Credibility

[Steve Flores-Cortes]

So I am on my way to becoming a financial advisor. I dont have a college degree but my work experience and drive have given me the opportunity to work for such a rewarding and challenging industry.

My question is, Im 23 how do I convience potential clients to trust me and take me serioulsy with their investments. I dont want to loose credibility just because of my age?

Thanks Steve

[akula]

I'm 24 and a licensed financial advisor. Steve, it's illegal for you to offer financial advice to retail clients without having passed the FINRA exams. So if you want credibility, the first thing is for you to pass the FINRA exams..with financial services, credibility is not really an issue because all advisors have to be licensed

[jasaunders]

If you obtain your license and pass your exams, credibility is not a problem. The more designations you have, the more credibility you will build naturally. At a minimum you should have your CFP and/or CFA and a CPA wouldn't hurt.

[Steve Flores-Cortes]

Misunderstanding what I meant to say was that Im basically on my way to be a Licensed Financial Advisor with a really well known firm. Im going through the process of getting Lic. with them (Sponorship for the series 7 and 66.)

So after I pass those test and start working. My question was is it hard for a young Financial Advisor to establish a clientel.?

Thanks for your responses. Sorry if you misunderstood.

Steve

[dfveteran]

Misunderstanding what I meant to say was that Im basically on my way to be a Licensed Financial Advisor with a really well known firm. Im going through the process of getting Lic. with them (Sponorship for the series 7 and 66.)

So after I pass those test and start working. My question was is it hard for a young Financial Advisor to establish a clientel.?

Thanks for your responses. Sorry if you misunderstood.

Steve

Sounds like you already have credibility. Your experience at the well known firm is all you need. It will be easy for you to expand yourself out everywhere, because now you can advertise that you work or worked there. You can also point out and advertise all of your achievements, while you worked there. Online is the easiest way to establish your credibility when you have some to work with. With the right marketing campaign you will do very well. Goodluck!

[LiveWise]

Congrats!!! I wish you well in your ventures. We all had to start somewhere.

My history with dentistry sounds similar to your current situation. (Right now, I am currently in transition from being a dental hygienist to having an on-line store--dental hygiene is too hard on the wrists, back, and neck.) When I first graduated from school, I the first challenge was to find a dentist that would hire me fresh from school. I found that dentist. He had a great reputation and people knew that he would only hire and keep the best. But regardless, I would still get older people that thought I was too young and would ask the dentist to clean their teeth. They didn't care that he rarely cleaned teeth and wasn't very good at it, they just cared that they had known he was in the field for such a long time.

So my summary is this: You're riding on the reputation of your employer--don't ruin it. Also, relaize that not everybody is going to like you and want you to manage their money--even if you are the very best. What they know in their mind is that "Bob" has taken care of them for years and has been in the financial field for 20 years. The older the people, the more loyal they are, even when they are losing out.

I believe you can find your niche with either, teaming up with an older person that has many years in the business or to focus on younger people and get their finances growing. Then word of mouth and referrals always helps. Take care of your clients. Treat them like gold.

Natalie

[buynick]

You might also consider looking into NASD certifications.

[akula]

that's cool
why do say that it's hard?
being a refugee in darfur is hard
trying to raise an autistic 2y.o is hard
picking up the phone and selling some mutual funds is pretty easy

Misunderstanding what I meant to say was that Im basically on my way to be a Licensed Financial Advisor with a really well known firm. Im going through the process of getting Lic. with them (Sponorship for the series 7 and 66.)

So after I pass those test and start working. My question was is it hard for a young Financial Advisor to establish a clientel.?

Thanks for your responses. Sorry if you misunderstood.

Steve