It’s no longer enough to be the smartest person in the room, with the most letters after your name. Today’s consumer demands human connection and transparency--especially right now. It’s time to put away the complex charts, facts, and figures. Ditch the industry jargon. And show your clients, by becoming an Emotionally Engaging Advisor, that you (and ONLY you) can make their financial dreams a reality (crisis or no crisis).
Adding stories to my one-on-one meetings with clients cuts the time I need to spend with clients from proposal to implementation by 33%. What used to take three meetings to get buy-in now only takes two!
Stephanie Shields, Financial Advisor
Adding stories to my one-on-one meetings with clients cuts the time I need to spend with clients from proposal to implementation by 33%. What used to take three meetings to get buy-in now only takes two!
Stephanie Shields, Financial Advisor
I used to present highly technical content at national conferences and would get no response. I’d get off the stage, look around and think, “Well I hope they enjoyed that.” Recently I decided to add my “Why” story to the opening of a presentation. I was really nervous and it felt weird, but I got a great response! During the talk I could hear people reacting to my story. Afterward, people came up to talk with me, people stopped me in the halls to tell me their stories and hand me their business cards. What a difference adding a well-crafted story makes!
Steve Yates, CEO
I used to present highly technical content at national conferences and would get no response. I’d get off the stage, look around and think, “Well I hope they enjoyed that.” Recently I decided to add my “Why” story to the opening of a presentation. I was really nervous and it felt weird, but I got a great response! During the talk I could hear people reacting to my story. Afterward, people came up to talk with me, people stopped me in the halls to tell me their stories and hand me their business cards. What a difference adding a well-crafted story makes!
Steve Yates, CEO
Before working with Deirdre, I would speak in front of prospects and “hope” attendees would talk to me about meeting to take advantage of my services. I would have a few that would sign up to work with me. After working with Deirdre, now nearly 80-90% of attendees choose to meet with me. I get asked (and paid) to speak more often too.
Michelle Monson Klisanich, CFP®, CLTC®, CDFA® Wealth Advisor
Before working with Deirdre, I would speak in front of prospects and “hope” attendees would talk to me about meeting to take advantage of my services. I would have a few that would sign up to work with me. After working with Deirdre, now nearly 80-90% of attendees choose to meet with me. I get asked (and paid) to speak more often too.
Michelle Monson Klisanich, CFP®, CLTC®, CDFA® Wealth Advisor
You’ve got a steady client base, a comfortable stream of referrals, and you’re in aggressive growth mode. And while these days, it’s anything but business as usual, your business is thriving, despite these “uncertain times.”
It’s such a relief, isn’t it, to have those initial grueling growing pains behind you (let’s be honest, those first few years were brutal)? Once upon a time you were a clueless newbie playing “fake it ‘til you make it” in your sharpest suits.
Today, you can put together a financial plan in your sleep and analyze a portfolio without breaking a sweat. Your calendar is packed with networking events, group presentations, and industry conferences. Clients aren’t necessarily banging down your door, but anytime you start to panic about a lack of leads, something usually ends up coming through (after a little hustle on your part).
You’ve come a long way and there’s no doubt about it; this gig has been pretty good to you. You love it. You excel at it, because you’re determined to excel at everything you do. And you’re on the path to becoming the best of the best.
You’re a can’t-stop-won’t-stop, I’m-destined-for-the-top kind of person with an unstoppable drive for excellence.
To serve more individuals, families, and organizations through good times and bad... To be known as the “go-to” expert in your space.
Now more than ever, the world is full of people who need your expertise and guidance...
And then there’s you.
But you’ve been doing this long enough to know that the answer to becoming the go-to advisor in your community or niche isn’t joining another networking group, adding a new area of expertise to your practice, or asking your current clients for referrals every single time you meet (you’ve been there, done that.)
They need to see you as a person… not just someone who’s trying to win their business.
You probably already know that trust is the #1 deciding factor in choosing a financial advisor — and the #1 reason 63% of Americans don’t have one. In today’s climate this has never been more true. The reality is...
Financial services is the least trusted industry.
32% of Americans believe a financial advisor is likely to take advantage of them.
