How to network as a self-employed financial advisor

If you have valuable financial knowledge, offering advice could lead to a thriving business. The only thing that gets in the way is finding the people that need your services. Networking helps you build professional connections or contacts. There are many ways to do this, so exploring a few will help you choose what’s right for you.

This guide discusses how to network as a financial advisor, including:

• Groups and events
• Social networks
• Courses and webinars
• Volunteering

Additional help for networking:

• Business cards

To make connections, you might want to go further than people in the street. That is why there are groups that you can join to meet valuable contacts. For example, the IFA (Institute of Financial Accountants) is a professional accountancy membership body.

If you become a member of groups, you can attend their meetings and networking events to meet other financial advisors. By reaching out to those who offer similar services, you may meet people with more experience and receive guidance. In addition, making yourself known in professional circles could get more work. For example, if you specialise in a specific area, another advisor can pass on your details to help someone they can’t.

Beyond fellow financial advisors, you can also meet clients by attending local events. For example, a food festival may be full of new businesses that could use your services. If there aren’t any events, put on your own. Invite all of your previous client’s, ask them to bring others, and promote it through social media.

In addition to promoting your events, social media can be a handy tool for networking. . Linkedin in particular is a social platform for professionals. It lets you connect with and contact relevant professionals. You can target business owners and offer your services directly. Alternatively, join relevant LinkedIn groups to advertise what you do. 

Facebook is another platform that may be useful in connecting with local clients. Many small businesses use the platform for marketing themselves. You can also message or join groups, but with Facebook’s localised approach, you can also use it for marketing. For example, you can run ads that offer tips for financial advice and encourage tagging business owners.

It’s crucial to select suitable social media. Not many financial advisors use TikTok for networking. Although, you can use that to your advantage. If you can create exciting short clips which provide some finance tips, you might gain a following. Particularly important when considering platforms, is the audience you want to network with. For example, TikTok may be perfect for engaging with younger professionals.

Another way to network is by taking on new courses. For example, you might attend business or marketing courses that attract business owners. Engage other attendees in conversation and offer contact information, potentially leading to new clients. 

To take advantage of more local courses, you can print stacks of business cards and provide them to local colleges that offer business courses. Students may decide to start up their own companies, and your advice could help them along their way. 

Similarly, webinars and seminars can also be helpful for you to attend. Speak to other guests or ask organisers if they can pass on your details. 

Financial advice can benefit many people, so you could even decide to put on events to give your own talks and use social media to encourage people to join. You can speak publicly about topics related to your service and encourage people to speak to you afterwards.

A great way to meet local people is through volunteering your time. That can either be by helping local charities or engaging with local political parties. Both groups will more than likely appreciate any support you can provide. 

Aside from improving the community and helping local people, it can also mean you make many connections. Different charities or political parties often appeal to other people, so you could perhaps think about the sorts of people you want to seek. For example, foreign aid charities and the UKIP party may see a contrast in their support. 

Volunteering can also extend to providing your service free of charge to vulnerable families. For example, if they have significant debt problems, maybe you could help them cut costs and offer advice. The people you help are unlikely to become client’s, but by helping your community you can build a local reputation.

To help with in-person networking, you can use a business card. Handing out cards has been around for a while, but with modern innovations they have become more effective and accessible.

With everyone carrying a smartphone with a camera, consider adding digital elements to your cards, like QR codes. All a client needs to do is scan the code with their phone, and it directs them to your site. So, after meeting someone that needs your services, they don’t even have to look you up. You look professional by making the process seamless and accessible for them. By presenting yourself in this way, clients will have greater trust in your advice.

For more information on setting up a website, see: What is the best website builder for a small business?

Gadget cards are another option. These cards can double as USB sticks or penknives. So, when clients need to save something to a drive from a computer or open a sealed box, they will see your name. Another idea that might be especially useful is letter openers. While opening overdue bills, clients can be instantly reminded of your financial advice.

While looking out for your client’s finances, you want to handle your own quickly and easily. 

Countingup is the business current account with built-in accounting software. The all in one app means you can focus your time on networking and helping clients, instead of spending valuable time doing your own bookkeeping. 

One of the features Countingup provides is the ability to invoice your clients efficiently. You can create and send them through the app, all recorded and always available. Seamless, simple, and straightforward! 

Start your three-month free trial today. 

Find out more here.