Ever wish you knew an Advisor who built a 7-figure practice--while only working 3 days a week--that was willing to share her systems, processes, and business hacks with you? Meet the Efficient Advisor Podcast host Libby Greiwe. Her specialty? Breaking down the functions of a financial planning practice into actionable step-by-step processes designed to get you results and get you out of overwhelm. Expert interviews, done-for-you templates, and easy to implement solutions… all tied together by her MISSION to create ease in your business. She promises to deliver actionable step-by-step solutions you can implement right away to save time, money, and frustration. The goal--to lead you from overwhelm to efficiency. She started her own financial planning business in 2004. And, over the years she scaled into a 7-figure single-advisor firm while working only 25-hours a week so she could be super involved while raising her kiddos and loving on her hubby. She knows what it takes to build a 100% referral-only practice and to not have to GRIND out the hours to be successful. She ran her own planning business for 16 years culminating in a sale to an enterprise firm in 2019. Now, she’s simply just obsessed with helping other amazing advisors do the same thing. So if you’re an advisor who’s got the hang of planning and is now looking to grow to that first 500k of take-home pay… you are in the right place!
Last refreshed: ⓘ
Follow this podcast in the Metacast mobile app to refresh it and see new episodes.
Don't just listen to podcasts. Learn from them with transcripts, summaries, and chapters for every episode. Skim, search, and bookmark insights. Learn more
If you’ve ever had a client ask for something and your immediate reaction was “ugh… I really don’t want to do that,” but then you said yes anyway… this episode is for you. We’re talking about one of the most important skills for advisors: how to say no without making it weird, without damaging the relationship, and without creating a bunch of friction in your business. In this episode, we’ll discuss: Why saying yes to out-of-scope requests quietly blows up your calendar, creates hidden work, and...
In this episode, we dive into the future of client communication for financial advisors. Tom Fields shares how combining technology, AI, and a client-first mindset can transform the advisory experience through a white-labeled app. From streamlining workflows to keeping clients genuinely engaged, this conversation is packed with actionable insights for advisors ready to elevate their practice. What you’ll learn in this episode: How to centralize client communication and provide a seamless experie...
There’s a phrase that shows up in a lot of advisory firms that seems harmless on the surface, but quietly creates friction in both the team dynamic and the client experience. In this episode, we unpack why the term “junior advisor” might be doing more damage than you realize and how small language shifts can have a big impact on trust, confidence, and the way your clients perceive your team. How the label “junior advisor” subtly undermines authority and creates doubt before a meeting even begins...
In this short but impactful episode, Libby shares two simple yet powerful phrases that can completely change the way you communicate with clients, guide conversations, and ultimately drive better outcomes. Inspired by real coaching conversations and even insights from psychology, these small language shifts can help you set boundaries, reduce resistance, and lead clients more effectively. She also opens with an important reminder for advisors who feel behind in their business—growth requires evo...
In this episode, we’re flipping the script on how financial advisors approach growth and process-building. Instead of chasing perfection or trying to build everything at once, you’ll hear why thinking smaller is actually the fastest way to make meaningful progress. If you’ve ever felt stuck, overwhelmed, or unsure where to start, this conversation will give you a practical and refreshing way forward. In this episode you will learn: Why trying to go from zero to 100 is the biggest mistake advisor...
There are two types of advisors heading into Q2: those stuck in reactive mode, feeling busy but behind, and those who intentionally step back to lead their business forward. In this episode, Libby walks through what it actually looks like to shift into CEO mode by conducting a quarterly business review. Drawing from her own recent CEO retreat, she breaks down simple but powerful ways advisors can step out of the day-to-day, recalibrate their priorities, and make smarter decisions about where to ...
If you’ve ever wondered why some advisors seem to keep leveling up no matter how successful they already are, this episode is a powerful reminder that it’s not about knowing more—it’s about staying open. After speaking to a room full of elite, top-performing advisors, I walked away noticing a shared trait: they’re relentlessly coachable, curious, and willing to tweak even what’s already working. In this episode you will learn: How to identify if your reaction to new ideas is quietly capping your...
This episode dives into a powerful and often overlooked strategy for financial advisors: using targeted digital marketing to consistently attract high-net-worth clients. Through a real-world case study, you’ll hear how a repeatable system using short-form video ads can generate meaningful conversations with qualified prospects every single week. The discussion highlights not only the marketing strategy itself, but also the importance of clarity in messaging, operational readiness, and long-term ...
