5 ways for RIAs to avoid social media and 'holistic' wealth management overreaches in a share-happy e-world

Great piece, Abby. I love the “Get personal – not private” point. Very important.

But I question the practicality of not getting emotionally involved. I agree it should be a professional aspiration to maintain a professional distance – and I most certainly agree that romantic involvement is out-of-bounds – but is it really possible to not care deeply about your clients after working with them for 10, 20, 30 years or more? I think that may be an unrealistic expectation for many business people.

Judgement.

Good common sense thoughts Abby, but I too agree with Jay’s point.

Like anything in life, you (the financial advisor in this case) needs to use their better judgement. I’ve seen some of the Biggest thought leaders in this industry share “Selfies” and add “smiley faces” to emails. Names of people you constantly see in the RIAbiz, Investment News, etc, who share their personal side with tens of thousands.

Don’t cross the line. Yes, agreed, but people crave emotional connections. Its bonding that builds trust and empathy. Its whats made the human species survive for so many years.

Marty Morua

Thank you both for your well thought comments. I, too, have been guilty of sharing much with people I have gotten close to both personally, professionally and socially from time to time. I guess the bottom line that I am trying to convey is to use your best judgment. With so many mediums for clients and prospects to find out about you, it makes sense to be prudent. Things can easily be misconstrued and one upset client can reach many people easily.

As far as the emotional connection, we are all human and I would hope we do have empathy and real emotions for our clients. My guidance is merely suggesting we always keep in mind that we are in this business we love, but it is a business. I appreciate your thoughtfulness. Thank you for commenting.