45% of Americans who don’t have a financial advisor say lack of trust is the primary reason.
The difference between advisors who have a pipeline of people who can’t wait to work with them and those who are constantly chasing their next client, is something they don’t teach inside licensing and certification courses.
It’s building trust, establishing a connection, and engaging emotionally on a human level with people who want and need your help but are probably hesitant to trust you with their money.
What’s missing from your business is not more hustle or industry knowledge. It’s more heart. More “hey, I’m human too” dimension. More YOU.
The single best way to do that is to become an Emotionally Engaging Advisor™. There are two ways to do this: The first strategy, is to become a Crazy Good Storyteller™. You likely already know that story is one of the most effective ways to communicate and connect. (I’ll tell you about Strategy #2 later.)
I used to get paid $5,000 per speaking gig. Not too shabby, right?
As an international speaker, trainer, and Certified World Class Speaking™ Coach, I’ve traveled the world teaching financial professionals, leaders, and salespeople how to build relationships and win business through storytelling. And yet, for years, I felt like something was missing from my message. I couldn’t describe it. I could only feel it. You see, just like you, I’m a high-achiever. Even though I was making great money and getting in front of the right people, I knew there was something else I needed to do to create the kind of connection that inspires action. Then in 2016, I figured it out. So one day, I decided to tell them why I do what I do, and why I chose to focus so much of my time and energy training financial professionals on being better speakers and communicators. On January 11, 2017, I stood up on stage in front of a room full of financial advisors, as I’d done countless times before. And even though the little inner voice inside my head was screaming (and P.S. … that voice is an Italian/Irish New Yorker and very hard to ignore), I told a story I’d never shared on stage before.
It was May 24, 1980; a beautiful spring night in Chappaqua, New York. Ray and Karen Sanseverino, were getting ready to go out on a date.
Karen was especially excited. As a stay-at-home mom for the past 10 years, she was getting ready to go back to work, and she couldn’t wait to tell her husband, Ray, what she wanted to do. They got into their 1980 Oldsmobile Cutlass Supreme, with Karen at the wheel. On their way out of the neighborhood, their oldest daughter stopped her game of Tag in the front yard to give each of them a kiss goodbye.
“Be good for the sitter,” Karen said. “See you in the morning.”
They pulled up to a red light at the intersection of a 4-way highway.
Karen turned to Ray, “I want to talk with you about what I want to do for the rest of my life.”
The light turns green. Karen’s foot hits the gas pedal. And a car flying 90 miles per hour through the red light T-bones them, killing her on impact. Ray is thrown from the car and critically injured.
Ray is my father. Karen was my mom.
My Dad was out of work for many months, but eventually made a full recovery and is still going strong today. But as you can imagine, or maybe have experienced yourself, losing my mom like that changed everything.
I learned at an early age that life can change in the blink of an eye. It’s changed how I show up in my life in many ways.
As it relates to the work you do, it’s made me obsessive about my own financial planning because you never know what is going to happen. It also it made me a strong advocate for the work you do. For example, when I found out I was pregnant at 30, the first thing I did was drag my husband to a financial planner to make sure we had life insurance.
What I later realized was that way of thinking is not normal. Most people don’t think this way. There are countless people in and around your community with assets to invest and protect, who are just one tragedy away from total financial devastation. They need your help.
I know my calling is not to do your job. My calling is to empower you behind the scenes to be more effective at your job. I know that if I empower you to be the most compelling speaker possible, whether in front of a group or one-on-one, you are more likely to influence people to make the decisions they should be making today, rather than putting it off to someday.
When I was finished telling my story that first time, two hands in the crowd shot up.
“I just want to tell you, I will believe anything you say right now,” the first advisor said.
“Thank you for caring about what we do, and knowing what we do,” said the other. When I got off stage and throughout the rest of the event, people were lining up to talk to me, giving me their business cards--and hugs, because I had engaged emotionally with them.
It is not easy to share the worst day of my life. And yet I do, because I believe to my core that what you as a financial professional do matters. If my story moves you to take action, become a better communicator, and as a result, help more people get their financial house in order, it’s worth it.
