

The Perfect RIA
Matthew Jarvis, CFP® & Micah Shilanski, CFP®
Welcome to The Perfect RIA podcast, the ultimate resource for advisors who want to master time management, optimize advisor-client interactions, achieve unparalleled profitability, and maximize value in their practice. Hosted by industry experts Matthew Jarvis, CFP®, and Micah Shilanski, CFP®, this podcast is your blueprint for success.
Matthew and Micah don't talk theory; they share what has worked for them in the real world. They cut through the noise to deliver practical advice that you can implement immediately so you can make the most of your time—allowing you to spend more of it outside the office.
Whether you're a seasoned advisor or just starting out, The Perfect RIA podcast equips you with the tools and knowledge you need to excel. Tune in and transform your advisory practice into a powerhouse of success.
Matthew and Micah don't talk theory; they share what has worked for them in the real world. They cut through the noise to deliver practical advice that you can implement immediately so you can make the most of your time—allowing you to spend more of it outside the office.
Whether you're a seasoned advisor or just starting out, The Perfect RIA podcast equips you with the tools and knowledge you need to excel. Tune in and transform your advisory practice into a powerhouse of success.
Episodes
Mentioned books

Dec 7, 2023 • 37min
Stupid Games = Stupid Prizes
Jamie Shilanski is opening up about legal challenges with her own personal experience and how to navigate such situations effectively. Emphasizing the importance of a proactive approach, she's highlighting the need to create a detailed timeline of events upon receiving any legal action. Jamie stresses the significance of completing crucial steps, likening it to scenarios where clients may forget to execute wills or update beneficiary designations. She's providing a practical perspective on handling legal challenges in both personal and professional spheres and encourages when faced with this situation to manage your emotions and initial reactions. Stupid Games = Stupid Prizes

Dec 6, 2023 • 28min
The Power of Coaching With Guest Scott Rusnak
Matthew Jarvis welcomes back Scott Rusnak, an EOS implementor and Matt's personal coach, to explore the pivotal role of coaching in personal and professional development. Scott shares his approach to selecting the right coach, focusing on backgrounds, client referrals, and the ability to emulate success. Matt and Scott further explore the dynamics between a coach and a client, shedding light on the "delegate and elevate" checklist as a crucial onboarding tool. Scott also discusses his intentional approach to relationships and as a guiding principle for achieving both personal and professional fulfillment. The Power of Coaching With Guest Scott Rusnak

Dec 4, 2023 • 27min
Value Sledgehammer or Volume Sucker Punch? [Episode 233]
In this episode of The Perfect RIA podcast, Matt and Micah are getting into the critical aspect of delivering value to clients through the use of Value Adds. Sharing examples from their 1099 Value Add and its origin, they caution against overwhelming clients with information and the importance of starting small when implementing Value Adds. Matt and Micah provide practical advice on creating a systematic process, setting deadlines, and involving the team in the implementation of Value Add initiatives. They'll also discuss and advocate for proactive planning because putting in that work in advance allows advisors to choose when to roll out improvements, giving them more control in delivering ongoing value to clients. Value Sledgehammer or Volume Sucker Punch? [Episode 233]

Dec 1, 2023 • 10min
Estate Planning Value, Client Complexities, and Balancing Service With Personal Growth
On Monday, we revisited Micah and special guest Rod Zeeb, CEO of The Heritage Institute, as they emphasized building genuine connections and trust with clients through estate planning. They discuss the four key things clients genuinely desire and the critical questions advisors must ask to meet those expectations, all while stressing the importance of starting with a vision. On Wednesday, Matt was joined by, Paul Saganey, the founder of Integrated Partners, who introduced the concept of the complexity curve and shared his insights into problem-solving and the significance of asking thought-provoking questions to provide guidance for financial advisors aiming to elevate their practice. Thursday, Jamie shared her journey as an acts of service person and addressed the challenges of asking for assistance, and offered insights into achieving a balance between helping others and personal growth. Tune in as we recap highlights and action items from estate planning to personal growth. Asking Questions That Matter For Estate Planning [Episode 232] The Complexity Curve with Guest Paul Saganey Acts Of Service Estate Planning Value, Client Complexities, and Balancing Service With Personal Growth

