Why the Best Decisions Happen Without a Deadline
Every advisor who has gone through a transition knows the difference between moving with clarity and moving under pressure. When you’re rushed, your options shrink. Your ability to negotiate drops. You start prioritizing convenience over alignment even if you don’t mean to.
That’s why the most valuable thing you can give yourself when evaluating your broker dealer or RIA isn’t necessarily a deal or a platform introduction. It’s time.
Time = Leverage
I would say about half of the advisors I help transition are running from something–bad service, ancient technology, lack of control, etc. The other half aren’t necessarily running from some terrible experience, but they know their vision for the future may have a better partner somewhere else. Nothing is on fire, but they have that vision of the next level.
The amount of leverage these firms command is surprising, even to them. When you’re not under pressure to decide, you:
Take meetings as a partner, not as a commodity
Ask harder questions
Walk away more easily
Attract better offers (because you can afford to)
When you have space to evaluate, the entire tone of the process shifts in your favor. Having sat in both, I can tell you which practice I’d rather be 10 times out of 10.
Optionality is Built, Not Discovered
It’s like the old adage about how to boil a frog. Very rarely is there some scandal or mass failing that prompts a mass exodus. It’s usually growing discontentment and challenges. Too many advisors wait until a triggering event forces the conversation. Now, it’s the highest priority, stressful, and pulling you away from your practice.
I talk to advisors who are missing client meetings, home events, and team priorities, all while trying to map out your future with a clear head. It doesn’t have to look like that.
I’ve helped advisors fully move in 3 months, fleeing a sinking ship. I’ve also helped advisors move at their own pace and wait for the best partner to make the best offer.
But Does a Timeline Help Keep You Moving Forward?
Most of the advisors I work with don’t have a hard deadline. What they want is a way to understand their options, without setting off alarms. We build a simple roadmap:
A 60–90 day structure, if and when you’re ready
Clear benchmarks to make collaboration and progress clear
A plan that respects your time, your business, and your privacy
And if the right fit shows up early? You’re ready. If it takes longer? You’re not boxed in.
Be Strategic, Not Reactive
You don’t have to wait for a triggering event to get clarity, and you don’t have to rush a decision to know what your options are. If you’ve been thinking about what comes next — even quietly — now’s the time to start asking questions.
It’s better to explore when you don’t have to.