Trusted advisors pave the way for the future

November 1, 2018

By Steve Campana, CPA, ABV, CFF® Partner When Steve Jobs returned to Apple in 1997 he anchored the Company around a core belief – “We believe that people with passion can change the world…and that people can change (it)… for the better. That’s what we believe.” Now, over 20 years later, we are seeing Jobs’ vision come to life not just at Apple or in tech, but in all manner and form of business and professional services. At Honkamp Krueger, we strive to be our clients’ trusted advisor through passionate, consultative and proactive relationships. To earn the moniker of trusted advisor requires a burning desire to make a difference in the life of a customer, client or individual by understanding what matters most to them or a result they would like to see in their life and Why. When prepared with the right tools, a trusted advisor who is passionate about improving the lives of his/her clients can accomplish more and go farther than a professional who focuses primarily on compliance services. Trusted advisors, who take their role seriously continuously educate themselves, properly equip their team and clients, and dedicate time to getting to know their clients’ hopes and dreams, are the real change-makers in today’s increasingly competitive, mobile and global world. A trusted advisor works with their clients to:

• Bring clarity and focus to their vision by articulating the above in a clear, concise and emotionally compelling manner
• Engage in a planning process to identify the outcomes desired and actions required
• Transform opposing obstacles from boulders into stepping stones
• Execute the plan by identifying, mobilizing and deploying internal and external resources
• Keep score by monitoring a small number of meaningful measures or metrics to sustain momentum, adapt as necessary and continually progress
• Finish, improve and grow by completing the incompletes, cleaning up the messes, and conducting after action reviews to consider lessons learned and opportunities to improve
• Enjoy the journey by constantly sharing good news and celebrating smALL wins every step of the way

Earning the designation of trusted advisor is a high priority and, at HK, it is the foundation of our future. We believe our people are empowered and have the passion to change the industry and make a difference in the lives of our people, clients and communities for the better. That’s what we believe. For more about HK, call 888-556-0123 or fill out our form.