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The Client-centred Blog

What it feels like to be your client

I know you’re knowledgeable. 

I know you’re qualified, built your practice, and helped people like me before.

That’s not in doubt.

But if I’m honest…

That’s not what I’m really looking for.

I’m not just bringing you numbers

When I come to see you, I’m not just bringing you the hard facts:

*My income and outgoings

*My existing arrangements

*My pension

I’m bringing:

*My worries

*My uncertainty

*My hopes for the future

*The pressure I feel (even if I don’t say it aloud)

Some of it I can explain and some of it I can’t.

I’m paying more attention than you think

While we’re talking, I’m not just listening to what you say. I’m also noticing:

Whether you’re really listening… or just waiting to speak.

Whether I feel rushed.

Whether I can be honest… or need to be careful.

Whether you’re trying to impress me.

Whether you actually get me.

I might not say any of this, but I feel it.

Sometimes I leave with answers… but not clarity

You explain things well. The plan makes sense. The recommendations are logical.

But sometimes I leave thinking:

“I understand it… but I’m not sure I feel any different.”

And I don’t always know why.

The moments that matter most

It’s not the charts or the projections I remember.

It’s the moments where:

*You pause and really listen

*You don’t rush to fill the silence

*You ask something that makes me stop and think

*I feel understood without having to explain everything perfectly

Those are the moments that stay with me.

When I hold back

There are times I don’t say what I’m really thinking. Not because I don’t trust you.

But because I don’t want to sound foolish. I’m not sure how to explain it. I feel like we’ve already moved on. Or I sense you’re focused on getting somewhere.

So, I nod, agree, and I go along with it.

What I really want

I don’t need you to have all the answers straight away. I don’t need you to impress me. I don’t even need everything to be perfectly clear immediately.

What I want is to feel:

*Heard

*Understood

*Not judged

*Like I matter more than the plan

Because when I feel that I relax, I open up, and I trust you more deeply.

And I’m far more likely to act on what we’ve discussed.

The difference it makes

When I feel like that, something changes.

I’m not just a client anymore, I’m fully engaged, and I’m all in. I feel like we’re truly collaborating.

And that’s when your advice really starts to make a difference.

If you want to know the truth, you don’t need to try harder to prove your value to me.

You don’t need to give me more information, more charts, or more explanations.

You just need to be with me. Fully.

Because from where I’m sitting…

That’s what makes the biggest difference.

PS. What are 30 signs you’re on the path to truly great financial planning? Click here.

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John Dashfield spent 14 years as a self-employed adviser. Since 2006 he has been a coach, mentor and author helping advisers create transformations in their business and personal lives.

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Get your FREE copy of
‘Magical Client Meetings Every Time!’ report and exclusive content

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Your information is not shared or sold to anyone else.

SEARCH BLOG

RECENT POSTS

BLOG CATEGORIES

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

John Dashfield spent 14 years as a self-employed adviser. Since 2006 he has been a coach, mentor and author helping advisers create transformations in their business and personal lives.

Get your FREE copy of the
'Magical Client Meetings Every Time!' report
and exclusive content

Just pop in your name and email below for immediate download

Your information is not shared or sold to anyone else.