Financial advisor leaders are always on the hunt for top-tier talent, there's a clandestine truth: originality is scarce. But fret not, because the brilliance lies not in crafting something from the void but in adeptly emulating.
Emulation isn’t synonymous with copying. It's about dissecting successful strategies, grasping their core, and then molding something distinctly yours from that understanding. Imagine leveraging the wisdom of industry giants, not to overshadow them, but to see further, innovate, and bring fresh perspectives to traditional challenges. That's the potency of "stealing like an artist." It's about absorbing, learning, and then creating with a dash of your own flair.
Dear FA leaders, remember how you reinvent sales pitches that got you MDRT, COT, TOT?
Well, it's the same logic, in a different game. it's time to embrace the art of emulation, master content creation, and navigate platforms like LinkedIn with finesse. Dive into this guide, and unearth the transformative power of continuous learning and adaptation. And remember, it's not merely about stealing; it's about stealing right.
Every successful creator, from bestselling authors to influential marketers, has a unique voice. But that voice wasn't found in isolation. It was honed through years of observing, learning, and emulating the best in their field. Here's how they do it:
Top creators often immerse themselves in a sea of content, from books to blogs, podcasts to presentations.
Example: Consider how Warren Buffett was inspired by Benjamin Graham’s principles of investing. He didn’t copy; he absorbed and then innovated.
Instead of blindly copying, they dissect what works and why.
Example: An FA leader might study the recruitment strategies of renowned leaders, not to replicate them verbatim, but to understand the underlying strategies and techniquess.
They take what they've learned, apply it, and then tweak based on feedback and results.
Example: An FA leader might emulate the leadership style of a successful peer but adapt it to fit their own personality and team dynamics.
Emulation is an art, and like any art, it requires practice and intention. Here's a step-by-step guide to ensure you're emulating the right way:
- List down individuals or companies you admire in your field.
- Focus on those whose style or approach resonates with you.
- Dive deep into their content. Read their articles, watch their talks, or attend their workshops.
- Take notes on what stands out, what engages you, and what you think makes their work effective.
- Look beyond the surface. Instead of focusing on exact words or designs, try to understand the underlying principles or strategies.
- For instance, if an FA leader consistently recruits top talent, it might not be their specific strategies but their method of presenting opportunities or connecting with individuals.
- Use what you've learned as a foundation, but always add your personal touch.
- Example: If you're an FA leader inspired by a particular recruitment campaign, don't replicate it. Instead, use its core idea and adapt it to your firm's voice and audience.
Share your work with peers or mentors and ask for constructive criticism.
Use their insights to refine and improve.
Content pillars are the foundation of your content strategy, the core topics around which all your content revolves.
As an FA leader, are you specialized in wealth management, retirement planning, or investment strategies? Your specialization becomes a content pillar.
Who are you speaking to? Think about your ideal recruits: fresh grads, career switchers, bankers, engineers, accountants, etc.
For each pillar, list down potential topics or questions your audience might have.
Example: If your pillar is "Freedom," topics could be "How to gain freedom from 9 to 5 jobs as a FA."
Great content isn't just about what you say, but how you say it.
Here's how to ensure your content is both compelling and engaging:
Your opening lines should grab attention. Pose a question, state a surprising fact, or share a relatable anecdote.
Avoid jargon. Write as if you're explaining to a friend, not presenting a thesis.
Use bullet points, subheadings, and short paragraphs. It makes your content skimmable and reader-friendly.
Every piece of content should offer something—be it knowledge, a solution, or a fresh perspective.
What do you want your readers to do next? Whether it's applying for a position, reading another article, or sharing their thoughts, guide them.
While we'll dive deep into LinkedIn in the next section, remember that each platform has its nuances. A long-form blog post might work wonders on your website, but on LinkedIn, a succinct and impactful post might be more effective.
Now you have content ready, inspired by the best thinkers and leaders, but uniquely to your own. Time to distribute to LinkedIn and fuel your recruitment pipeline.
However, distribution is not the end.
Your profile is your digital business card. Ensure you have a clear profile picture, a compelling headline, and a detailed summary that showcases your expertise and experience.
Leveraging the content strategies from the previous chapter, post regularly. Whether it's articles, posts, or even comments, consistency is key.
Identify and engage with top voices in your industry. Comment on their posts, share their content with your insights, or even collaborate on content.
LinkedIn groups are hubs of discussion and networking. Join groups relevant to your domain, participate in discussions, and share your expertise.
Dive into the analytics provided by LinkedIn to understand what's working and what's not. Adjust your strategy based on data-driven insights.
Start "stealing" today, but do it right. Emulate to understand, learn to innovate, and engage to build. Your LinkedIn profile is not just a digital resume; it's a platform where you can showcase your expertise, share your knowledge, and most importantly, attract like-minded professionals who can potentially become invaluable assets to your team.
In the world of recruitment, especially in the financial sector, showcasing not just your firm’s successes but also its culture, values, and thought leadership can be the key to attracting top-tier talent. Your content should not only reflect your expertise but also provide a window into what it’s like to be part of your team.
Time to steal like an artist, and LinkedIn like a pro!
reference
Steal Like an Artist: 10 Things Nobody Told You About Being Creative by Austin Kleon
