MAY GREETINGS BRING SUMMER MEETINGS
The gardens are springing back to life, and buds are popping out on trees faster than you can say, “spring fever.” As the abundance of daylight increases, now is the perfect time to set up summer meetings with your clients.
You may question whether your clients are interested in discussing their financial strategies during the summer months when they could be sitting on a dock sipping a cold drink or heating the BBQ for a feast with family and friends, but why not do both?
Studies show that relaxed people are more receptive to new ideas. Arranging a meeting for later in the summer could be the perfect opportunity for advisors and their teams to connect with clients and introduce new products or plans.
“Summer breeze makes me feel fine, blowin’ through the jasmine in my mind.” – Summer Breeze – Seals & Crofts.
According to psychiatrist Helene D. Moore of Northwestern Medicine Osher Center for Integrative Medicine in Chicago, “Warmer months do tend to have an impact on our overall happiness and well-being. Sunlight affects the brain chemistry that is linked to both mood and sleep.”
With appropriate sunscreen protection, the sun benefits serotonin and melatonin levels and helps absorb vitamin D. It’s an all-natural miracle cure.
Summer Meeting Ideas:
- Drive to your client’s cottage to enjoy the relaxed, peaceful atmosphere.
- Schedule a Zoom meeting to meet virtually face-to-face.
- Combine your appointment with lunch on a restaurant patio.
- Take a picnic to a green space and enjoy the fresh air and sunshine with your client.
- Summer often includes families, so take the opportunity to discuss plans with the younger generation.
- Make a challenging subject more pleasant—legacy by the lake.
Financial discussions are necessary but can be stressful for some, so utilize the positive summer vibes and relaxed environments available to connect with clients. Without the intense time commitments zapping everyone of energy, a more open-minded approach to life will help in decision-making.
Clear and consistent communication between advisors and clients is critical and not always feasible during the strictly scheduled “school” year. When the pressure of work, field trips, hockey games, and singing lessons is off, the summer provides a welcome respite and an ideal opportunity to enhance relationships.
A meeting by the lake won’t suit everyone, but consider the pleasant distraction of the call of a loon over interruptions by phone calls or knocks on the office door. When discussing some of the most essential elements of your client’s life, why not choose an open-air locale? Open the door to new discussions, fresh air, and sunshine.