personal client connections. You’ll learn how to use timing, intention, and personalization to make your clients feel seen, valued, and remembered for the right reasons. If you’ve ever wondered how to make your client experience feel more meaningful without just adding more “stuff,” this one’s for...

In this episode, I’m getting really tactical about what delegation actually looks like in real life—not just the idea of it. I’m joined again by Kyle Willis  from Belay, and we’re breaking down exactly what you can hand off to a virtual assistant, how to do it, and what changes when you stop trying to do everything yourself.

I share what I’m seeing inside my coaching programs as advisors step into the CEO role—building processes, defining responsibilities, and then hitting that very real question: “Okay, but how do I actually delegate this?”

Wh...

Have you ever noticed how polished and proactive your process feels when you’re winning a new client… and then how it subtly shifts once the paperwork is signed? In this episode, we’re digging into what really happens in that first 100 days after a client says yes, and why it might be the most overlooked and highest-impact part of your entire business. If you’ve ever felt like your onboarding is “fine” but could be better, this conversation will challenge you to rethink what’s possible and show you what happens when you design that experience with intention instead of let...

If you’ve ever felt like you’re the bottleneck in your business, or like you just need a few more hours in the day to get everything done, this episode is going to challenge that thinking. In this conversation, we unpack the real cost of trying to do it all on your own and explore what it actually looks like to buy back your time in a way that moves both your business and your life forward. From delegation to decision-making to stepping into your role as CEO, this episode is all about helping you create more capacity with...

If you’ve ever had a client ask for something and your immediate reaction was “ugh… I really don’t want to do that,” but then you said yes anyway… this episode is for you. We’re talking about one of the most important skills for advisors: how to say no without making it weird, without damaging the relationship, and without creating a bunch of friction in your business.

In this episode, we’ll discuss: 

In this episode, we dive into the future of client communication for financial advisors. Tom Fields shares how combining technology, AI, and a client-first mindset can transform the advisory experience through a white-labeled app. From streamlining workflows to keeping clients genuinely engaged, this conversation is packed with actionable insights for advisors ready to elevate their practice.

What you’ll learn in this episode:

There’s a phrase that shows up in a lot of advisory firms that seems harmless on the surface, but quietly creates friction in both the team dynamic and the client experience. In this episode, we unpack why the term “junior advisor” might be doing more damage than you realize and how small language shifts can have a big impact on trust, confidence, and the way your clients perceive your team.

In this short but impactful episode, Libby shares two simple yet powerful phrases that can completely change the way you communicate with clients, guide conversations, and ultimately drive better outcomes. Inspired by real coaching conversations and even insights from psychology, these small language shifts can help you set boundaries, reduce resistance, and lead clients more effectively. She also opens with an important reminder for advisors who feel behind in their business—growth requires evolution, and it is okay to build systems as you go. 

In this episode, we’re flipping the script on how financial advisors approach growth and process-building. Instead of chasing perfection or trying to build everything at once, you’ll hear why thinking smaller is actually the fastest way to make meaningful progress. If you’ve ever felt stuck, overwhelmed, or unsure where to start, this conversation will give you a practical and refreshing way forward.

In this episode you will learn:

There are two types of advisors heading into Q2: those stuck in reactive mode, feeling busy but behind, and those who intentionally step back to lead their business forward. In this episode, Libby walks through what it actually looks like to shift into CEO mode by conducting a quarterly business review. Drawing from her own recent CEO retreat, she breaks down simple but powerful ways advisors can step out of the day-to-day, recalibrate their priorities, and make smarter decisions about where to focus next. This is about getting out of the weeds long enough to design a business that...

If you’ve ever wondered why some advisors seem to keep leveling up no matter how successful they already are, this episode is a powerful reminder that it’s not about knowing more—it’s about staying open. After speaking to a room full of elite, top-performing advisors, I walked away noticing a shared trait: they’re relentlessly coachable, curious, and willing to tweak even what’s already working.

In this episode you will learn:

This episode dives into a powerful and often overlooked strategy for financial advisors: using targeted digital marketing to consistently attract high-net-worth clients. Through a real-world case study, you’ll hear how a repeatable system using short-form video ads can generate meaningful conversations with qualified prospects every single week. The discussion highlights not only the marketing strategy itself, but also the importance of clarity in messaging, operational readiness, and long-term commitment to growth.

Here’s what you’ll learn in this episode: 

Imagine your inbox is multiplying like rabbits, your calendar looks like a jigsaw puzzle, and every client seems to need you yesterday. Overwhelm is real, especially for financial advisors juggling tax season, client requests, and life outside the office. In this episode, Libby Greiwe walks you through practical strategies to regain clarity, take control of your time, and move from feeling paralyzed to feeling empowered and productive.

