I hope your holiday week has been memorable and relaxing.

Before we officially turn the page to 2024, I want to take some time to reflect on this past year and specifically the addition of this newsletter in my life.

What started as a way for me to share (sometimes industry-related, sometimes not) thoughts on my mind has turned into one of my favorite parts of my week. I’ve heard from so many of you after I hit send and it’s been a highlight of my week to connect with you all personally.

Thanks for being here in 2023, and I look forward to seeing what we all accomplish in 2024 together.

I wanted to share this year’s top 5 most popular editions of The Connected Advisor Newsletter this year. If you missed any of them, or just want to give them another read, I’d love to hear your thoughts. As always, all replies to this email go directly to my inbox.

Let’s get right into the top 5 editions of The Connected Advisor newsletter in 2023.

5. The Dawn of the Anti-Social Network: Apple’s AR/VR and the Future of Wealth Management

In this piece, I talk about the evolving expectations of investors in the face of technological advancements and the need for financial advisors to provide genuine guidance amid increasing complexity. Adapting to change and embracing technological advancements is crucial for firms to stay relevant and enhance the client experience.

4. The Future is a Synthesis — Finding a Framework for Your Advisor Technology

The ability to synthesize technology is crucial for firms aiming to progress, increase profitability, and deliver enhanced value to clients. In this edition, I provide some practical steps for firms to take to embark on a synthesis project, emphasizing the importance of understanding advisor needs and preferences to tailor technology solutions effectively.

3. Why Most Advisor Marketing is Broken & How To Fix It

Tired of spending money on outsourced marketing efforts that just aren’t reaching your target audience? The real problem lies in the lack of communication of the advisor’s brand and story. I encourage advisors to articulate their unique cause and mission to breathe life into their marketing and differentiate themselves in the industry.

2. Automation Masterclass, EY’s Take on Wealth Managements Future & Orion’s New Sidekick

It’s no secret that automation is making its way into many aspects of our lives, and our advisory firms are no different. I talk about how utilizing automation tools like AI-driven recorders for meeting notes, monitoring cash positions across client portfolios, and incorporating workflow automation tools like Zapier for efficiency, can enhance the client experience and improve overall business operations for financial advisors.

1. The Keys to Developing and Delivering Your Firm’s Frameworks

In this piece, I talk about the importance of frameworks in shaping and guiding fast-growing wealth management firms. I outline three main keys to framework success, including centralizing and documenting processes, operating and analyzing their effectiveness, and promoting open source and regular review for universal adoption.