Ever since that day, I’ve been in such high demand as a speaker that I TRIPLED my speaking fees. Sharing more of myself changed the impact of my message, increased the value of what I do, and has helped me help more people through my work. It's also made my work a lot more meaningful to me.
One thing I wondered after I started seeing these results for my own business was, "Is this a fluke?", “Is this repeatable?” So I started teaching my advisor, wholesaler, and leader clients this strategy and they started seeing the same results! One of my clients, Travis, a manager for DI Protection, went from having to chase people down to meet with him to now consistently having 80% of the room sign up to meet with him when he speaks AND receiving multiple invitations to speak again - all from implementing this strategy (and Strategy #2)...
I want to help you do the same thing.
That’s why I want to invite you to join my brand new program, where I’ll teach you my Crazy Good Stories™ Blueprint, a step-by-step framework for finding and telling your “Why Story.”
Your “Why Story” is the foundational tool in your marketing arsenal. It’s why you do what you do, but more important, why you care about the people in front of you is line pouring lighter fluid on all of your presentations, conversations, and marketing activities.
In an industry where most financial professionals are spouting off facts and figures and using tech talk that only their peers understand, sharing your story is the most effective way to be memorable, spark an emotional response, and earn the trust you need to change lives.
Right about now, you may be thinking, “Deirdre, I don’t have a Why Story.”
Yes you do. I promise. I have yet to meet another human being that my formula doesn’t work for. Your story does not need to be something that happened to you directly, and it does not need to be sad or tragic to make an emotional connection.
You just need the right framework and tools to uncover it and bring it to life the right way for your audience.
Going through Deirdre’s program has helped so much with my confidence for speaking engagements. I have been asked to speak at Thrivent Events about my success with The Joint Field Work Program and Workshops specifically. My NSC for life and health went up by almost 80%. Our managed account business more than doubled.
Mark C. Holder, CFP®, RICP®
Deirdre was the highest rated speaker at GAMA International's LAMP 2018. She turned what is typically considered a soft conceptual skill of being a powerful presenter into tangible practical strategies our members could use right away. In fact, I saw many members in the halls after her talk shooting videos applying what they just learned.
Kari Stringfellow, VP Member Experience
As of 2018, there were 311,305 financial advisors in the U.S. Many of them perform the same services, offer the same products, read the same books, and are equally as smart and capable as you. What makes you stand out from the other 311, 304?
The majority of financial professionals make the following mistakes when they’re meeting with a client or addressing a group for the first time:
Which brings us to Strategy #2 in becoming an Emotionally Engaging Advisor™:
Learning to “connect the dots” and communicate with your audience in a way that inspires and persuades them to take action by speaking directly to the results they want.
"Deirdre, I gave the ‘talk’ today and it was amazing! There were four other speakers on the same topic with a vendor booth directly afterwards. At our booth, we had people three deep at times waiting to talk to us about the topic of the presentation! This went on for the entire two-hour period! I have done a lot of vendor booths and we are normally looking for people to talk to. Many people made comments on the presentation and told me it truly drove home the point I was trying to make." - Gail Yantis LIS, VP Life Insurance Mercury Brokerage
We have more information than ever at our fingertips. Yet, most of us continue to make even the biggest buying decisions by going with our gut. So what makes someone’s gut choose you?
It’s this ability to emotionally engage with your clients by making them realize that you’re on their side, that as a fellow parent, business owner, professional, and human being, you understand their goals and their fears, and that they can trust you (and actually understand what you’re saying to them).
By sharing your"Why" story using the simple Crazy Good Stories Blueprint™ and flipping the script on your everday language with the Connect the Dots Filter™ I'm about to share with you, you'll have the power to:
These results are completely within reach for you and your business… but it all comes down to following a step-by-step approach.
One that leverages proven storytelling strategies with your target audience in mind.
One that’s been my Crazy Secret Weapon for helping hundreds of financial advisors fill their client books, go deeper with existing clients, and be known as the best in their niche.
Ready to make the next chapter of your business a page-turner?
INTRODUCING:
A blueprint for telling Crazy Good Stories™ and flipping your marketing script using the Connect the Dots Filter™, so you can break through the financial jargon, earn trust, and build the business of your dreams.
