For years, Jaron Poulsen, CFP, found himself managing more than just his clients' portfolios. Like many successful Registered Investment Advisors (RIAs), Jaron had built a thriving practice... and a growing team to support it. But somewhere along the way, the "people management" aspect started to overshadow what he loved most: helping clients achieve their financial goals.
"Early in my career, I thought I wanted this big RIA, with junior associates and all this big operation," Jaron admits. "Then, the more I did it, the more I realized that wasn't me. I wanted flexibility – to be at my kids' events, to come and go as I pleased. Managing a bunch of employees just wasn't the life I wanted anymore.”
Sound familiar? The story of many RIAs is wanting the personal touch in the high tech world of financial services.
So, Jaron made a bold move: he streamlined his practice and embraced the power of automation and technology.
The Catalyst: Streamlining with Tech (and a Little Help)
As team members naturally moved on to new opportunities, Jaron saw a chance to rethink his entire operational model.
Instead of automatically replacing those roles, he brought in a consulting firm to analyze his processes and identify areas ripe for automation.
The results were transformative.
"It was one of the best things I did," Jaron explains. "They automated so many tasks I'd previously had people doing – scheduling appointments, RSVPing for events, and more. It freed me up from so many headaches!”
By implementing online scheduling, QR codes for event sign-ups, and other automated tools, Jaron was able to significantly reduce his administrative workload. Suddenly, he could consider doing something that he would not have thought possible a few short years earlier.
From Headaches to Freedom
The transformation went beyond simply saving time. Jaron found that scaling down and focusing on technology actually improved his client relationships.
"Before, everyone except me was talking to my clients, other than in reviews," he explains. "Now, I talk to them a lot more often. It's been so much better.”
With technology handling the repetitive tasks, Jaron could focus on what truly mattered: providing personalized advice and building stronger connections with his clients. That personal touch is the core of being a successful financial advisor.
The Lesson: IT Can Make You a Better RIA
Jaron's story is a powerful reminder that technology isn't just about efficiency – it's about empowering RIAs to focus on what they do best.
- By embracing automation and streamlining operations, you can:
- Reduce overhead costs and increase profitability.
- Free up time to focus on client relationships and strategic growth.
- Improve efficiency and reduce administrative burdens.
- Gain greater control over your practice and achieve a better work-life balance.
- Make sure the personal touch with your clients continues
The Next Step: Securing Your Tech-Powered Future
Like Jaron, you can't afford to leave your firm's future and safety to chance. It's important to engage a trusted partner who understands the unique requirements of the RIA landscape – including FINRA and SEC compliance.
If you're an RIA looking to achieve greater freedom, profitability, and client satisfaction through managed IT services, contact us today. We can help you implement the right technology solutions to secure your business and achieve your goals.
