A successful retirement requires years of preparation and planning. Selecting a successor and selling your business take time to coordinate and come together. When mapping out your retirement, it’s only natural to focus on the path leading directly toward retirement. After all, it’s an accomplishment you’ve worked your whole life to achieve. But when it comes to retirement planning, creating the perfect exit plan means so much more than securing the here and now. You must think of what your life will look like after you close up shop.
Life After You Retire
What expectations do you have for retirement? Maybe you love the idea of no morning alarm clock and no afternoon meetings. Perhaps swaying in a rocking chair while watching a television show sounds like a dream come true after years of long and hectic days.
Unfortunately, many financial advisors discover after the fact that the joys of having no set schedule only last so long. In fact, some even report that retirement stirs up a sense of loss. Financial advisors dedicate their careers to lending advice, solving problems, and offering solutions. When you take away that purposeful work, retirement can feel lonely and isolating.
But don’t worry, there is a remedy. Retirement can be extremely fulfilling and satisfying when you make a conscious choice to stay involved. Networking is one way to counteract the retirement blues.
Networking as a Retired Financial Advisor
How can you network as a retired financial advisor? What can you do to create connections and stay involved in your community? Let’s explore 10 networking tips that can help you make the most of your time as a retired financial advisor.
#1 – Seek out educational opportunities
In today’s economy, the financial scene is ever-changing. Choose to stay educated and remain up-to-date on the latest happenings. Signing up for a non-credit course at your local college is an excellent way to be amongst like-minded people eager to learn about financial advising.
#2 – Take on new responsibilities
Better yet, teach that college course and keep in touch with the financial community by leading it. While the thought of more work might seem to directly contradict the concept of retirement, you might be surprised at how invigorating a new role can feel.
#3 – Be a mentor
If teaching a college course is not your cup of tea, you can still share your wealth of knowledge with the next generation by becoming a mentor. Mentoring allows you to shape the leaders of tomorrow, make a difference, and even change someone’s future. Find a financial advisor that needs a helping hand and take them under your wing.
#4 – Find speaking engagements
Speaking engagements are a win-win situation. You get to provide support and guidance to others, all while expanding your networking circle. Following your presentation, those in attendance will often want to meet you. This is an opportunity to foster new friendships, and yes, network.
#5 – Stay in contact with colleagues
Networking should always include remaining in contact with those that positively impacted your career. Continue to maintain those relationships even after you graduate from that nine-to-five job. Retiring does not mean you should disappear entirely.
#6 – Create a retiree group and host social gatherings
If you feel you don’t have a networking system to rely on, then make one. Reach out to other financial advisors in your area and create a retiree group. Plan get-togethers where you can casually enjoy one another’s company or professionally discuss financial matters.
#7 – Connect with the young and old
Every generation has unique viewpoints and outlooks. Young financial professionals come with fresh ideas, so do not limit your networking reach based on age alone.
#8 – Focus on self-improvement
Personal development may not seem related to networking, but taking time to improve yourself means that you will have more to offer to others. Make goals and achieve them. Develop new skills. Work to become the best version of yourself.
#9 – Attend a national conference
If you want to network outside of your local community, attending a national conference needs to be on your to-do list. Conferences are incredible resources where you can meet industry leaders and collaborate with financial experts.
#10 – Contact a financial advisor coach
Working with a business coach for financial planners is a strategic move not just for those beginning their careers. Retired financial advisors can benefit from the insights of a financial advisor coach, too. If you want to change the trajectory of your retirement, consulting with a coach could be the answer.