Recently, I was participating in a Linkedin Forum, and one of the financial advisors posed the following question.

I have been trying to recruit Advisors and specifically CFP's using the Financial Planning Association (FPA) Career Center with no luck so far, any suggesions?

My Reponse:

I think I can add some insight into why you're having such a difficult time.  Have you ever considered your message?  Frankly, there are no shortage of advisors attempting to recruit agents for their firm.  In fact, I could recruit all of you guys to my firm.  What sets you guys apart?  What message are you sending? 

The reality is that as a licensed professional, I hear the same message day in and day out.  "Join my firm or my IMO because we specialize in this product and that product."  When in reality, everyone has the same limited number of companies.  Every agent is affected by AG38 if they sell UL products.  Every agent gets the same questions from carriers and clients  Every carrier goes to every licensed agency, firm, or agent with the same info.

I've found it easier to focus on the things that make agents tick.  I stopped considering myself an agent and started considering myself a marketer.  That means I work on generating leads.  No, I don't sell leads, but I do understand how to generate them.  I've been tasked with creating a series of workshops for agents.  The whole focus is how to generate a lead using social media, SEO, and internet marketing. 

I'll leave you with this.  What is the first thing and the last thing that are on the agents' minds when you guys talk to them?  If they're like most agents, they want prospects and leads.  I'm certain that I could come into any of your local NAIFA and FPA chapters and walk out with 10-20 names and phone numbers of agents that want to know what I already know how to do; GENERATE LEADS FOR FREE (or at least without breaking the bank).

If bees like honey(or whatever), doesn't it make sense that agents and advisors are like busy little bees?  They like honey or leads and prospects.  How can you add value to the agents lives and subsequently make yourself more valuable to agents?  We can talk in detail regarding the behaviors, technologies, and techniques, I use.  If you want to get the attention of more than 1 or 2 agents a month, you've got to change your focus and approach.

There you have it.  If you want to attract bees, pour a little honey into the situation.  Every agent hates to spend 80% of his time generating leads.  In fact, I've had a ton of experience with agents that would just rather pay me to generate leads.  So, if you're an insurance recruiter and you're in front of an agent, try focusing on the one thing that pulls that pulls that agent's emotional trigger, LEAD GENERATION!