Guide to my Extremely Snarky Content

Hi! I’m Sara. Thanks for coming to visit! By now you may have gathered I publish a ton of content on the internet on financial advisor leads. But with so much to choose from (podcasts, videos, blogs, etc.), where can you find what you need? Here’s a quick guide. YouTube In these videos I discuss […]

Sara Grillo 2020 Keynote Speaking Topics

Cost for any of the below talks is $5,000 plus travel,  hotel, and meal reimbursement. Message me here to set up this talk at your company. Why are my talks worth $5k? Because I make a point to do more work so that I deliver a more lasting and impactful talk than most speakers are […]

Vid 55: Crisis Social Media Postings That Will Engage Your Network during a Crisis

I see many people posting the wrong things to social media during the coronavirus. Here are some examples of social media postings you can do, as well as some guidelines to posting to social media during a time of crisis. The point of posting to social media during a crisis is to show leadership and […]

Vid 54: Financial Advisor Prospecting Messages to use during Crisis

Times of crisis such as the coronavirus are the times when financial advisors are of their highest value to the public. Don’t spoil your chances of reaching the people who really need you by speaking in jargon, cliche, and not getting your point across. Here are some messages for financial advisors to send in a […]

Vid 53: Crisis Communication Guidelines for Financial Advisors

Here are some guidelines for how financial advisors should communicate during a time of crisis. It is applicable to the coronavirus and also applicable to financial advisors who are want to expand their business during trying times such as a market downturn, recession, or any other challenging time of crisis. The following are financial advisor […]

In what order do I watch the Membership Videos?

My membership covers a variety of subjects. This blog presents an order in which you should watch the membership videos. To access these videos, please log on to your portal and input the password for each vid. If you have trouble getting to the videos, please access the FAQs doc here. Step #1: Setting up […]

Vid 52: Interpreting your YouTube analytics

It’s important to understand the voice of the consumer. Google makes this very easy and provides ample data on how your YouTube videos performed, and it shouldn’t be overlooked. Key things you’ll learn in this video are: The audience retention graph on the Analytics tab of a YouTube video must be examined. Here you can […]

Vid 51: Newsletter Basics

Although there are many forms of digital marketing for financial advisors, many financial advisors can and will continue to have a great deal of success with their newsletters. In this video you will learn how to create an awesome financial advisor newsletter. It is a combination of structuring the newsletter right as well as organizing […]

Vid 50: Sourcing safe and legal images and music

It’s not okay to just snag images off of Google and hope for the best. In this video you will learn how to properly cite images and music so that you don’t violate anyone else’s intellectual property rights. This is really important as the fees can be very high if you were to do so. […]

Vid 47: Tips for Creating Your List of 20

The List of 20 is the foundation for all that you do in your LinkedIn prospecting. Ideally you should start with the people with whom there is some foundation of trust and familiarity. • You may have people in your existing connection base that perhaps you haven’t begun the dialogue with yet. Those people would […]

Vid 48: Snippet Fiesta

Here is a technique that you can use when you want to maximize the reach of audio and video file that you are posting on social media. The key understand to have is that these algorithms tend to like natively posted content better than content that is a link. So if you have a video […]

Vid 49: Social Media and Newsletter are not like Chalk and Cheese

People often think that social media and email newsletter is a question of one or the other. The truth is that these elements can be very smoothly integrated and cause a huge difference to be made in the effectiveness of both. Newsletter and social media don’t have to be like chalk and cheese. Here are […]

Vid 46: Humble and Gentle Messages

These are examples of messages that you should send to someone you don’t know when you first connect with the person. The tone is humble and gentle which is quite different from how 99% of people act on social media so it will get you very far. It could be used in the case of […]

By the way, why haven’t you joined my membership yet?

My membership is great. Have you joined yet? If not, why not/ Here are my responses to the common questions that people tend to have when they are considering joining the Sara Grillo membership. Why is there a $100 sign up fee? I hear you. People are often curious why there is a $100 fee […]

Vid 45: So you got the meeting…now what?

What do you say when you actually get a meeting with someone you meet through LinkedIn or Facebook? The big mistake many advisors make when they get a meeting online is that they assume you act the same with an online lead than you would act if it were someone you met in person at […]

Vid 44: Emoji It Up!

