Sly Bald Guys Forum
Confidence and Success => Business/Work => Topic started by: Robmeister on January 04, 2007, 12:23:26 PM
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After several years in the financial services industry as an accountant and mortgage consultant, for the past year or so, I have had a position as a sub-agent financial consulting mentorship with one of Denver’s top financial planners. I’ve been learning A LOT, although the earning part has not hit a consistent level yet and to steadily outpace the expenses involved. It has been a long-term goal to EVENTUALLY be weaned from the mentorship…..save up enough money…and open my own office.
Due to circumstances beyond my control, my mentorship is being cut short ahead of saving much money. Some skeletons in my mentor’s closet have come to light—business wise—that have him under close scrutiny from the regulatory powers that be. Consequently, my lawyer has advised me to disassociate myself A.S.A.P. so as to protect and preserve a good reputation at this early stage of my entrepreneurship.
So we are faced with opening our own office MUCH sooner than expected…and before being as “ready” as we thought we needed to be. So our income and start-up capital is a HUGE question mark.
Anyway, you’ve all become pretty good online mates and I thought I’d solicite your support, prayers/positive thoughts-imaging.
My poor boss/mentor stands to have his biz go down the tubes. Hence the “Phoenix rising out of the ashes” of his demise that I’m faced with putting together. But I gotta do what I gotta do…..one of the reasons I started the “Motivational Quotes” thread.
I know in many cases these things lead to a step up in career development….but it’s not going to be a slam dunk. Any testimonies of this type of transition happening to you or family/people you know FOR THE BETTER would help keep my motivation high.
Thanks, mates
robmeister
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Here's a bit of my bio -- for what it's worth to ya.
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In addition to being a licensed financial consultant and Certified Equity Alliance Specialist, Rob’s diverse and interesting background prepared him well for his career in the Financial Services Industry. He made a significant mark in the music business as a performer, drummer and songwriter in the eighties, before preparing for a commission in the nineties as a Chaplain with the U.S. Navy. Since then Rob has served in various capacities in financial services, including mortgage consulting and corporate accounting in the retail, commercial real estate and investment industries. He applies his abilities and skills that he learned in those roles, including his heartfelt dedication, accounting expertise and an innate aptitude for numbers, to helping his clients navigate the financial consulting experience with ease. Rob is a frequent guest host on Southern Financial Corporation’s radio program, “The Essence of Financial Planning,” which airs on Wednesdays and Thursdays at 2:00pm on KRKS 94.7FM.
Rob was born and raised in Long Beach, California. He earned his B.A. in Theology with honors from Columbia International University. Rob has also engaged in significant Masters-level postgraduate studies in Theology, Accounting and Finance. He relocated to Colorado with his wife, Nancy, in 2003 and loves the outdoor activities the area provides. He still enjoys playing the drums and likes traveling, skiing, camping and his favorite past time, impromptu backyard campouts with his two young children, Bekah and Preston.
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Rob, I've been in your shoes before, though I was much younger and the stakes weren't as high.
How confident are you about working with some of your mentor's current clients? Have you had much exposure to his current clientelle?
I ask these questions because if he's about to fall as hard as you imply, then his clients are going to be left without representation in your area of expertise. You, being a mentor of his, can then bear the torch that he lit. You would need to spin your sales pitch so that you don't appear to have learned the negatives of his practices, but rather all the good stuff that his clients were sold on before.
Lawyers are typically trusted advisors that look out for your best interest, but they are also deal killers as they tend to be very conservative. Ask your lawyer how he can help you take advantage of this situation while minimizing your risk.
I'll pray for you buddy! In the meantime, if you're looking for some comfort in facing trials, try reading this speach by Steve Jobs: http://www.silist.com/JobsSpeech.htm (http://www.silist.com/JobsSpeech.htm)
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I hope it works out for you. I looked at buying a shop, getting out of IT completely, it would have been fun, something I would have enjoed, and I believe we could have made it work. Would have been tight for a year or so on just the wife's paycheck, but I was willing to try. We just couldn't come up with the funding needed. Not without including her father and I wasn't willing to do that.
Good luck to you, nothing ventured, nothing gained.
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Best wishes on your venture! I was a corporate banker for many years (about 10) and about 5 years ago I made a career change (I was bored with banking) and got into consulting for banks and placing VP to CEO level bankers and two years into it the firm I was with got bought and I wasn't under a non-solicit or non-compete so I formed my own Executive Search Firm and have been on my own since 2003 and I couldn't imagine any other way of life now. Running your own shop is the way to go. Scary at first, but put your blood, sweat, and tears into it and it will pay off. Best wishes!
