Network and ask questions for advising success

Robert Mitchell, group savings and pension account manager at Vital Benefits Inc., is one of Employee Benefit Adviser’s 2014 Rising Stars in Advising. He shared three tips for other young advisers in the field, like other Rising Stars have done throughout the month. The Calgary, Canada-based adviser says that those new to the business shouldn’t be shy to reach out to colleagues or contacts for help. Stay tuned to EBA for more on Mitchell and our other nine Rising Stars.

1. Listen to your clients. “There is not a one-size-fits-all solution — every individual and organization has their unique requirements so solutions and communication styles have to be tailored in every case,” he says to keep in mind.

2. Don’t be afraid to ask questions. “It’s a complicated industry, which is ever evolving,” he says. “A lot of information can be gleaned from those that have been in the industry for decades and have seen the evolution.”

3. Build strong relationships. “Take the time and effort to connect regularly when initially building the relationship — just because everything is rosy now does not mean there won’t be hurdles down the line,” he says. “By having a strong rapport, clients will trust your judgment and appreciate it when you can get them over those hurdles instead of using you as a scape goat.”

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