As you know, I’m a bigger fan of images than words to convey your point. Try using an Emoji in your messenger communications as well as in your postings. A few words of advice would be: The more informal emojis such as hearts, etc. should be used cautiously as it may be misinterpreted by the […]

Vid 43: 5 Step Social Media Funnel – ESSENTIALS ONLY

Don’t make this more complicated than it needs to be. You need a process to get people into your pipeline and get meetings with them. However you don’t want to spend all day doing it. Keep the process simple and streamlined and use these 5 steps. Step #1: Revise LI profile. See Vid #7. Step […]

Vid 42: Messaging Basics

Not everyone is going to respond to someone they meet on social media (and especially if you are a financial advisor!), but there are certain things you can do to increase the likelihood of getting a response. In our membership I have included several examples of messages you can use. Aside from taking advantage of […]

Vid 41: High Empathy Messaging

When you connect with someone and you aren’t getting them to respond back after the initial connection, use higher empathy in your messaging. High empathy messaging tips: • Be blunt about why they may be hesitating to interact with you – you may as well if the others aren’t getting you anywhere. Some people will […]

The “No Nonsense” Way to Give a Keynote Speech

I used to be a keynote speaker. I have recently resigned from my past role in favor of what I believe to be a more beneficial way to deliver a speaking presentation. Is this a Sci Fi novel? You have now entered The Conference Zone, a dimension as vast as it is phony and as […]

Vid 40: How to get press interviews without hiring a PR agent

PR agents cost $2-3k a month. However most reporters are now publicly reachable via social media. Here’s how to get press appearances and interviews without spending all that money on hiring a PR agent. This technique has worked. Here’s what to do. Find a competitor or influencer that your target audience likes, who is widely […]

Vid 39: How to create a Response Video or Blog

The Response Video or Blog is a great way to get more visibility by capitalizing on an existing high traffic flow on social media. Here are the steps. Check your Twitter list and find a topic that is trending. Tons of engagement, retweets, etc.Write up something original that presents a view that nobody has put […]

Vid 38: Twitter Basics

In this video you will learn the basics of Twitter. Hashtags Makes it possible for others to easily find messages with a specific theme or content.Find influencers in a space you follow, and look at what hashtags they are using Lists Find certain people you want to follow that are tweeting out on a particular […]

Membership FAQs

Welcome to my membership! Here are the common issues people sometimes have when they start out with my membership, and what to do to fix them. How do I log on? / I can’t find my password When you signed up you should have received a confirmation email with your username and password in it. […]

Vid 36: YouTube Secrets of the Rich and Famous

In this video you will learn the production basics to use when making a YouTube video, some ideas for the first videos you should make, and also a sample script you can use to make your videos. Please use this video when you are making your YouTube videos in order to optimize their performance, viewer […]

Vid 37: Facebook Basics

There are several aspects of LinkedIn that apply to Facebook prospecting for financial advisors. Use the tagging function. On Facebook the words in the person’s ID are separated by periods instead of hyphens as is the protocol on LinkedIn.Facebook groups are very social. Talk and behave as a normal person not as a financial advisor. […]

Vid 35: Running Your First Sponsored Ad Campaign

Here are some things to keep in mind when you are running a LinkedIn advertising campaign. You should keep in mind the following things about the budget, targeting, testing, and copy length. 1. Budget. Try an ad first with $25. Then change one variable and run another one for $25 and see if it does […]

Vid 34: Transition Strat #5: Survey Request

Use a survey to engage people through LinkedIn messenger who are cold connections and have not yet responded to anything you have done. It may seem like a weird thing to do – to send a survey – but if you don’t find out what is on the person’s mind then chances are you are […]

Vid 33: Transition Strat #4: The Nuisance Close

Use this when there is some kind of resistance but you don’t know what it is. Sometimes when you are talking to someone online, you get to a point where you get the feeling that they are playing games with you, either intentionally or unintentionally. If you don’t figure out what is going on in […]

Video 32: Responding to Notifications

Most financial advisors say boring things when notifications come up about their first degree connections and that is why they fail to get attention. DO NOT behave like a financial advisor on social media when notifications come up. This video will teach you a technique to use with the people who are your first degree […]

