Clients, what do we do when things get so churned up in the markets? We go bargain hunting, of course! In this special message, the team talks bargains, the long view, and keeping the faith through a downturn. Reach out with questions, anytime.
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“When should I get back into the market?”
Yeah… I don’t really get that question. Clients, we think two main things set apart you. My take in this week’s video.
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Converse, communicate, babble, blather, rant, rave… I love to TALK! Preaching to the choir, but it’s worth reminding everyone: I’m here to do this. By choice. More in this week’s aptly-titled video.
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Maybe you remember having to write a persuasive paper or give a persuasive speech in school. The structure of such a composition could be pretty simple: describe a problem, then present a solution to that problem. Done.
I remember this kind of prompt when I see ads today for certain products, especially those related to… the nose.
“Your neighbors will notice your home smells like garbage… if you don’t buy this spray.”
“You’ll never find romance… without our mouthwash.”
Advertising in this country has relied on these types of messages for decades. In fact, the first commercial deodorant makers realized that in order to survive they would need to convince Americans that sweating was an embarrassment. (Your human body leaks? How unseemly!)
Fast-forward, and these products do sell! Scented garbage bags, room sprays, and body washes have become staples for many households. And don’t get us wrong, we’re not suggesting these products don’t have their uses and pleasures.
But it’s pandering to exaggerate about “how much poorer your life will be without this one specific solution I have to offer… and it’s available! Call now!”
We’ve got nothing to sell. We’re not going to provoke a sense of shame or pretend to be high priests. Wherever you are, wherever you’ve been, (however you smell?!), we are here to try to help you strive toward your goals—however you identify them.
The problem/solution formula makes plenty of sense in its own way: of course we want companies and brands to help us improve our daily lives! On the other hand…
We don’t need the world to believe it stinks to be of service to others.
Clients, we’re here for you on your schedule. Let us know how we can help.
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The best clients in the whole world rarely disappoint. We’ve built trust together across decades of conversations, in some cases. Newer faces have gotten to know me and my work, online or through friends and relatives.
But there are certain things that just break my heart to hear from you.
“I know you’re busy…”
“Mark, I’m so sorry to bother you…”
“I don’t want to take your time…”
Ouch. I can feel the pain even as I type those words! Let me set the record straight.
Sure, I’m busy. If there were three of me, we’d all be busy. But I choose to direct my time toward your business: your plans, your goals, and our discussions about all of the above!
One of my staff members once told me it wasn’t possible for me to waste their time, because there’s no way they would allow that! If I were in danger of wasting their time, they would tell me. (We’re all adults here, right?)
Clients, you can trust me to be direct about my schedule and my priorities. And my goodness, you are the reason I’m here. I’ve got a whole team to help me with the details, so I get to spend more of my time doing more of what I love: my day job.
My time is your time is our time. When you’re ready, reach out.
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Sometimes the business of life feels just like that: business. The business of staying healthy requires an occasional trip to the dentist or a plateful of greens when you’d rather eat something else.
But we’ve noticed a curious thing lately among some financial planner types. One related that a client said their meetings were like going to the dentist. Another compared the task of financial planning to eating your vegetables. Both talked about the planning process as something that is unpleasant, necessary, but good for your long-term welfare.
Our business with you does not feel like that.
Clients, we wouldn’t pretend to speak for you, but we often find both relief and joy in finding order in life’s chaos. It’s a pleasure to come to understand the meaning of your wealth. It seems we all get a little giddy when we check in and confirm you are on track for your long-term goals or can get your investments better aligned with your values.
What a treat!
As time goes by, the product of investment gains is sometimes wealth beyond expectations. (No guarantees, of course.) Reviewing a long history of beginning balances growing over time feels more puppy dogs and rainbows than dental appointments and bitter veggies.
Psychologists say attitudes are contagious. Some people have told me that I myself have a positive outlook. But that probably would not fully explain the difference in the tone and tenor of our meetings, compared to those dental appointment types. Maybe it comes down to these things:
People working together, in mutual respect—that’s what we strive to be about. And what a joy it can be.
When you’re ready to collaborate on your plans and planning, email us or call.
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You know that we love all the benefits provided by 21st century communications. We can connect with you almost instantaneously, in a variety of ways.
But in the last few decades, these speedy possibilities have driven many outlets into what’s called the 24-hour news cycle: parties with messages to share feel the pressure to deliver their coverage the fastest.
In some arenas, the speed matters. (Can you imagine a traffic report coming out after the fact?)
We don’t feel that pressure. We don’t worry about churning out our stories at 228Main.com.
So why don’t we have posts every day? Why don’t you see my face on your screens all the time?
Because the news cycle is all about directing resources trying to capture attention… And we’re not in the business of “capturing” anything.
Instead, we like being consistently present. Our media give us an outlet to think more deeply about our principles, make sure you know what we’re working on, and communicate important strategies for the big themes in your (our clients’!) lives.
So when can you expect to hear from us?
So here’s what the 228 Main news cycle comes down to… The calendar is not the boss of us. The internet is not the boss of us.
The financial news outlets aren’t even the boss of us.
You are!
Clients, got something we need to hear? Call or write, any time.
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