From Dan Wolodkiewicz, Pinnacle Financial Associates and Circle of Excellence Member
We began our journey to achieve Circle of Excellence (COE) 24 years ago, when the decision was made to begin a new career in the financial service industry. The “we” is the most important aspect in achieving COE. That “we” is my best friend/wife, Janet. Ironically, my previous career included working for Marathon Oil Company. Getting started in this business is the easy part, staying in the business is a “marathon”. Everyone who is successful in this business has their own unique story of those first five years! Those years can be brutal, and without the love and support of Janet, we would not be COE. Almost 9 years ago, we added a new “team member”, one of our 3 sons, Alex, joined Pinnacle Financial Associates to take us to “the next level”. Maybe in the near future, COE will be recognizing the top ESI Teams too.
One of our best practices is setting “SMART” goals. Whether it’s setting a goal to become a CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER™, have team production of $1,000,000 GDC, or be recognized as one of the top 5 Teams at ESI, we set Specific Measurable Attainable Relevant and Time-bound goals.
Our “goal-minded” attitude pours over to our client relationships and the financial planning process. It really does work well; it provides focus and SMART goals can provide clarity for our clients. Whether their goal is to have mortgage paid off by retirement or set a timeline for them to transition their business to a new partner, the SMART goal is a process we use to lead them along their financial planning journey.
Here is an example:
Specific: Achieve Circle of Excellence (COE)
Measurable: Be in the top 25 Reps at ESI
Attainable: What was your previous year GDC, and where was COE cutoff…set your GDC goal
Relevant: COE recognition & annual renewal fees paid by ESI
Time-bound: GDC target by December 31st
How will you achieve your SMART goals?
Congratulations to Pinnacle Financial Associates for their ongoing success, and thank you for sharing!
*Circle of Excellence membership is based on 2022 production. Credits have been adjusted to comply with the Massachusetts Fiduciary Rule.
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