I love the modern world. I love the computer, transportation, TiVo and my iPhone.

Perhaps one of the reasons technology is so quickly embraced by us human beings is that we struggle to delay gratification. We spend more than we earn to live a lifestyle we can't really afford; we get duped into believing we can get rich quick and without risk; we waste billions of dollars a year on fad diets that promise weight loss without effort; and we do the same with fitness equipment and programs that promise to make us fast and strong without breaking a sweat. Most of us joined the financial services industry, in part, for the unlimited income and total time freedom.

The "app" is the ultimate promise of instant gratification. Just download the app and you've got a way to do something you want done right now. It's very cool. I love apps! Wouldn't it be great if there was an app for everything? Need referrals instantly? There's an app for that! Need to execute a brilliant client interview right now? There's an app for that!

Need to know the right advice to give clients so they achieve their goals for a meeting in ten minutes? Or do you need to hire a great assistant tomorrow? There's an app for that! Need to know what to say to engage strangers at a social or business networking event so they want to meet you for business tomorrow? Need more confidence to build your business?
Need to know how to get wealthy people to trust you with all of their money? There's an app for those things too! And of course, they are either free or only 99 cents and there is very little effort involved in using them, and the results are guaranteed.

Sorry. I was being tongue-in-cheek to make a point. Of course, there are no apps for these things because not everything can be taken care of with an app.

What not even the brilliant iPhone or iPad can change is the fact that there are universal laws and principles that govern real and lasting success in life and business. No matter how cool the technology becomes, there will never be an app for those things that require mastery. That is bad news. But it's also good news.

There's no app that will make you a martial artist. Becoming a black belt requires a good instructor, lots of practice time, commitment, implementation in the real world and dedication over several years.

Scratch golf? Sorry, no app for that. Triathlete? Sorry, no app for that. Tennis? Sorry, no app for that. Guitar? Sorry, no app for that. Piano? Sorry, no app for that. Successful business person? Sorry, no app for that. Good spouse? Sorry, no app for that. Good parent? Sorry, no app for that.

Engineer? Sorry, no app for that. Doctor? Sorry, no app for that. Lawyer? Sorry, no app for that. Mechanic? Sorry, no app for that. Cop? Sorry, no app for that. Firefighter? Sorry, no app for that. Financial advisor? Ditto. No app. Bummer.

There's no app for conducting brilliant client interviews, effective implementation and progress meetings, asking for referrals, making follow-up calls or building the administrative and technical expert team to help you serve your clients. Though you can accomplish these things, there is no shortcut or silver bullet to produce results.

There's no app, but there is a formula: You need a good instructor, lots of practice time, commitment, implementation in the real world and dedication over several years.

The flip side is that most financial advisors waste years, even decades, seeking and trying to circumvent a truth that cannot be escaped: There's no app for lasting success.

How is this good news? If you are one of the few who are actually willing to do the work to build these skills over time, you have a distinct and substantial advantage over what will no longer even be called the "competition." Embark on the master's journey and you will acquire all the ideal clients you need to generate all the business revenue to cover your expenses, pay your taxes, have all the net income you want for a great present lifestyle and have all the money you need to fund your future goals and financial independence.

What does a financial advisor need to build a successful business? Six things.

Client Service Mastery
Help your clients get their entire financial house in perfect order and keep it that way forever. This starts with the implementation meeting, which is the first meeting after you've been hired, and cycles through three meetings per year.

Client Acquisition Mastery
In this you need to master four elements: 1) Asking for referrals. 2) Making follow-up calls in a way that is engaging. Your hope is that a certain number of callbacks will lead to more in-depth phone appointments. 3) Facilitating the phone appointments in an effective way so a certain number of clients agree to a face-to-face initial client interview at your office. 4) Conducting brilliant client interviews so a good percentage of them hire you.

Leadership Mastery
In pursuit of this you must build and lead a team of best-in-class subject-matter experts. People who will help you help your clients get their entire financial house in perfect order and keep it that way forever.

Communication And People Skills Mastery
You must ask the right questions, being an empathic listener, and when it is your turn to talk give your advice with conviction in a way that's all about the clients so they take action and implement your ideas.

Mind Set Mastery
Think like a business owner instead of like a practitioner. Focus on what you can control and don't be distracted by events out of your control like the market, the economy or world problems and conflicts.

Time, Priority And Calendar Mastery
Run your business instead of letting it run you. Know your priorities: Put them on your calendar as appointments with yourself and others, and develop the habit of honoring your calendar.

These are the important things that are required to tap your true potential as a financial advisor. There will never be an app. The sooner you embark on the master's journey, the sooner you will enjoy the benefits of mastery.

For 22 years, Bill Bachrach's company has been helping financial advisors build businesses with the right number of clients, working the right number of hours, for the right amount of money. Call 800.347.3707 to schedule a complimentary consultation or visit www.billbachrach.com.