National bestseller · Coaching for financial advisors
Steve Manuel helps financial advisors grow, run, retain, and transition their businesses by building stronger client relationships, improving business development, and aligning daily habits with long term goals. His coaching is grounded in decades of financial services experience and a simple belief: money follows trust.
The book is available now on Amazon. The assessment is the next step if you want a score.
How to Become the Advisor Your Prospects Trust, Hire and Refer
In his national best-selling book, Steve Manuel reveals: the “secret” to achieving long-term success as a financial advisor is really no secret. It all comes down to a few fundamentals. The challenge is that you may not be playing at your highest potential. To unlock your potential, you need a new strategy: one that harnesses the power of alignment to drive your passion for the financial advice game.
Prefer to listen? Chapter conversations are on Apple Podcasts and Spotify.
Twenty statements. A first read. Then the briefing.
Two assessments, both organized around Grow, Run, Retain, and Transition. Take all twenty statements first. Then a first read of the four scores — and a briefing specific to the constraint if you want to know exactly what to do next.
The Four Pillars of a Durable Advisory Practice
01
Accelerating organic growth, refining marketing focus, and mastering prospect to client conversion. Game-changing advisors curate the conversation around each prospect's exact pain points instead of relying on one-size-fits-all scripts.
02
Implementing practical, repeatable processes that improve team consistency, effectiveness, and operational efficiency. Simple systems and habits that advisors and their staff will actually use every day.
03
Driving client retention through elevated client experience design and relationship management. Structured service models for A, B, and C client tiers, and a Trust Ledger that treats every interaction as a deposit or a withdrawal.
04
Preparing practices and leadership teams for succession, continuity, acquisition, or sale. Client relationships that are institutionalized, not dependent on one person.
Meet Steve
Steve Manuel, CFP®, RICP®, has coached hundreds of financial advisors, advisor teams, and firm leaders on how to grow, run, retain, and transition their businesses. CFP® since 1986. More than two decades with the Financial Planning Association, including nearly seven years of board service. Leadership history at SAFECO and USAA. Performance coach with Oechsli.
He started in the late 1970s in San Francisco as a stockbroker. Product-pushing failed over time. Character, trust, and client-first alignment endured. He is the author of the national bestseller The Game-Changing Advisor.
On the book
“The Game-Changing Advisor is an essential read for any financial advisor looking to elevate their practice. With actionable insights and practical strategies, this book not only focuses on financial expertise but also on the human side of advising. It teaches how to foster genuine trust with clients, an element that is crucial in today's technology landscape.”
“I had the unique pleasure of being coached by Steve one-on-one. With his experience and insight, I wanted to write down almost everything that came out of his mouth because it was always some piece of wisdom perfectly distilled. Unfortunately, I was never able to write down everything I needed to learn from Steve. Fortunately, in The Game-Changing Advisor, he has done that for me.”
“In The Game-Changing Advisor, Steve has crafted a masterpiece that transcends the typical sales manual. This book is a treasure trove of timeless stories, profound wisdom, and actionable advice that speaks to professionals at every stage of their career. His focus on generosity, relationships, discovery, and values fills a crucial gap in traditional sales training.”
“In an industry that has long starved for leadership, Steve stands out as a beacon of thoughtful, visionary leadership. Steve sets himself apart by demonstrating a commitment to principles: ethics, transparency, and focus on what matters most. His unflappable poise amidst transformative change and ability to inspire others set an unparalleled standard.”
“Working with Steve has been an invaluable experience both personally and professionally. Learning from Steve's commitment to putting the client first has been instrumental in shaping my approach to financial planning. Our conversations were always productive, and I appreciate the moments of laughter that lightened the atmosphere and made learning enjoyable.”
“I've known and worked alongside Steve Manuel for many years, and it's been an incredible experience to witness his passion for financial planning. His dedication to the profession and unselfish ability to bring out the best in others make him an exceptional advisor and leader. I confidently recommend Steve's work to seasoned professionals and those just starting in financial planning.”
“Steve is very deliberate in addressing the heart of our industry, including our personal motivations. He offers practical tips on integrating priorities into our practice so we don't drift into a soulless vocation. Steve is clear that through careful thought, we can have a very purposeful advisor career impacting thousands of families.”
“I've known Steve for over thirty years as a colleague and friend. His thoughts, approaches, and strategies outlined in this book not only come from success and achievement in his career, but most importantly from his heart. Steve's advice of listening, understanding, and taking the time to build trusting relationships by doing what you say you'll do will always serve clients and advisors well.”
The book is the mirror. The assessment is the first read of this week's work. Meet with Steve is the conversation that follows.