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.