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Thanks, mates!
Your input is helpful. Just need to stay motivated and inspired.
Again...not devastating or life threatening....but something I'd rather not have to deal with right now. But it is getting me out of my comfort zone @#$%^&*!
I'll pray for you buddy! In the meantime, if you're looking for some comfort in facing trials, try reading this speach by Steve Jobs: http://www.silist.com/JobsSpeech.htm (http://www.silist.com/JobsSpeech.htm)
Thanks Tyler, that is an inspiring piece!....especially about "connecting the dots"
Mr. Hawk -- I like the familiarity of your "path"
"...two years into it the firm I was with got bought...so I formed my own...Firm and have been on my own since 2003...Scary at first, but put your blood, sweat, and tears into it and it will pay off."
Especially this part, Hawk:
"...I couldn't imagine any other way of life now. Running your own shop is the way to go."
I knew yooz guyz would keep me inspired and motivated.
Now if I could just peel myself away from the frikken computer and talking to you knuckleheads....I could get on with it ;) :D
Nahhhh...I actually was able to locate office space today at a good price....so that's a pretty big hurdle.
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nothing ventured, nothing gained.
VFR....this is an age-old maxim still perfectly relevent....should never be under estimated....thanks for your input!
My recent favorite...is VERY powerful.....I have WPruitt to thank for this one:
"Far better it is to dare mighty things, to win glorious triumphs, even though checkered by failure, than to take rank with those who neither enjoy much nor suffer much, because they live in the gray twilight that knows not victory nor defeat." - Theodore Roosevelt
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Here is the way I look at it. If you are doing good at your current firm and there are no non-compete issues you will more than likely do it on your own, if not better. I think you will be pleasantly suprised!
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Here is the way I look at it. If you are doing good at your current firm and there are no non-compete issues you will more than likely do it on your own, if not better. I think you will be pleasantly suprised!
Thanks, Hawk...I appreciate that.
The main issue is that I hadn't yet proven myself at my current firm. I'd planned on proving myself and then going independent. Now I'm just--like I said--outa the nest sooner than expected.
So it's more of an "underdog" position which I actually like in a way.... now that I'm getting fired up about it.
Sometimes we need that unexpected nudge--like when your situation was "sold out from under you" so to speak. It's like...ok, time to cut the apron strings....and see it as a beginning, not an end.
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nothing ventured, nothing gained.
VFR....this is an age-old maxim still perfectly relevent....should never be under estimated....thanks for your input!
My recent favorite...is VERY powerful.....I have WPruitt to thank for this one:
"Far better it is to dare mighty things, to win glorious triumphs, even though checkered by failure, than to take rank with those who neither enjoy much nor suffer much, because they live in the gray twilight that knows not victory nor defeat." - Theodore Roosevelt
Thanks, I've always wanted to have my own business, mainly because if it suceed's, it's my doing, if it fails, no one to blame but me. I've just been looking for something fun. I've been told to start my own computer repair shop, but I don't find that fun anymore. This store would have been great, but no capital, and putting a daughter through college probably means no capital for a while.
Again, I wish you the best of luck, and keep us informed, pitfalls and good news.
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I'm in the same boat... I absolutely love what I do, which is a contract technical trainer, aka Training Hired Gun. I go into companies, learn about their equipment, and then turn around and teach it for them.
The second part of my job is as the account manager for the Mid West region. The company does technical support staffing... from PMs to engineers to IT to training. We're a search firm, but we specialize in contract or contract-to-hire staffing. It's a great company and I love working for them... very small and the boss is great!
Depending on how things are looking though, I am considering branching off on my own in about 5 years. It would be a big step, but one that would be worth it in the long run.
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I'm in the same boat...Depending on how things are looking...I am considering branching off on my own in about 5 years.
mmm...a different boat for me. That is the boat I _WAS_ in...wanting to branch off after a decent period of time to get things in place....mainly $$$$.
That boat capsized over the holidays. :-\ Hence my challenge...gotta branch off NOW or sink like a stone.
But I'm gettin' fired up now >:(
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Rob - Good luck. I have you in my thoughts and prayers. Glad the quote has meant to much to you.
Bill
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Rob - Good luck. I have you in my thoughts and prayers. Glad the quote has meant to much to you.
