This is the perfect video I have been looking for. Made this mistake last year. Not looking to make it again. Not a natural sales person. You live and you learn!
Great advice Michael. I am in the process of considering a career transition into Financial planning. I now realize that there are actual Financial planning jobs vs sales jobs to bring in clients (which is what I am interviewing for, and not what I want to do).
What are key questions to ask as independent RIA contemplating joining Mass Mutual as Financial Planner? (sounds like... "sales job to get clients") thank you ......Jan
As someone who recently graduated with a financial planning major, I have been told by my professor numerous times to go to the CFP board and find local advisors in your area. Once you do, see if they would be willing to schedule a call with you and then ask two questions...what is their story? And do they have any advice they could give you?... This can be a tremendous help when trying to navigate the jungle of financial services. Now as for Mass Mutual.... I have not heard great things about their "financial planning" as it seems to be focused more towards sales and getting clients. However, currently businesses are taking advantage of the current downturn to purchase other businesses at a deep-discount. If you're looking at joining Mass Mutual, make sure that you aren't being thrown a low-ball offer just because of current market trends.
Great tips! As you suggested in the video, I am doing due diligence on a company now that was ordered to pay a penalty by an SEC administrative law judge nearly 7 years ago. How much weight should I place on this as a company that I'm thinking of possibly working for?
Linda, Hard to know without knowing the exact details of the case and circumstances that triggered the penalty from the ALJ. One-time 'unusual' customer incidents are one thing. A penalty for a systematic compliance failure of the firm is another. Although in practice, there's nothing like getting punished by a regulator for a firm to finally clean up its act. At a minimum, I think it's fair to ask about the issue and see what they say. If they get negative or defensive, then I think you have your answer. If the reality is that it was something pertaining to prior business practices they no longer engage in, with former leadership who's no longer at the firm, and they seem to have legitimately turned a new leaf, then I wouldn't be afraid to move forward with them.
Great questions! I wouldn't have came up with those question had I not listen; just started a new career and ended up in a sales company; however looking to switch companies and getting ready for the job interview. Thanks for your help.
