Hiring a skilled facilitator to lead a company offsite can be a powerful investment.
This is especially true for advisory firms focused on making improvements, growing in the future and adapting to the AI era.
Mike Byrnes, owner of Byrnes Consulting, was recently quoted in Financial Planning magazine in the article Why Offsite Meetings Help RIAs Set and Reach Their Growth Goals. The piece highlights how intentional, well-structured offsite meetings can help firms move from ideas to measurable results.
Below are eight key pieces of guidance Mike shared for making offsite meetings more impactful:
- Review What’s Working, and What’s Not
A third-party facilitator, armed with a whiteboard, can guide productive discussions around past successes and areas for improvement. - Set Specific, Measurable Growth Targets
Organic growth goals, net of market appreciation, should be established at both the firm and individual advisor level, with each advisor having clearly defined target markets. - Plan with Growth in Mind
Advisors should use offsites to define clear, forward-looking growth goals rather than focusing solely on day-to-day operations. - Clarify Client Growth Strategy
Firms need a defined strategy for both acquiring new clients and deepening relationships with existing ones. - Expand Referral Sources Creatively
Firms should look beyond traditional referral partners, like accountants and attorneys. Creative alternatives may include golf professionals, jewelers, auto dealerships, interior designers, realtors, yacht clubs, or nonprofit executive directors. - Make AI a Core Discussion Topic
Artificial intelligence should be addressed at offsites as a tool for improving scalability, efficiency, and long-term profitability. - Maximize Key Industry Relationships
Another valuable discussion topic is how to better leverage broker-dealer and custodian relationships to support firm growth. - Consider Outside Expertise
Hiring a consultant can help highlight was is not working, bring fresh perspective, and accelerate growth initiatives.
Interested in hiring a facilitator or speaker for your next offsite meeting?
Contact Byrnes Consulting to learn how a structured, strategic offsite can help your firm reach its goals.