Imagine your inbox is multiplying like rabbits, your calendar looks like a jigsaw puzzle, and every client seems to need you yesterday. Overwhelm is real, especially for financial advisors juggling tax season, client requests, and life outside the office. In this episode, Libby Greiwe walks you through practical strategies to regain clarity, take control of your time, and move from feeling paralyzed to feeling empowered and productive. In this episode, you’ll learn: How to prepare in advance for...
In this episode, I sit down with Rob Bartenstein (President) and Scott Wilson (Senior Managing Partner), the co-founders of Kestra Private Wealth Services, to explore how the industry has evolved over time and what independence looks like now. From their early days at broker dealers to leadership roles at major wirehouses, they share the pivotal moments that led them to build a business centered around the advisor-client relationship. We talk through the challenges advisors face within tradition...
In this episode, Libby explores one of the most common sources of friction inside advisory firms: the homework advisors give their clients. While assigning tasks like uploading statements, linking accounts, or completing paperwork may seem efficient from the advisor’s perspective, it often slows the process down and creates frustration for clients who already have full, busy lives. Libby shares practical examples from her own firm and her First 100 Days onboarding framework to explain why client...
Libby and Robyn Crane discuss why advisors struggle with referrals, delving into the psychology of safety and emotional alignment. They introduce a 3-step conversation model for natural, mission-based introductions and micro-commitments. The discussion also covers the importance of clearly defining ideal clients, refining messaging, and leveraging platforms like LinkedIn for consistent growth beyond referrals.
There are many forms of compensation that matter to employees. Salary, benefits, and bonuses often get the most attention, but they are not the only things that drive loyalty and engagement. In this episode, Libby Greiwe shares a powerful but often overlooked “currency” that financial advisors can offer their teams without increasing payroll costs. Drawing from her own experience running a successful advisory firm, she explains how intentional flexibility can strengthen employee loyalty, improve...
In this episode, Libby shares 5 practical ways financial advisors can keep client meetings running on time — starting on time and, just as importantly, ending on time. She breaks down how to balance client experience with practice efficiency so meetings don’t bleed into follow-up work, team time, or personal time. If your meetings routinely run over, this episode is for you. What You Will Learn: Why starting and ending meetings on time directly impacts client perception and professionalism How u...
In this episode, Libby sits down with advisor Matt McManus to unpack exactly how he 5X’d his business in five years. But this isn’t a story about flashy marketing funnels or viral social media. It’s about clarity, community, and connection. If you’ve been wondering what’s actually working in 2026 to attract ideal clients, this conversation is packed with practical, affordable, relationship-driven ideas you can implement right away. Here’s what you’ll learn: Why niching into first responders (age...
Conference season is one of the most energizing times of the year for financial advisors. From fresh marketing ideas to meaningful connections and leadership growth, the upside can be huge. But without a plan, it can just as easily turn into overwhelm, shiny object syndrome, and a notebook full of ideas that never see the light of day. In this episode, I walk you through a simple four-phase framework — before, during, after, and six months later — so you can actually measure ROI from the events ...
Your inbox is either running your day… or you are. 📥⏳ In this episode, Libby tackles the silent productivity killer inside most advisory firms: email. If you’ve ever felt busy all day but unsure what you actually accomplished, this conversation will hit home. If you want more energy at the end of the day and less reactive chaos in your business, this episode is your permission slip to stop living in your email. Here’s what you’ll learn: Why your inbox is not a to-do list — and how fragmented at...
In this episode I spill all the beans of how I went from working a zillion hours a week down to just 25. I give a very detailed account to podcast host Amber de la Garza and she is so good at interviewing and asking all the right questions to pull out the important details of this progression. So today we dive into: How I more than quadrupled my hourly rate How creating a killer client experience helped me work less Why picking a niche was critical to our efficiency and how it drives referrals B...
Revenue growth can feel exciting—but if you don’t know your margins, you’re flying blind. 💸 In this episode, we break down the difference between leverage and true scale, what healthy operating margins can look like at different stages of growth, and why stepping into your CEO role means knowing more than just your top-line number. You’ll learn the four numbers every advisor should be able to calculate in under 60 seconds, how to determine your real take-home percentage, and where profitability...
