When we see things, we mostly assume that the way we see them is the way they really are or the way they should be. And because of that our behaviours grow out of those assumptions. The way we see things is the source of the way we think and the way we act. Let’s take you to an intellectual experience which helps you to understand how your client sees you as a financial planner. Take a few seconds and look al the picture in this blogpost. Take a good look. Do you see a woman? How old would you say she is? What does she look like? What is she wearing? If you are like me when I saw this picture for the first time, you probably would describe the woman in the picture to be about 25 years old, lovely, fashionable and a small nose. But what if I were to tell you that you’re wrong?
What if I said this picture is of a woman in her 70’s who looks sad, has a huge nose and is not attractive. Who’s right? Look at the picture again. Can you see the old woman? If you can’t, keep trying. Can you see her big hook nose? Her shawl? If you can’t, please look at the picture here and study the picture there and then look again.
If you see those two woman, than be proud of yourself. It’s really not that easy and takes some time to really see it. The reason why I let you experience this is for you to demonstrate that two people can see the same thing, disagree, and yet both be right. When you see yourself as a financial planner, you think you’re honest, smart, always with the best interest of your client in mind and are helping your clients with your service.
The question is: does your client see you in the same way that you see yourself? Take note of the fact that the trust in financial servicers is still frugile and very low (click here for stats). I think you know that your client probably doesn’t see you the same way that you see yourself. The worst part is that the way your client sees you is not caused by your bad services. No, it’s the circumstances that are not in your advantage.
Do You Know How Your Client Sees You? Please let me know by commenting below.