Nov 30, 2023 • 35min
Acts Of Service
Jamie explores acts of service individuals and the potential impact on personal success, where she shares her personal journey as an act of service person. She's discussing the downside of this mindset, as it can lead to difficulties in letting go and asking for help when needed. Jamie underscores the importance of empowering and teaching others and addresses the common tendency for acts of service individuals to put others before themselves, even at the cost of their own needs. Tune in as she offers valuable insights for those seeking a balance between helping others and achieving personal growth and success. Acts Of Service

Nov 29, 2023 • 32min
The Complexity Curve with Guest Paul Saganey
Matt is joined by the founder of Integrated Partners, Paul Saganey, to explore the fascinating concept of the complexity curve. Integrated Partners has struck a unique balance, empowering advisors to remain independent while receiving the crucial support and networking opportunities they need. The key focus here is helping advisors guide their clients through the complexity curve, where both financial and personal lives become increasingly intricate with time. Paul talks further about the art of building strong relationships with accounting firms, the importance of problem-solving, and highlighting how you can be a true asset to them. Paul also shares his wisdom on the significance of 'disturbing tracks,' a technique that helps advisors visually depict clients' financial futures by recognizing and magnifying problems. He stresses the value of asking thought-provoking questions rather than providing cookie-cutter solutions. The Complexity Curve with Guest Paul Saganey

Nov 27, 2023 • 41min
Throwback: Asking Questions That Matter For Estate Planning
This industry is about so much more than simply offering financial help. It is about building honest connections and trust with your clients and ensuring that they always feel heard, valued, and understood. In this episode, Micah will be joined by Rod Zeeb, founder and CEO of The Heritage Institute, to discuss how to deliver massive value items, specifically several things we need to focus on as advisors to make sure we're always exceeding expectations. Listen in as Rod explains the four things that clients truly want, as well as the questions you need to ask in order to get there. You will learn how to understand your clients' goals with their estate planning, how to approach a conversation around an estate that is not being split equally, and why you should always start with the vision. Throwback: Asking Questions That Matter For Estate Planning

Nov 24, 2023 • 11min
Mastering Communication, Delegation Secrets, and Personal Growth
On Monday, Matt and Micah talked about the concept of treating everyday interactions as at-bats and the significance of mastering communication skills to succeed in your practice. On Wednesday, Matt was joined by Karen Stewart, who highlighted how virtual assistants can handle tasks like email, calendar management, and even process documentation, freeing up advisors to focus on their strengths. Thursday, Jamie shares valuable insights about not engaging in every confrontation and finding the right people to collaborate with, and the importance of not allowing negative thoughts to limit your potential. Tune in as we recap highlights and action items from personal development to improving your professional skills. How To Get More At-Bats [Episode 231] Delegating for Success with Guest Karen Stewart Showin' Up For A Fight Mastering Communication, Delegation Secrets, and Personal Growth

Nov 23, 2023 • 26min
Showin' Up For A Fight
Jamie discusses the importance of recognizing when to step away from unnecessary conflicts in our lives, emphasizing that not every fight requires our presence and the concept that some people, due to a chaotic upbringing, unknowingly seek chaos as adults to recreate a sense of normalcy. She stresses that you must evaluate where you invest your energy and the importance of surrounding yourself with the right people. This serves as a compelling reminder that we are in control of our lives and that we have the power to choose how we invest our time, energy, and focus. Showin' Up For A Fight

Nov 22, 2023 • 21min
Delegating for Success with Guest Karen Stewart
Matt is once again joined by Karen Stewart from Belay to discuss delegation and maximizing efficiency in your business. Karen stresses the importance of creating a list of tasks you're currently handling. From email management to calendar organization and even travel planning, she suggests pinpointing which tasks can be effectively delegated to a virtual assistant. Not all tasks require your personal touch. Instead of feeling you 'should' be handling certain tasks, you can delegate these to a VA, who's better equipped for the job. Matt and Karen will also talk about the importance of clear communication and onboarding processes when working with a virtual assistant. It's all about understanding each other's expectations and preferences, which is a crucial factor for a harmonious and productive working relationship. Delegating for Success with Guest Karen Stewart


