Building a cross-referral network of financial professionals

This is a shout out to my fellow financial professionals!! Estate planning attorneys, CPAs, accountants, bookkeepers, insurance agents, mortgage brokers, real estate agents, etc. You know who your are! Come on out for a short happy hour at Venik Lounge.

CONSIDERATIONS BEFORE CHOOSING TO RSVP:

I'm a financial advisor. I got into the business in 1995 and I'm looking to expand my network of financial professionals to whom I can be 100% comfortable referring my clients. At this moment in particular, I'm most interested in estate planning attorneys and tax professionals, but all are important, of course.

Venik Lounge is a very compact location and I want a more in-depth conversation than the typical Biznik event usually offers. So, I would like to make this a small, diverse group and I'd like to ask that representation from any one profession be limited to two people. (And yes, one more financial advisor is more than welcome!) Please glance through the list of attendees before you RSVP.

I'd like to discuss an array of topics revolving around the intricacies of our respective practices. Of course, things like our experience and training, ideal (and non-ideal) clients, fee structures, philosophies, professional focus, why we're different from our competition (if, in fact we are), and so on. I also like to be on more familiar terms with the people I recommend to my clients. Since I imagine there is a high percentage chance that we'll be sharing time over a couple drinks, getting to know each other personally also seems in order.

If you haven't been out to Venik Lounge yet, it's a fantastic spot with a phenominal menu whether eating or drinking.

Here is Venik's website if you want to take a look.

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  Posted by Sarah Bitter, Seattle, Washington | Jun 05, 2008

  Chris, this is a great idea. I'm looking forward to the opportunity to learn a LOT more about what everybody does, and why and how. (Secret. I love to talk (and learn) about insurance and planning and other scintillating topics. You've been warned.)

  It'll be nice to see you, David.
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  Posted by Chris Gemmill, CFP®, Seattle, Washington | Jun 05, 2008

  Glad you're up for it! It's no secret that these things are also a fetish of mine - especially over garlic or pickle infused vodka!! (Venik is an AEWESOME place!!)
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  Posted by Chris Gemmill, CFP®, Seattle, Washington | Jun 05, 2008

  And...

  I'll blame the spelling and grammatical errors above on the the fact that I just left Venik.
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  Posted by Colin Kossman, Bellevue, Washington | Jun 05, 2008

  I'm never one to pass up a happy hour, you know that Chris. Venik is definately an awesome place.

  Sarah, it will be great to chat with you as well regarding referral opportunities and it will be great to see you again David.
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  Posted by Jamie Clausen, Seattle, Washington | Jun 05, 2008

  Sounds like a great plan. As an attorney who focuses my practice on holistic estate planning, I am always interested in meeting people who work in the financial and insurance fields who might be a good match to my clients.
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  Posted by Chris Gemmill, CFP®, Seattle, Washington | Jun 05, 2008

  I have to admit that I encountered the involuntary reaction of a double-eyebrow-raise at the sight of a Dali Lama quote on the home page of a law firm's website...

  I'm looking forward to meeting you Jamie!
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  Posted by Deborah Asavarahapun, Seattle, Washington | Jun 06, 2008

  Thanks for the nudge Chris, looks like a great group of diverse professionals. My practice focuses on small business and I am constantly looking for resources for my clients. I look forward to getting to know everyone.

  Deborah Asavarahapun
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  Posted by Sarah Bitter, Seattle, Washington | Jun 06, 2008

  I'm looking forward to meeting everyone and checking out Venik.

  Colin, it'll be great to meet with you and chat about referral opportunities. Jamie, I definitely like the sound of holistic estate planning. Deborah, I also am constantly looking for resources for my small business clients; it'll be great to talk to you.
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  Posted by M-Jo Baker, Seattle, Washington | Jun 19, 2008

  I am bummed that I didn't see this in time! Chris, I sincerely hope you schedule another one of these soon.
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  Posted by Brad Davis, Seattle, Washington | Jun 20, 2008

  This is just the kind of networking I like to engage in. If a spot opens up, please let me know as I would like to attend.
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  Posted by Deborah Asavarahapun, Seattle, Washington | Jun 25, 2008

  Chris-I’m sorry I missed the meet and great yesterday I’d been looking forward to it for a week. I was tied up with a client until 6pm. I tried to figure out how to cut out but they moved their entire office over the weekend and we were digging through boxes trying to find files, etc.

  I feel badly committing to a spot that someone else could have filled and I promise I'm not a flake. When (not if) you do this in the future please let me know.

  Deborah Asavarahapun