steve - financial adviser With 7 YEARS EXPERIENCE

What was the obstacle that would have prevented you from bringing the EPFL System (the engagement piece/software/process) into your business?

Unsure about how to “sell” the system to clients. 

What did you find after you did start using the system?

I decided to start by offering the system to “platinum” clients as a part of their package, and then included it as a part of the top two service packages, and found that clients were actually willing to pay for it.

I found that telling personal stories helped as clients had as many stories as I did!

What specific feature did you like most about the system (software/ process/engagement piece)?

We provide the client with an updated Information that Matters record every year and there are always changes. It just reinforces my position as the trusted adviser.

What would be three other benefits about the system?

The crisis management plan, which I fortunately haven’t had to use yet, is great to show as an example to my clients of how we can help and the number of decisions that have to be made.

The gap analysis tool helped me introduce the conversation when I first started working in estate planning provided me with the confidence to start the discussion.

Would you recommend this system? If so, why?

Yes, it’s added another service element to my offering, and helped take my focus off investments (which I can’t control).

Is there anything you’d like to add?

No.  

tim - financial adviser WITH 5 YEARS EXPERIENCE

What was the obstacle that would have prevented you from bringing the EPFL System (the engagement piece/software/process) into your business?

I did not see any obstacle to prevent from bringing the EPFL system into my process, in fact I believe it to be a disservice to my clients if I didn't utilise it.  However, like anything new, as an adviser you need to put time into learning how to use it.  It is extremely powerful.

What did you find after you did start using the system?

After utilising the system, I found overall existing client satisfaction to increase significantly.  Death and incapacity is natural part of life, given the fact that our clients have engaged our services for a financial plan it indicates they are forward thinkers and concerned for what the future holds.  It is therefore natural that they would appreciate solid advice regarding estate planning moving forward.  I found that by having this conversation, people valued what I am doing even more.  I also found it useful to re-engage inactive or self directed clients.

What specific feature did you like most about the system (software/ process/engagement piece)?

I like the fact that once the information is gathered and inputted into the system, there is a large degree of automation that allows of number of different reports to be generated easily.  The reports can be indexed in different fashions with ease also.

What would be three other benefits about the system?

By utilising this system it allows you to easily foster a stronger relationship with centres of influence in particular solicitors as one of the outcomes of this process is generally a new or revised will.  The clients find the outcome of the process extremely valuable, perhaps rating it higher than a statement of advice.  This is powerful tool to make the job for an executor much easier moving forward as all the information required is at their fingertips. 

Would you recommend this system? If so, why?

Yes, this system assists with holding an Estate Planning conversation.  The mere design of the reports makes it easy to demonstrate value for the client.  The design of the system allows for easy and professional report production by the adviser.

Is there anything you’d like to add?

Every single person needs the reports produced from this system as no-one knows when tragedy will strike.  By having this in place, clients are well placed to handle tragedy, and in the worst case scenario the executors are well placed to administer an estate.

kellie - propretior and financial adviser with 15 years experience

What was the obstacle that would have prevented you from bringing the EPFL System (the engagement piece/software/process) into your business?

Understanding the system and then how to market it to clients. Other resources available really helped.

What did you find after you did start using the system?

I have found clients think it’s a really great system.

What specific feature did you like most about the system (software/ process/engagement piece)?

Program itself.

What would be three other benefits about the system?

Having all the information in one area

Document Storage

Crisis management – step by step guide

Would you recommend this system? If so, why?

Yes, I have helped a number of clients deal with the estate process following the death of their spouse and if this had been around then, it would have been so much easier to support them through this tough time and to find the information that was needed.

Is there anything you’d like to add?

Nothing comes to mind.

rod - financial adviser WITH 20 YEARS EXPERIENCE

What was the obstacle that would have prevented you from bringing the EPFL System (the engagement piece/software/process) into your business? 

We always had Estate Planning as part of our review, and part of the Client offering. With the EPFL system in its initial form the program was very clunky.

What did you find after you did start using the system? 

2^nd version much better than the first easier to use.

What specific feature did you like most about the system (software/ process/engagement piece)? 

All three parts go together the reports were probably the underlying achiever.

What would be three other benefits about the system? 

Structure, Flow and you can give Gap analysis separate if necessary.

Would you recommend this system? If so, why? 

Yes if you are interested in client best interest plus you get to engage client’s children etc.