Bill
Thanks Bill
That quote is awesome...and is a great comfort and inspiration for someone like myself always chasing lofty goals....and dealing with nay sayers (not on this site, of course).
BTW, that's great that at your advanced age ;) you're bettering yourself by attending grad school. That is no easy feat, man....especially while working, husbanding and fathering. I know...I've been there.
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Rob - Good luck. I have you in my thoughts and prayers. Glad the quote has meant to much to you.
Bill
Thanks Bill
That quote is awesome...and is a great comfort and inspiration for someone like myself always chasing lofty goals....and dealing with nay sayers (not on this site, of course).
BTW, that's great that at your advanced age ;) you're bettering yourself by attending grad school. That is no easy feat, man....especially while working, husbanding and fathering. I know...I've been there.
To anyone that has a career passion they have not followed, I have one bit of advice .... GET OFF YOU ASS AND DO IT ... Life is to short for regrets
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Well I just gave my resignation ***gulp***
No turnin' back now.
I certainly have appreciated everyone's expressions of support.
***sob**** HOLD ME, bald brothers, HOLD ME ***sob***sniff***
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You'll do fine Rob...now get back to work!!!!!!
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Congrats on turning the page to a new chapter of your life.
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Well I just gave my resignation ***gulp***
No turnin' back now.
I certainly have appreciated everyone's expressions of support.
***sob**** HOLD ME, bald brothers, HOLD ME ***sob***sniff***
Well rob, congrats on the move. if you need a swift kick in the pants, call me. but i ain't holding you brother. HA HA
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Go ahead and kick me in the teeth....I will feel the love 8)
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Well rob, congrats on the move. if you need a swift kick in the pants, call me. but i ain't holding you brother. HA HA
Go ahead and kick me in the teeth....I will feel the love 8)
so you are admitting you are a assface? HA HA sorry bro, couldn't resist ;D
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Resigning is the easy part! Now go kick some butt and make some $$$!!!!
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now get your ass in gear so we can say "We knew him back when ...."
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so you are admitting you are a assface? HA HA sorry bro, couldn't resist ;D
Rib on brother!....I feel the love!
Hawk & Bill, thanks yoooz guyz.
Turns out things are really crumbling fast at the company I resigned from....so I'm stepping off a sinking ship not a moment too soon.
What's cool is there's a chance that I might be able to pick up the office manager/receptionist and the insurance specialist from my former office......that would save a lot of interviewing and they do a BANG UP job.
It's all about the startup $$$$.
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Well, I'm a poor teacher so I have no capital to offer .... TT Tyler - he's the big bucks entrepeauner
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Well, I'm a poor teacher so I have no capital to offer .... TT Tyler - he's the big bucks entrepeauner
I'm what you call...not liquid. It's all tied up in t-shirts! LOL!
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you need a janitor? i am a broke ass oilfield hand.
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I can uuuuuuuummmmmm....consult, yeah that's it.
That's the problem with the business venture I want to pursue. Start up capital. I'm working on rebuilding some credit issues and I'll go from there
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how about someone to get money owed to you. i can do that. HA HA
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Enforcer Paul
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Enforcer Paul
That'll have them quaking in their boots..... HAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHA!!
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HEY...... I can be mean if i have to. no really, i can.
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I think we got you covered for the tuff love area, Rob. ;) ;D Good Luck!
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COMPANY NAME
Hey Gang,
What company name strikes you as appropriate for my practice?
What I do is specialize in simply helping folks get whatever portion of their money they want to make safe and steer them in the right direction, assisting them in making the best decision they can make for themselves.
I don't try to take over their entire portfolio....or presume to be Suzy Ohrman or Warren Buffett for them. I deal with just that account or those accounts that they have been uncomfortable with or perhaps losing sleep over because of risk.
Anyway, just off the top of your head which strikes you as sounding/Looking best:
If you could use the poll _AND_ gimme a brief post with yer thoughts....I'd appreciate it.
Blackmore & Associates, Inc.
The Safe Money Specialists
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Forte Financial Services, Inc.
The Strong Name in Safe Money
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COMPANY NAME
Hey Gang,
What company name strikes you as appropriate for my practice?
What I do is specialize in simply helping folks get whatever portion of their money they want to make safe and steer them in the right direction, assisting them in making the best decision they can make for themselves.