There are six core learning modules, plus a comprehensive library of worksheets, resources and exercises to help you put your learning into action from day one.
THE 3 STORIES EVERY FINANCIAL PROFESSIONAL MUST HAVE IN THEIR STORY BANK
You already know that the key to getting more clients in the door is to get in front of more people, whether you’re giving presentations, attending networking events, hosting Zoom meetings, or sharing content on social media and LinkedIn. You also know that that’s just step one. In order to get potential clients to let down their guard, take the next step and actually schedule a meeting on their calendar, you need to make some kind of lasting impression and emotional connection.
In this module, we’ll lay the foundation for what it means to be a “crazy good speaker” and why telling “crazy good stories” is at the heart of being an exceptional communicator (spoiler alert: it’s not all about being warm and fuzzy).
We’ll dive into:
You’ll use the following tools:
There are six core learning modules, plus a comprehensive library of worksheets, resources and exercises to help you put your learning into action from day one.
THE 3 STORIES EVERY FINANCIAL PROFESSIONAL MUST HAVE IN THEIR STORY BANK
You already know that the key to getting more clients in the door is to get in front of more people, whether you’re giving presentations, attending networking events, hosting Zoom meetings, or sharing content on social media and LinkedIn. You also know that that’s just step one. In order to get potential clients to let down their guard, take the next step and actually schedule a meeting on their calendar, you need to make some kind of lasting impression and emotional connection.
In this module, we’ll lay the foundation for what it means to be a “crazy good speaker” and why telling “crazy good stories” is at the heart of being an exceptional communicator (spoiler alert: it’s not all about being warm and fuzzy).
We’ll dive into:
You’ll use the following tools:
GET TO THE POINT: TELLING THE RIGHT STORY, AT THE RIGHT TIME, FOR THE RIGHT PEOPLE
In this module, we’ll talk through the criteria for choosing the right stories for your Crazy Good Story Bank (and knowing precisely when to use them). Truth time: You may be known in your circle of friends as the “best storyteller ever.” But it’s one thing to relive that hilarious thing your kid did last week and another one entirely to think deeply and strategically about what story will cause an actual shift in the person in front of you. When you’re storytelling for your business, your goal isn’t just to entertain. It’s to make them feel something. A change of heart. A change of mind. It’s an invitation for them to let their guard down and help them see you, not as a financial professional in a suit and fancy cufflinks, but as a fellow human who also wants to feel happy, safe, and secure. By the end of this module, you’ll understand what stories to tell when (and how to find them).
We’ll dive into:
You’ll use the following tools:
GET TO THE POINT: TELLING THE RIGHT STORY, AT THE RIGHT TIME, FOR THE RIGHT PEOPLE
In this module, we’ll talk through the criteria for choosing the right stories for your Crazy Good Story Bank (and knowing precisely when to use them). Truth time: You may be known in your circle of friends as the “best storyteller ever.” But it’s one thing to relive that hilarious thing your kid did last week and another one entirely to think deeply and strategically about what story will cause an actual shift in the person in front of you. When you’re storytelling for your business, your goal isn’t just to entertain. It’s to make them feel something. A change of heart. A change of mind. It’s an invitation for them to let their guard down and help them see you, not as a financial professional in a suit and fancy cufflinks, but as a fellow human who also wants to feel happy, safe, and secure. By the end of this module, you’ll understand what stories to tell when (and how to find them).
We’ll dive into:
You’ll use the following tools:
THE EASY STORY-CRAFTING FORMULA TO WARPSPEED YOUR STORY CREATION
Now that you’ve pinpointed your essential stories, it’s time to channel your inner John Grisham, challenge that blinking cursor to a duel, and crank out that first draft. In this module, you’ll learn the step-by-step formula to package and script your “why” into a clear, compelling story that makes your listeners hang on every word.
We’ll dive into:
You’ll use the following tools:
THE EASY STORY-CRAFTING FORMULA TO WARPSPEED YOUR STORY CREATION
Now that you’ve pinpointed your essential stories, it’s time to channel your inner John Grisham, challenge that blinking cursor to a duel, and crank out that first draft. In this module, you’ll learn the step-by-step formula to package and script your “why” into a clear, compelling story that makes your listeners hang on every word.