Vid 31: How to Make This Awesome Thumbnail

If you were to hire a graphic designer to create all your images it may get a bit expensive. This is a way to create your own images for use on social media, your website, newsletters, etc. These cut out images look great and are a way to use your authentic photography instead of stock […]

Vid 30: Transition Strat #3: Little Humor Quip

When you are connected with someone and can’t get a meeting, try using humor. Here are some examples of tastefully humorous messages you may want to try to move someone from a cold to warm connection on LinkedIn. Here are some example you can use, or you may want to try making up your own. […]

Vid 29: LinkedIn Message Sequence for Super Prospecting!

Use this four Step LinkedIn Messenger sequence to engage current connections or reach new prospects on LinkedIn. This video will walk you through a four step process for getting new connections to get to know you without weirding them out or overselling them. It will also teach you how to invigorate your existing connections and […]

Vid 26: Suggestions for Meeting Compliance Requirements

Here are some ideas that can make it easier for financial advisors to meet their compliance requirements. Share this:TwitterFacebookLike this:Like Loading...

Vid 27: The 3 Month Regimen

This is what you should be doing every 3 months to keep your LinkedIn account well maintained. Share this:TwitterFacebookLike this:Like Loading...

Vid 28: How to Kill It In the News Feed

Here is an easy way to get more followers and make connections on LinkedIn using the news feed. Share this:TwitterFacebookLike this:Like Loading...

Vid 25: YouTube Styling Techniques

Once you set up your YouTube channel, here are some things you need to do to make the channel more visually appealing and informative about what you do. You will also learn where to place your compliance disclaimers. Video here: Like this:Like Loading...

Vid 24: Transition Strat #2, try these 3 LinkedIn messages

Once you get someone’s attention on LinkedIn or connect with them, here are some messages to use as follow up so that you can get a meeting with them and advance the prospect to the next step. Like this:Like Loading...

Vid 23: Transition Strat #1, the Personalized Video

Once you get someone’s attention on LinkedIn, how do you then get the person to recognize what you are doing and take a meeting with you? Here’s one idea about how to do that using video. Like this:Like Loading...

Vid 22: Getting onto Google page one

How financial advisors can find the right keywords and improve their rank in Google. Share this:TwitterFacebookLike this:Like Loading...

Vid 20: Graphic design for Financial Advisors

This video will teach financial advisor show to design images for their social media and any other aspects of marketing using free or low cost tools. Enjoy! Share this:TwitterFacebookLike this:Like Loading...

Vid 21: So, you’re recording your first YouTube video!

This video will teach you the important things you need to know about how to get started on YouTube. Share this:TwitterFacebookLike this:Like Loading...

Vid 19: Striking a Chord to Get People’s Attention

Having trouble getting that prospect’s attention and getting a meeting on LinkedIn? Try this! Like this:Like Loading...

Vid 17: Try this Meeting-Getting Technique on LinkedIn

When I’ve used this technique on LinkedIn I have found higher than normal meeting rate acceptance. Try it! Like this:Like Loading...

Vid 18: Results, Results, Results! Let’s Get ‘Em!

In this video you will learn how to improve your results by using a simple tracking technique. Share this:TwitterFacebookLike this:Like Loading...

5 Independent Broker Dealer CEOs with the Best Hair in 2019

Hair matters. In no particular order, here are the best hairstyles I see the top independent broker dealer CEOs pulling off, and how the brands they lead have benefited. #1 Dan Arnold of LPL Why he made the 2019 “Best Broker Dealer CEO Hair” list I love how Dan Arnold has hair that moves. Seriously. […]

Redesigning the Briefcase Bag

For years I’ve been searching for a briefcase bag that is professional yet stylish at the same time – and I’m constantly frustrated. If I were to design a briefcase bag, here’s what it would look like. Why the current options stink I find it unfulfilling every time I have to buy a briefcase bag. […]

Cash in Those Sock Options

Does anyone agree with me that pantyhose is perhaps the most uncomfortable piece of clothing on the face of the earth?  Here are some sock options that you can consider that won’t make you sacrifice your professionalism or your style. Why I threw mine in the pail I’ve never been a fan of nylons from […]

Vid 15: Rockstar Blog Posts on LinkedIn

Tips for how to make your content go far. Like this:Like Loading...