I don't try to take over their entire portfolio....or presume to be Suzy Ohrman or Warren Buffett for them. I deal with just that account or those accounts that they have been uncomfortable with or perhaps losing sleep over because of risk.
Anyway, just off the top of your head which strikes you as sounding/Looking best:
If you could use the poll _AND_ gimme a brief post with yer thoughts....I'd appreciate it.
Blackmore & Associates, Inc.
The Safe Money Specialists
-or-
Forte Financial Services, Inc.
The Strong Name in Safe Money
I went for Forte... Blackmore sounds to much like a pirate! Argh!!
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I'm with Rob, something struck me as not so very good with Blackmore, and I think that was it. I'll go with Forte also
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three votes for FORTE. aarrrghhh
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I went with Forte Financial, because, well, it has Financial in the name, you work with finances.
Blackmore and Associates sounds like a lawyer's firm.
Just my honest opinion.
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Thanks for all your input...I didn't think it would be so unanimous.
BLACKMORE & ASSOCIATES, INC. IT IS!!!
nahh...
you guys make some good points.
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I went with Forte also. I'm not a big fan of using first or last names as business names for the sake of selling it in the future. I know this doesn't usually devalue a company, but it's a personaly chioce of mine.
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...for the sake of selling it in the future.
Excellent point as well.....hadn't thought of that.
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Forte .... sounds rock solid
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Forte .... sounds rock solid
Yep....that's why a couple other names I'm tossing around are:
Everest Financial
Rocky Mountain Financial
Front Range Financial
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I like Rocky Mountain
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I like Rocky Mountain
Thanks, brutha
OK, Everyone else....
new poll on top.....
go with very first impression.....
try not to be influenced by other's results....
I put your vote in, Pig
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aight
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I like Rocky Mountain Financial as well, 2nd choice Forte.
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I like the flow of "Forte Financial." You can't go wrong with alliterations. 8)
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I didn't like Rocky Mountain because I don't want my portfolio representing the Rocky Mountain skyline.
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I didn't like Rocky Mountain because I don't want my portfolio representing the Rocky Mountain skyline.
LOL!!! :D
Hey, man...ya never know.....some folks are subtely influenced like that..... by certain subliminal stuff.
That's why I ruled out Middle Finger Financial right off the top
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Hi Robmeister!
I chose Everest, cos even though it's big, you can still reach the top..Rocky, hmm, well that's sounds a little dodgy to me, Forte sounds like a motel (we have a chain of them here with that in the title) and I just didn't like the last one.
Hope that helps! ;)
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Rocky Mountain ... sounds a bit cheesey to me. I went with Forte but would prefer Blackmore.
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I like Forte Financial
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I still think Forte is the best... if you look at the others, you'd be sinking in with the rest of the crowd:
Rocky Mountain - how many companies do you think have a name like that... you'd be in the middle of the pack in the phone book
Everest - 2nd choice
Front Range - what were you thinking?? Sounds like you're either in the middle of nowhere or out with a bunch of rifles...
One thing that I've been told time and again, choose a business name that would put you close to the top of the listings for your type of business in the yellow pages. A lot of people pick a company or services that way...
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Everest - 2nd choice :D
One thing that I've been told time and again, choose a business name that would put you close to the top of the listings for your type of business in the yellow pages. A lot of people pick a company or services that way...
good thinking Batman!
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I still think Forte is the best... if you look at the others, you'd be sinking in with the rest of the crowd:
Rocky Mountain - how many companies do you think have a name like that... you'd be in the middle of the pack in the phone book
Everest - 2nd choice
Front Range - what were you thinking?? Sounds like you're either in the middle of nowhere or out with a bunch of rifles...
One thing that I've been told time and again, choose a business name that would put you close to the top of the listings for your type of business in the yellow pages. A lot of people pick a company or services that way...
Bald Rob has a good point - first choice - outside word of mouth - might be where you are in the phone book. Location ..... Location .... Location
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Brilliant!.....all of you....
Jolly good!....
I owe all of you a cold and foamie... :)
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Brilliant!.....all of you....
Jolly good!....
I owe all of you a cold and foamie... :)
And I will take you up on it
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Brilliant!.....all of you....
Jolly good!....
I owe all of you a cold and foamie... :)
And I will take you up on it
Me too...since I should be in Denver in early March.
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....I should be in Denver in early March.
Dude!
We should definitely make an effort to hook up.....seriously!!!
keep me posted!!
.....I'll wear my cap ;D
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I will for sure! O:O