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A Smarter Way to Scale & Grow Your Advisory Firm

Growth isn’t accidental. It’s mathematical.

Most financial advisory firms don’t struggle because they lack ambition or effort. They struggle because growth can only be managed without a clear plan for so long before it starts to put a strain on internal resources.

Business development efforts might still be working, but the more new clients that come in, the more stretched the team starts to feel. Revenue increases, yet margins don’t improve. The results of your marketing efforts might feel inconsistent. Systems exist, but visibility is limited. The team, especially leadership, spends more time reacting than they do proactively planning.

At a certain point, growth stops feeling like progress and starts feeling like pressure.

Firms often respond by trying to “fix” what they perceive as the problems—adding technology, tweaking service offerings, hiring more staff, or spending more on marketing. Sometimes those changes help. Oftentimes, the benefits are temporary, or non-existent. Not because the ideas are wrong, but because they’re applied in isolation.

The real challenge isn’t growth itself. It’s growing and scaling the firm in a way that doesn’t cause it to break altogether.

At On3 Strategies, we work with financial advisory firms that want to grow and scale with intention.

The On3 Equation

Venn diagram depicting components of the On3 Equation

The On3 Equation is a proprietary system developed by our On3 Strategies team that focuses on combining four main components of growth to achieve and sustain measurable success.

We believe that every successful practice operates on a specific equation – a combination of quantifiable inputs that, when aligned correctly, unlock exponential growth. We help firms identify and optimize that equation so they can scale with intention, grow with confidence, and practice repeatability.

When the equation is right, growth compounds. When it’s off balance, growth stalls.

The Four Components

Four components. One equation. Exponential results.

By aligning four core business components into a single, optimized equation, exponential results are possible.

The four components are:

  • Client Service Models
  • Wealth Tech (CRM)
  • Marketing
  • Coaching & Consulting

Component #1: client Service Models

Visual representation of Pareto's Principle

“The Experience Framework.”

Client service models determine how much growth your firm can absorb without breaking.

The concept of creating client service models is nothing new. We’ve all heard about the 80/20 Rule (Pareto Principle) – focusing your best efforts on the vital few (20%) of your clients that generate most of your revenue (80%), while strategically managing or reducing efforts on the remaining, less profitable households.

We go beyond the exercise of client segmentation and focus on the implementation, ongoing maintenance, and accountability of the deliverables associated with each tier.

Common pain points that are associated with this component are:

  • Imbalanced segmentation with regards to revenue generation
  • Inconsistent delivery of service across the client experience
  • Inefficient advisor-to-client ratios
  • Capacity issues per advisor or other team member

To learn more about how we help with this component, click here.

Component #2: Wealth Tech (CRM)

Pyramid chart depicting wealth tech stack categories

“The Operating System.”

Your tech stack isn’t just the software you use – it’s the infrastructure that powers your equation.

We focus on the pain points associated with tech stack implementation and integration – particularly with your firm’s CRM. We consult on the effectiveness of your existing technology, create solutions designed to solve the issues, and train your team on how to effectively and consistently use workflows to increase capacity, promote standardization, and prepare your firm to grow and scale.

Common pain points that are associated with this component are:

  • CRM acting as a glorified rolodex instead of an operational powerhouse
  • Inconsistencies in task performance, tracking, and follow-up
  • Lack of standardization across the client lifecycle
  • Improperly designed or completely missing workflows

 

To learn more about how we help with this component, click here.

Component #3: Marketing

Circle diagram representing a firm's marketing cycle

“The Growth Catalyst.”

Marketing controls the volume, quality, and predictability of demand for your services.

This component focuses on creating intentional, not reactive, lead flow. We consult on the effectiveness of your existing marketing strategy and how to adjust it to meet your short and long-term goals.

Like the hash marks on a football field, marketing goals can be measured. As long as you have a playbook, you can keep moving the chains and marching down the field. With teamwork and an experienced coach, you can win the game.

Common pain points that are associated with this component are:

  • No clearly-defined target market and identifiable niche
  • Trouble defining or explaining the firm’s differentiators
  • Lack of continuity and consistency in branding and messaging
  • Difficulty creating and distributing content that converts
  • Website copy that’s too vague or generic
  • Non-existent or under-utilized social media accounts & profiles

To learn more about how we help with this component, click here.

Component #4: Coaching & Consulting

Bar chart showing multiplier effect of coaching and consulting

“The Multiplier.”

Coaching & Consulting is the force that connects all variables and ensures they’re executed with discipline.

Without coaching and consulting, development in the other components stays fragmented. By leaning on the expertise and experience of the On3 Strategies coaching staff, you can ensure that progress compounds – hence, us referring to it as “The Multiplier”.

When compared to the other components, this one is unique. It’s subject matter is not as easily defined or structured. The On3 team’s vast well of knowledge and experience is deep, and we often help solve problems you didn’t even realize existed.

Common pain points that are associated with this component are:

  • Strategic decision-making
  • Leadership clarity and accountability
  • Goal setting and alignment across the firm
  • Execution and follow-through

To learn more about how we help with this component, click here.

The Ultimate Solution for Growth

Each component of the equation influences the others. Marketing drives demand, client service models determine capacity, technology provides visibility and control, coaching and consulting align decisions and execution.

When one component is misaligned, the equation weakens. When all four are calibrated together, growth accelerates. We don’t focus on the components in isolation – we optimize how they work together.

In other words…

Trust the coach. Grow the practice. Play to win. On3.

To learn more about the On3 Equation and how our team uses it to help you succeed, contact us.

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