Business Management Skills

You’ll need a college degree, a knack for sales, excellent communication skills and a strong desire to succeed to become an investment advisor. The Bureau of Labor Statistics says that competition will be keen for entry-level financial advisor jobs — more so in investment banks than small firms, though. The turnover is great in this industry because some find they’re just not cut out for the job, based on low performance numbers. Others, however, become immediately attached to their positions because they find their jobs are very lucrative and the training potential is great.

Here is an idea of a typical day for investment advisors. They will begin work around 8:30 am, which entails spending some time checking voicemail, emails and returning phone calls. Online, they will review closed loan and mortgage rates and consider a few possible solicitations. At 9:30, they’ll be on their second cup of coffee as the first client steps in. The customer’s portfolio will be reviewed and the client will be given stock information, financial guidance and loan repayment advice. An hour later, they’ll enter information into the customer contact system. Lunch is at 12:30 and at 1:30 there is a meeting with another customer who is looking at maximizing retirement contributions. At 2:15, they’ll set up more appointments from the marketing department’s lead list and follow up on mortgages. At 3:45, another client wants to do something with the hundreds of thousands sitting in his checking account. At 4:30, a meeting with management to discuss the day’s transactions and prepare for tomorrow’s customers. It’s all in a day’s work for a financial advisor.

There are many types of investment advisor niches. Some are investment banker sales agents who find businesses wishing to expand and help underwrite them. They sell advisory services to help companies issue stocks or bonds and also sell securities to other investors. It’s a big step for companies to first invest in the public arena with an Initial Public Offering, but this is what helps the business world go round. Another key service from this group is assistance with mergers and acquisitions. The advisor helps find buyers and executes the agreement.

Rene Lacape is a well trained insurance agent who has been in the industry for so long. Many clients have been satisfied and have been recommending him to others. Check his website so you will know for yourself what goodness of dealing with him is.