We’ll dive into:
You’ll use the following tools:
THE EDIT: MAKING THE 4-MINUTE MARK
Attention spans are short and getting shorter. Between Instagram and cat memes, you’ve got lots of competition. Whether you’re presenting to a group or meeting with a client for the first time, the first few minutes are everything (no pressure, right?). In this module, we’re going to edit your story down to 4 minutes or less. First, I’ll walk you through the three story traps most people fall into, and how to avoid them so your final story doesn’t ramble on aimlessly. You’ll get to see some real-life examples and you’ll time yourself delivering your story to make sure it hits that 4-minute mark.
We’ll dive into:
You’ll use the following tools:
THE EDIT: MAKING THE 4-MINUTE MARK
Attention spans are short and getting shorter. Between Instagram and cat memes, you’ve got lots of competition. Whether you’re presenting to a group or meeting with a client for the first time, the first few minutes are everything (no pressure, right?). In this module, we’re going to edit your story down to 4 minutes or less. First, I’ll walk you through the three story traps most people fall into, and how to avoid them so your final story doesn’t ramble on aimlessly. You’ll get to see some real-life examples and you’ll time yourself delivering your story to make sure it hits that 4-minute mark.
We’ll dive into:
You’ll use the following tools:
PUT YOUR STORY TO WORK: HOW AND WHERE TO USE YOUR STORY SO IT BUILDS RELATIONSHIPS AND CONVERTS CLIENTS
Once you’ve built your WHY story, it’s time to start using those stories everywhere. From your “about” page and social media bios, to your upcoming virtual meetings, workshops and videos, I’ll show you how to make your stories an integral piece of your promotional puzzle. With more and more people connecting virtually out of necessity, it’s essential that you’re able to bring the same level of engaging energy and connection to a virtual meeting as you do to an in-person meetings.
We’ll dive into:
You’ll use the following tools:
PUT YOUR STORY TO WORK: HOW AND WHERE TO USE YOUR STORY SO IT BUILDS RELATIONSHIPS AND CONVERTS CLIENTS
Once you’ve built your WHY story, it’s time to start using those stories everywhere. From your “about” page and social media bios, to your upcoming virtual meetings, workshops and videos, I’ll show you how to make your stories an integral piece of your promotional puzzle. With more and more people connecting virtually out of necessity, it’s essential that you’re able to bring the same level of engaging energy and connection to a virtual meeting as you do to an in-person meetings.
We’ll dive into:
You’ll use the following tools:
BEYOND THE STORY: HOW TO BE PERSUASIVE EVERY TIME YOU COMMUNICATE
Throughout this program, you’ll come to understand the power that the right words can have on your marketing. In this module, you’ll learn how to use the Connect the Dots Framework™ to take the language you use every day and turn them into messages that drive results.
For example: You need your client to “sign the beneficiary letter.” If your clients are like most, you’re lucky if they even open the email much less return it to you signed.
Or have you ever held your own event? If so you know if can be tough to get people to show up.
The secret to getting your clients to take action in any situation is to use the right language to get them to take action and take it quickly!
In this module, I’ll show you how to make your customer the hero all the time, so no matter what you’re trying to communicate, you’re tactfully framing it so your clients listen and take action, because it matters to them.
We’ll dive into:
You’ll use the following tools:
BEYOND THE STORY: HOW TO BE PERSUASIVE EVERY TIME YOU COMMUNICATE
Throughout this program, you’ll come to understand the power that the right words can have on your marketing. In this module, you’ll learn how to use the Connect the Dots Framework™ to take the language you use every day and turn them into messages that drive results. For example: You need your client to “sign the beneficiary letter.” If your clients are like most, you’re lucky if they even open the email much less return it to you signed. The secret to getting your clients to take action is to use stories to attach meaning to every step you need them to take. In this module, I’ll show you how to make your customer the hero all the time, so no matter what you’re trying to communicate, you’re tactfully framing it so your clients listen and take action, because it matters to them.