In this episode, you’ll learn:

In this episode, I sit down with Rob Bartenstein (President) and Scott Wilson (Senior Managing Partner), the co-founders of Kestra Private Wealth Services, to explore how the industry has evolved over time and what independence looks like now. From their early days at broker dealers to leadership roles at major wirehouses, they share the pivotal moments that led them to build a business centered around the advisor-client relationship. We talk through the challenges advisors face within traditional firm structures and what it really takes to transition into a more supported, independent model.

In this episode you’ll le...

In this episode, Libby explores one of the most common sources of friction inside advisory firms: the homework advisors give their clients. While assigning tasks like uploading statements, linking accounts, or completing paperwork may seem efficient from the advisor’s perspective, it often slows the process down and creates frustration for clients who already have full, busy lives. Libby shares practical examples from her own firm and her First 100 Days onboarding framework to explain why client homework creates drag in the planning process and how advisors can redesign their workflows to make doing business easier for clients.

In this episode, Libby and Robyn Crane tackle a topic that makes a lot of advisors uncomfortable: referrals. But instead of rehashing outdated scripts or awkward one-liners, this conversation goes much deeper into the psychology behind why clients do or do not refer, what makes referral conversations actually work, and how advisors can position themselves to attract better-fit clients more consistently. They also explore the connection between capacity, client experience, messaging, and marketing, making this a valuable episode for advisors who want to grow intentionally instead of just hoping the next introduction shows up.

There are many forms of compensation that matter to employees. Salary, benefits, and bonuses often get the most attention, but they are not the only things that drive loyalty and engagement. In this episode, Libby Greiwe shares a powerful but often overlooked “currency” that financial advisors can offer their teams without increasing payroll costs. Drawing from her own experience running a successful advisory firm, she explains how intentional flexibility can strengthen employee loyalty, improve morale, and ultimately create a stronger business.

In this episode, Libby shares 5 practical ways financial advisors can keep client meetings running on time — starting on time and, just as importantly, ending on time. She breaks down how to balance client experience with practice efficiency so meetings don’t bleed into follow-up work, team time, or personal time. If your meetings routinely run over, this episode is for you.

What You Will Learn:

In this episode, Libby sits down with advisor Matt McManus to unpack exactly how he 5X’d his business in five years. But this isn’t a story about flashy marketing funnels or viral social media. It’s about clarity, community, and connection. If you’ve been wondering what’s actually working in 2026 to attract ideal clients, this conversation is packed with practical, affordable, relationship-driven ideas you can implement right away.

Here’s what you’ll learn:

Conference season is one of the most energizing times of the year for financial advisors. From fresh marketing ideas to meaningful connections and leadership growth, the upside can be huge. But without a plan, it can just as easily turn into overwhelm, shiny object syndrome, and a notebook full of ideas that never see the light of day. In this episode, I walk you through a simple four-phase framework — before, during, after, and six months later — so you can actually measure ROI from the events you attend and make sure they move the needle in your business.

In t...

Your inbox is either running your day… or you are. 📥⏳

In this episode, Libby tackles the silent productivity killer inside most advisory firms: email. If you’ve ever felt busy all day but unsure what you actually accomplished, this conversation will hit home. 

If you want more energy at the end of the day and less reactive chaos in your business, this episode is your permission slip to stop living in your email.

Here’s what you’ll learn:

In this episode I spill all the beans of how I went from working a zillion hours a week down to just 25. I give a very detailed account to podcast host Amber de la Garza and she is so good at interviewing and asking all the right questions to pull out the important details of this progression. 

So today we dive into:

Revenue growth can feel exciting—but if you don’t know your margins, you’re flying blind. 💸 In this episode, we break down the difference between leverage and true scale, what healthy operating margins can look like at different stages of growth, and why stepping into your CEO role means knowing more than just your top-line number.

You’ll learn the four numbers every advisor should be able to calculate in under 60 seconds, how to determine your real take-home percentage, and where profitability often leaks inside growing firms. With Q1 CEO Day around the corner, this is your cue to...

My guest, Nicole Burdick, took her brand from vanilla to vibrant—and in this episode, she walks through exactly how she built a brand (and a practice) that feels more like her: clear, magnetic, and profitable without being draining. 

In this episode we’ll dive into: 

In this quick Efficient Friday episode, Libby breaks down a stat that should stop every advisor in their tracks: 85% of clients have thought about switching advisors in the last year 😬. She challenges you to look honestly at the impact you’re delivering, the experience your clients are having, and whether your time is being spent on things that actually matter to them—or just feel productive.

You’ll learn how to evaluate your client service model, identify low-impact activities that drain time, and redesign your processes to deepen relationships, reduce friction, and consistently deliver real value yea...

