Tuesday the 24th March seems a long time ago now, guess we would even call it the end of the winter which seems hard to believe given the incredible weather we have had since then too, thank goodness!
Fair to say that we will all remember that day very well for a long time to come and the term “lockdown” will most likely bring back terrible memories – certainly quite devastating ones for some. It’s been eleven weeks now and to be honest, I’m selfishly relieved to say that the time has passed remarkably quickly.
What have we been doing in that time?
As this pandemic unfolded, I made a conscious effort to get in touch with each and everyone of my clients, really to offer anything that they needed. Whether it be a telephone discussion, re-assurance or perhaps updating both short & long-term financial plans, using cash flow modelling for visual explanations and peace of mind. I’ve always said that there is a fine line between persistency and annoyance and I guess you simply have to gauge this with each client, and as the cliché goes, we are all different. I think and hope we got the balance right.
I am pleased to say that I have managed to get to know my clients over the years and what can make them tick and I would also say that these relationships have developed considerably over the last 11 weeks, quite simply because we have been able to communicate more with each other – something I have embraced and enjoyed, if I’m allowed to say that now.
I’ll be honest with you, we have over 20 years industry experience however Astute was approaching its 1 year anniversary and of course I asked myself the question, will this be the end of us, surely new clients won’t appear and if we can can’t see our clients then we can’t work with them – right?. Relived to say – wrong, and in the last few weeks the business has in fact grown and new clients have come onboard which is first and foremost a relief and makes me immensely proud that the business has to a degree, been tested under severe circumstances. Using Microsoft Teams has been revolutionary and will undoubtedly change business practices forever.
These are without doubt strange and unprecedented times and regardless of what particular industry we work in, we are all watching developments closely and making forecasts on what a new normal will be although my own focus and aims for my clients has not changed, goals and objectives based financial planners with life centred financial planning at the heart of the process.
Stay safe!
