The Modern Advisor Meets Modern Technology – Part 2
In our previous post, we explored some of the technological enhancements that have emerged in recent years to help advisors become more productive and organized. However, separating signal from noise among the myriad of tech solutions being pitched to advisors these days is a challenge. Outside of the debate around when and how to pursue independence, tech approaches tend to spur the most questions in our conversations with advisors across the country.
Before letting yourself be overwhelmed by your tech-focused questions, we suggest starting with just one: Am I asking the right questions?
In our experience, six core questions should be asked when an advisor is evaluating additions or updates to their tech stack:
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- Is it compatible? Ensure that any new tech solution is compatible with your existing systems and software to prevent potential conflicts and ensure seamless integration into your workflow.
- Is it scalable? Understand if and how the new tech will scale with the growth of your practice and increasing client demands. Consider how frequently upgrades, enhancements, or replacements might be needed to keep pace with growth.
- Is it secure? Assess each tech vendor’s measures to safeguard client data and maintain compliance with key industry regulations. A data breach can lead to a breach of client trust.
- Is it user-friendly? Evaluate usability and the training needs for the new tech. Tech that requires significant training isn’t necessarily bad, as long as there is a clear path to training that leads to improved productivity and a smooth client experience.
- How will it impact the client? Consider how any new technology might impact client experience and interactions with your firm. Viewing changes to your tech stack through your clients’ eyes is essential, as a solution that improves your workflow could have unintended consequences, such as clients feeling they’ve lost the personal touch that drew them to your firm.
- What’s the return on investment (ROI)? New tech can be costly, so it’s crucial to have a clear understanding of how any investment will contribute to your firm’s growth and profitability.
Navigating the crowded universe of wealthtech providers can feel like a full-time job. However, behind all the promises, there have to be solutions that help you run your practice more efficiently and serve your clients better. After all, your clients are the reason you’re doing what you’re doing.
In Part 3 of our tech-focused blog series, we’ll look more closely at those clients, specifically the areas where tech should take a backseat to the all-important advisor/client personal connection.