Vid 14: How to get Podcast Interviews like a Celeb

Want to get podcast interviews like you’re the hottest news on the block? This technique may work for you. Like this:Like Loading...

Vid 13: Tag, You’re “It”!

In business you’re only as good as the people who know you, and success is way easier to come by when you have a network of supporters behind you. Here’s a LinkedIn technique you can use to activate them while growing your visibility and influence on LinkedIn. Like this:Like Loading...

Vid 12: Welcome to the Speed Round!

Ever wonder how to get maximum activity in the least amount of time on LinkedIn? Welcome to the Speed Round everybody! Like this:Like Loading...

Vid 11: How to Find and Message Business Owners on LinkedIn

Business owners abound on LinkedIn. You could build a very nice practice by reaching them but you have to say the right thing. Like this:Like Loading...

Vid 10 – What to Say When Someone Asks You to Connect on LinkedIn

When someone asks you to connect on LinkedIn, don’t assume you know the reason why. There may be valuable business opportunities waiting to be uncovered. Here’s what to say to these unexpected requests if you want to max out the value of every single relationship possible! Like this:Like Loading...

Vid 9: Four Killer LinkedIn Posts

Check out these killer examples if you think that your social media postings could be doing more for your brand. Like this:Like Loading...

Vid 8: The 1, 2, 3 Combo

People often make the mistake of using social media content in isolation with the other aspects of their marketing. Here’s how to combine them in a powerful way that reaches more people. Like this:Like Loading...

Vid 7: Rebranding Your LinkedIn Profile for Conversions

So, you did the hard work and successfully got a prospect on LinkedIn to pay attention to you. Now what? Does your profile take the viewer to the next step? Or is it forgettable and boring? Rebrand your LinkedIn profile to get people to take the next step of getting to know you. Here’s how. […]

Vid 6: Creating a LinkedIn Community that Rocks

Wouldn’t it be great if you had a way to be constantly in front of the people you want to do business with, in a way that allowed them to get to know you and have fun at the same time? Follow me and I’ll show you how to rock this with real life examples! […]

Vid 5: The Fun Way to Meet Prospects in LinkedIn Groups

LinkedIn Groups are a great way to meet people and develop relationships over time that convert to new business. Here’s how to do it the right way while being yourself and having fun!   Like this:Like Loading...

Vid 4: How to Look Cool (not Sleazy) in LinkedIn Groups

LinkedIn Groups are a great opportunity to build your brand and become part of a community, but most of the garbage that gets posted into them gets ignored. Here’s how to be the exception and post cool content to LinkedIn Groups that will get attention and make you look cool (not like a sleazy salesperson). […]

December bonus video – Members only!

Did you watch Video 5 where I teach you how to meet prospects in LinkedIn groups? Mission accomplished! Watch this video to see. Like this:Like Loading...

The Easiest Possible Way To Get A COI’s Attention On LinkedIn – Video 3

Vid #3: The Easiest Possible Way to get a COI’s Attention on LinkedIn: Hint, this is not the way that you’ve probably already heard about. I’m going to show you the path of least resistance to these COIs so you can work the list you’ve been developing in the last two videos. Watch the video […]

How To Not Screw Up Talking To A COI On LinkedIn – Video 2

Vid #2: How to Not Screw Up Talking to a COI on LinkedIn. Most of the messaging that people get on LinkedIn isn’t worth paying attention to. I’m going to teach you how to figure out what to say to the 20 people you identified in video #1. Watch the video here: Like this:Like Loading...

Getting Center of Influence Leads through LinkedIn search – Video 1

Vid #1: Getting Center of Influence Leads through LinkedIn search – Financial advisors will learn to do what their competition is most likely in the dark about – how to use the search and filter functions in LinkedIn to find centers of influence. The end result is that you will learn how to create a […]

Is it Okay for Financial Advisors to Swear in Front of Clients?

Swearing is a big no-no for advisors to do in front of clients, but if done correctly (and that’s a big “if”), swearing can set you apart from other brands that may not have the courage to be so raw. Just as the famous financial disclaimer goes: higher risk, higher potential reward.