My guest, Nicole Burdick, took her brand from vanilla to vibrant—and in this episode, she walks through exactly how she built a brand (and a practice) that feels more like her: clear, magnetic, and profitable without being draining. In this episode we’ll dive into: Her “this is it” moment for building a truly magnetic brand (and why it pushed her to leave her team) The difference between an ideal client avatar and an ideal client community—and how to define the qualitative fit that energizes you...
In this quick Efficient Friday episode , Libby breaks down a stat that should stop every advisor in their tracks: 85% of clients have thought about switching advisors in the last year 😬. She challenges you to look honestly at the impact you’re delivering, the experience your clients are having, and whether your time is being spent on things that actually matter to them—or just feel productive. You’ll learn how to evaluate your client service model, identify low-impact activities that drain time...
Running a financial advisory firm often looks appealing from the outside: freedom, flexibility, and income potential. But the reality of being a true business owner requires an entirely different skill set. In this episode, Libby sits down with Hannah Moore to have an honest, vulnerable conversation about what it really takes to move from advisor to CEO, including the emotional, operational, and leadership challenges that often go unspoken ✨ In this episode , you’ll learn: Why owning a firm is f...
Libby Greiwe discusses integrating AI into advisory practices while maintaining client authenticity. She shares a real-world example of how overly quick AI-generated communication can unintentionally diminish trust. Practical strategies are offered, such as delaying AI follow-ups, setting client expectations, and adding personal touches, ensuring AI supports rather than replaces the vital human element in client relationships.
In this episode, Libby sits down with transition expert Shelby to unpack the increasingly complex landscape of advisor independence. With more channels, platforms, and business models than ever before, many advisors feel the pull to explore new options — but don’t know where to start. Together, they walk through how to think strategically about change, avoid costly missteps, and design a transition that truly supports your long-term vision 🚀📊🤝 You’ll learn: How to evaluate whether your curren...
This Efficient Friday, Libby challenges financial advisors to think beyond org charts and revenue and focus on something even more powerful: personal development. You’ll learn how asking the right questions about who you’re becoming, who you’re learning from, and where you need to be stretched can directly impact your business growth 📈 In this episode , you’ll discover how to create a simple, realistic personal development plan that supports both your life and your firm, using small daily actio...
Mando Sallavanti III reveals his strategy for building 80% of his financial advisory business on LinkedIn by intentionally defining ideal clients beyond demographics, focusing on their fears and aspirations. He outlines a "flywheel" approach combining profile optimization, consistent content (top, middle, bottom of funnel), and authentic messaging based on relevance. This episode provides a tactical framework for advisors to leverage LinkedIn as a repeatable marketing and prospecting system without cold calling or feeling salesy, emphasizing consistency and clarity over fleeting algorithm trends.
Hiring doesn’t have to feel risky, chaotic, or overwhelming—but for many advisors, it does. In this episode, Libby breaks down why hiring the wrong way is one of the biggest drivers of stress, frustration, and team dysfunction in advisory firms. Whether you’re actively hiring or just thinking ahead, this conversation will help you step into your role as CEO, clarify what your business truly needs, and design a team structure that actually supports growth instead of creating more work. In this ep...
In this Efficient Friday episode , Libby speaks directly to advisors who have spent the year learning, consuming content, and gathering ideas, but now need a clear path to action. She challenges you to stop over-educating and start implementing by creating intentional space on your calendar to actually get things done as you plan for 2026 📅🚀 You’ll learn simple, realistic ways to turn ideas into progress, including how to use implementation power hours, accountability partners, and focused imp...
In this episode, Libby Greiwe of The Efficient Advisor shares a candid and powerful conversation about building a successful advisory business without sacrificing your life, values, or well-being. From working through burnout to redefining success on her own terms, Libby opens up about resilience, boundaries, and what it really takes to create a business that supports the life you want. This episode is packed with honest reflections, practical wisdom, and encouragement for advisors who want more...
In this episode , Libby shares an unpopular but critical perspective on how financial advisors should think about “future potential” clients. She explains why treating clients based on who they might become leads to burnout, resentment, and misaligned service models—and how this quiet mistake often causes your best clients to subsidize everyone else 💭📊🔥 You’ll learn how to treat clients fairly based on where they are today, protect your time and energy, and create a service model that scales ...