I’ve appreciated the time I’ve spent with the Principals and Advisers these last few weeks whilst facilitating the Principals’ Briefing and Good Governance Summit. Listening to your questions, opinions and insights triggers thoughts and questions in my own mind about how to ensure we help you navigate the many obstacles in your way over the next few years.

It’s clear within our industry (& at times, life in general) our future will continue to face into several obstacles. As a business owner and/or adviser, this can be anything from everyday administration problems right through to crisis situations (market corrections, a client issue, an impact to your business). Everyday, I see examples of how you face into these challenges. Against the odds, you choose to rise above the difficulties and because of these decisions, you will come out stronger and better than you can imagine.

Dr Paul G. Stoltz and Erik Weihenmayer co-wrote the book, The Adversity Advantage: Turning Everyday Struggles into Everyday Greatness. Weihenmayer is the only blind person to climb Mount Everest and the Seven Summits. In this book, there is a reference to identifying your ‘AQ’, Adversity Quotient. The authors identify four components of perception of the adversity;

1. Control: how much control over the adversity
2. Ownership: accountability and responsibility over the outcome
3. Scope: how far it affects other aspects of life
4. Endurance: how long it lasts

There are many success stories of business leaders who have overcome adversity and created globally recognised companies. Here’s one;

‘Walt Disney needed funds to start up his business. He approached the banks for a loan and everyone turned him down. He did not give up and after visiting hundreds of banks, got his loan approved and brought the World of Disney characters into our lives.’

Any of you who have ever visited Disneyland will attest to the incredible experiences (with or without children) from the moment you step through the gates.

Whilst I was writing this article, Paul Beauchamp called. Our conversations are always candid, and he never fails to tell it like it is. However, it always strikes me that he does so with a smile on his face (I can see it despite being a phone call) and with a pragmatic attitude. He reminds me of what’s possible when you face life in this way.

Thank you for the feedback during and after the sessions we’ve recently hosted. The debates and discussions during the workshops have been incredibly valuable and we’ll continue to share the knowledge and questions we collect from you. I hope you find this edition valuable and as always, your feedback on how to provide better communication and information is welcomed.

Regards,
Annick

 

 

Key news items

News & Events from the Industry

CLICK HERE to read about pricing changes for Beacon Superannuation and Pension services.

MetLife is running Small Business Marketing Masterclasses with Tim Reid. CLICK HERE for details.

OnePath is launching the Apex Lunch & Learn webinars for advisers, CLICK HERE to register.

BT invites advisers to take the Kaplan Professional’s Adviser Practice Exam. CLICK HERE to find out more.

CommPay Project

OPEX has written handy guides for Madison users, available through the Zen desk and the below links;
CommPay Reporting
Lodging and receipting an invoice.
Xplan Navigation

Vitamins & Painkillers

CLICK HERE for an article from Kerry Fleming. For more information about advice coaching CLICK HERE