Is it Okay for Financial Advisors to Cry in Front of Clients?

I’ve talked before about how instead of being shrouded and veiled, advisors should come across in a more human and relatable way with clients and prospects. But how raw can get you before you step over the line --is it okay to cry in front of clients? Sometimes the authenticity can say more about your authenticity than any marketing pitch.

How to Tell If Your Office Set Up Is Killing Financial Advisor Lead Generation

Financial advisor lead generation is a brutal task so make it easier by doing everything you can to increase motivation, starting with how your office is set up. Advisors Hate Telemarketing To all the advisors who are reading this, tell me how many times you’ve called back after you had a meeting and somebody didn’t […]

My Take on Michael Kitces’ Opinion of Investopedia Advisor Insights

While I agree with Kitces’ point, I also see a few ideas that this article didn't mention which are important for advisors to consider if they are creating a digital marketing strategy.

7 Signs Your Financial Planning Website Is Outdated – Guest Post

We get asked the question a lot – “Does my website need to be updated?” If you haven’t touched your website in a year or more then it’s likely likely your technology is lagging. But more importantly, you may be losing customers. Still unsure if your website is past it’s prime? Our team has put together a list of the top seven signs your website may be in need of a redesign.

How to Create a Financial Advisor Lead Generation Website

Here’s how to put some zest into your website without stirring up the compliance demons and by doing so create a Financial Advisor Lead Generation Website.

What Makes a Good LinkedIn profile?

Here are some examples of what you should and should not do with your personal brand on your LinkedIn profile.

Should I Move my RIA Firm to the Cloud?

This article covers what the risks and rewards may be for RIA firms considering moving to the cloud.

What Rich Clients Really Want vs. What Financial Advisors Say = Total Disconnect

The results of this case study imply that most financial advisors have a long way to go before they are able to position themselves as attractive to affluent individuals. Read on to learn if you fall into the "out" group and if so, what you should do.

5 Painless Tips for Getting a Financial Advisor Blog Through Compliance

It doesn't have to be a nightmare every time. Here are 5 painless tips for getting your financial advisor blog through compliance.

The Small RIA Firm Poverty Trap (and How to Escape)

This blog explains the one thing you can do to escape the poverty trap that ensnares most RIA firms with $150MM or less in assets under management.

Is Your Online Brand Breaking the Walls Down? Take this Survey.

Take this quick 8 question Sara Purple Survey to get a good honest look at whether or not your online brand is strong enough to break down walls.

Three Things To Add To Your Brand to Increase Conversions Online

This article will discuss the three critical areas of your brand that you can customize for higher online conversions from your social media.

Are Lead Generation Services Worth It?

This article provides an objective, third party analysis of the major lead generation services as well as the pros and cons of outsourcing lead generation for financial advisors, RIA firms, CFPs, and wealth managers.

How to Get Ahead of 99% of Financial Advisors – Get a Big Brand

Lead generation is one of the biggest challenges for financial advisors. Learn how to fill your pipeline by creating your own unique and big brand.

From Chaotic Picasso to Marketing Masterpiece

His works were beautiful collages, so powerful that they brought to life an entire genre, a new idea that hadn’t existed in the world as a real concept until he made it so. While Picasso didn’t attend marketing conferences with titles such as “Brand Ambassador” on his name tag, we can all take a lesson from his success in marketing his product.

The #1 Marketing Asset every Financial Advisor should Hold in the Portfolio

With a little bit of creativity, which to be blunt is the last thing on any financial advisor’s mind given all the stress they’re under, you can refocus the lens through which the world sees you. Here are some market-beating social media strategies that are a core holding for all financial advisor and financial planner marketing portfolios.

3 Reasons Business Brands Fail to Break Through Walls

The truth is that strong brands sell themselves and weak brands fail to overcome barriers to growth. Most small and midsize business brands fall short in the following three ways.

If Social Media Video Marketing Is So Great, Why Isn’t Everybody Doing It?

Social media video marketing is the wave of the future and the best way to engage an audience online. If you're currently not using video marketing in your social media strategy, read this article to find out how to overcome the obstacles.