"I don't know why this memo never made it to our industry, but in every single other industry, bar none, maybe the exception of real estate agents, but every other industry, the owner of the business hires other people to do the work of the business."

Welcome to WomenShare, a celebration of women in financial services. In today's episode, we sit down with Erin Botsford, a trailblazer in the financial advisory field. Erin has revolutionized her professional journey from being in the Barron's top 100 advisors to developing systems that empower other advisors to achieve remarkable success. She's the founder of the Elite Advisor Success System and author of "Seven Figure Firm: How to Build a Financial Services Business That Grows Itself."

This conversation dives into Erin's transformative career path, starting from humble beginnings filled with personal adversity to selling her successful advisory practice. Her story is not only inspiring but also offers a fresh perspective on constructing a financial firm that thrives independently. Erin emphasizes the importance of building a business that holds value without relying solely on one individual's direct involvement. Her systems and teaching focus on training advisors to elevate their skills, broaden their market, and empower their teams effectively.

Additionally, Erin shares her expertise on strategic business structuring and why planning for your practice's enduring value should begin on day one. She talks about overcoming industry norms, educating new advisors straight from college, and building a firm that continues to succeed even in the absence of its founder. Erin presents insights on focusing on risks as opposed to merely investments — a model that has helped her reach high-worth clientele successfully.

Key takeaways:

Value-Driven Business Models: Erin discusses the significance of establishing a business that can sustain itself beyond the founder’s involvement. Advisors should focus on creating systems that delegate client interactions to a well-trained team, ensuring the business retains its value in the marketplace.

Empowering Advisors for Growth: The episode highlights the significance of skill enhancement and personal development in order to attract high-net-worth clients. Erin emphasizes training on the "risk side" of the balance sheet, which addresses vulnerabilities that affluent clients often overlook.

Team Structure and Client Interaction: Erin introduces a transition method to gradually entrust junior advisors with client relationships. Her process aims to enhance the efficiency of the firm while ensuring that the quality of service remains uncompromised.

Mentorship and Confidence Building: The journey from being just an advisor to owning an advisory firm is about more than just financial acumen. Erin shares how mentorship and training can break barriers and foster a culture of confidence and ambition among women in finance.

Philanthropic Pursuits: Beyond her advisory triumphs, Erin invests in philanthropic efforts, supporting thousands of orphans in Zambia. Her story extends beyond financial growth, highlighting her commitment to humanitarian causes and creating a legacy of giving back.

As we align with these insights and lessons from Erin Botsford, we spark transformative conversations and advocate for more strategic empowerment in financial services. By embracing new paradigms for growth and inclusion, we aim to reshape the industry from within.