Running a financial advisory firm often looks appealing from the outside: freedom, flexibility, and income potential. But the reality of being a true business owner requires an entirely different skill set. In this episode, Libby sits down with Hannah Moore to have an honest, vulnerable conversation about what it really takes to move from advisor to CEO, including the emotional, operational, and leadership challenges that often go unspoken ✨

In this episode, you’ll learn:

In this episode, Libby Greiwe shares a practical perspective on using AI in your advisory practice without sacrificing authenticity 🤖. You’ll hear a real-world example of how AI-driven efficiency can unintentionally erode trust and what that means for client experience and your brand.

Libby walks through simple, actionable ways to use AI thoughtfully, like setting expectations, timing your follow-ups, and adding small personal touches so clients still feel seen, known, and heard 💬✨. The takeaway is clear: AI should support better client experiences, not replace the human connection that makes your practice stand out.

In this episode, Libby sits down with transition expert Shelby to unpack the increasingly complex landscape of advisor independence. With more channels, platforms, and business models than ever before, many advisors feel the pull to explore new options — but don’t know where to start. Together, they walk through how to think strategically about change, avoid costly missteps, and design a transition that truly supports your long-term vision 🚀📊🤝

You’ll learn:

This Efficient Friday, Libby challenges financial advisors to think beyond org charts and revenue and focus on something even more powerful: personal development. You’ll learn how asking the right questions about who you’re becoming, who you’re learning from, and where you need to be stretched can directly impact your business growth 📈

In this episode, you’ll discover how to create a simple, realistic personal development plan that supports both your life and your firm, using small daily actions and quarterly focus to build momentum for the year ahead 🚀✨

Check out The...

In this episode, Libby sits down with Mando to unpack how financial advisors can intentionally use LinkedIn as a repeatable marketing and prospecting system. They dive into what actually works, what most advisors get wrong, and why consistency, clarity, and relevance matter far more than chasing the latest algorithm trend. This conversation is a behind-the-scenes look at how one advisor built a thriving practice by treating social media like a real business development strategy, not a side project. 🚀📈💡🤝🧠

In this episode, you will learn:

Hiring doesn’t have to feel risky, chaotic, or overwhelming—but for many advisors, it does. In this episode, Libby breaks down why hiring the wrong way is one of the biggest drivers of stress, frustration, and team dysfunction in advisory firms. Whether you’re actively hiring or just thinking ahead, this conversation will help you step into your role as CEO, clarify what your business truly needs, and design a team structure that actually supports growth instead of creating more work. 

In this episode, you’ll learn:

In this Efficient Friday episode, Libby speaks directly to advisors who have spent the year learning, consuming content, and gathering ideas, but now need a clear path to action. She challenges you to stop over-educating and start implementing by creating intentional space on your calendar to actually get things done as you plan for 2026 📅🚀

You’ll learn simple, realistic ways to turn ideas into progress, including how to use implementation power hours, accountability partners, and focused implementation days. This episode is a practical reminder that growth doesn’t come from more information, but from consistent follow-thr...

In this episode, Libby Greiwe of The Efficient Advisor shares a candid and powerful conversation about building a successful advisory business without sacrificing your life, values, or well-being. From working through burnout to redefining success on her own terms, Libby opens up about resilience, boundaries, and what it really takes to create a business that supports the life you want. This episode is packed with honest reflections, practical wisdom, and encouragement for advisors who want more than just growth for growth’s sake 🎙️💡💬🌱✨

In this episode, you will learn:

In this episode, Libby shares an unpopular but critical perspective on how financial advisors should think about “future potential” clients. She explains why treating clients based on who they might become leads to burnout, resentment, and misaligned service models—and how this quiet mistake often causes your best clients to subsidize everyone else 💭📊🔥

You’ll learn how to treat clients fairly based on where they are today, protect your time and energy, and create a service model that scales without overcommitting to “someday” promises. If you’ve ever felt overworked or stretched too thin, this episode will hit home.<...

In this episode, Libby welcomes back Jeremy Keil to unpack how financial advisors can turn an intangible service into a clear, compelling, and repeatable client experience. Jeremy shares the evolution of his five-step Retirement Master Plan, how defining and naming a process transformed both his client outcomes and his business efficiency, and why creating a standardized framework is one of the most powerful growth levers advisors can implement. This conversation is rich with actionable insights, real-world scenarios, and practical guidance for building a more scalable practice. 🚀📘🔍🎯🤝

What you will learn in this episode:

In this episode, Libby shares a powerful two-question framework to help you reshape your business heading into 2026. You’ll learn how to identify the five tasks you should stop doing, the five priorities you should start doing, and how this simple exercise can reshape your capacity, clarity, and client experience. 🚀

You’ll also hear how advisors have used this method during CEO Days and year-end planning to drive measurable progress, plus a practical tip for holding yourself accountable. Download the worksheet, run the exercise, and set the stage for a more intentional and efficient year. 📈✨

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