We’ll dive into:
You’ll use the following tools:
YOU’LL RECEIVE THESE BONUSES:
I rarely offer coaching or consulting, and when I do companies typically pay approximately $18K to “own my brain” for the day.
You already know that your Why Story should be one of the foundational pieces of your marketing strategy. And in today’s world, one of the best ways to share your Why Story is online! This is because it can create that critical emotional connection with prospects, clients, COI’s, and candidates without you even being there!
"I have been enjoying my speaking career but had not been able to break certain barriers/goals. One of those goals was broken recently. After experiencing Deirdre's presentation at a conference in January, 2018, I knew I had found my "secret weapon" to breaking my barriers and achieving my speaking goals.
After utilizing her system, I entered my first $20,000 contract for speaking! Yes, you read it correctly -- $20,000. Thank you, Deirdre!"
President and Founder of Compass Capital Management
"I learned skills on how to become a speaker that not only educates, but motivates the audience to meet and become clients. The skills learned not only will apply to speaking but also in everyday client interactions. I brought in over $26,000 worth of new business the first time I gave a talk using Deirdre's Crazy Good Talks Blueprint™.
Lead Financial Consultant Thrivent Financial
"I have been enjoying my speaking career but had not been able to break certain barriers/goals. One of those goals was broken recently. After experiencing Deirdre's presentation at a conference in January, 2018, I knew I had found my "secret weapon" to breaking my barriers and achieving my speaking goals.
After utilizing her system, I entered my first $20,000 contract for speaking! Yes, you read it correctly -- $20,000. Thank you, Deirdre!"
President and Founder of Compass Capital Management
"I learned skills on how to become a speaker that not only educates, but motivates the audience to meet and become clients. The skills learned not only will apply to speaking but also in everyday client interactions. I brought in over $26,000 worth of new business the first time I gave a talk using Deirdre's Crazy Good Talks Blueprint™.
Lead Financial Consultant Thrivent Financial
Your training experience starts immediately, once you click the "Get Started Today" button below. Once you click the button below, you'll be taken to our secure checkout.
When you register, you'll receive an email confirming your registration. Your email will include instructions on how to access your learning portal.
If you have any questions along the way, our Program Manager, lillian@crazygoodtalks.com, is here to help you get access to the content and ensure you get the most out of the program.
I pledge to donate 10% of every course sold to Hope International, an organization that provides business training and microfinance loans to entrepreneurs in developing countries.
Vincenta resides in the Samana region of the Dominican Republic and lives by the statement "We all have the same dreams: to provide a good future for our children as they become adults and to grow our businesses.”
Over 13 years ago, she opened her colmado (convenience store) with a loan of $100. She is now managing a loan of $1,000 and is part of a community bank that named themselves, “Together we will overcome.”
You can help someone like Vincenta too.
"Business is good! I'm enjoying the work. Our sales are growing every year by $50k. Last year we hit $200k. My goal for 2019 was $60k in additional sales. Just today we closed a $150k annual contract. I also just got hired to speak for $3K! It's very exciting. I am grateful."
CEO
"I personally experienced an 80% increase in new business just one month after working together. I would highly recommend her to anyone who is running their own business, especially in the financial services industry."
Mass Mutual Managing Director
30-Day No Risk,
As an entrepreneur myself, I’m as invested as you are in your business. I’m in the business of getting serious, life-changing results for financial advisors like you. I’m on a mission to help you impact more lives, by helping you communicate in a way that captivates your audience and inspires them to take action.
By the end of these 30 days, you’ll have had time to go through the first four modules, meaning you’ll have had the opportunity to uncover and craft your WHY story BEFORE making a final commitment.
If you don’t feel totally confident and motivated, simply reach out, show us you’ve put in the work through Module 3, and we’ll refund your investment.
I rarely offer coaching or consulting, and when I do companies typically pay approximately $18K to “own my brain” for the day.
You already know that your Why Story should be one of the foundational pieces of your marketing strategy. And in today’s world one of the best ways to share your Why Story is online! This is because it can create that critical emotional connection with prospects, clients, COI’s, and candidates without you even being there!
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