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To Build Client Relationships That Last, Embrace Simplicity

As more automation becomes the norm, you can distinguish yourself as a financial professional by using technology wisely and prioritizing personal touches.

By Cody Foster published 23 December 2025 in Features

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A financial adviser talks intently with a client in his office.

(Image credit: Getty Images)

In the rapidly evolving world of business, simplicity often gets overshadowed by the allure of the latest technology and artificial intelligence (AI) advancements.

While these tools offer incredible potential, they can also introduce complexity that distracts from the core mission — providing exceptional service to your team and your clients.

To truly scale your business, embracing simplicity is key. That is what will allow you to distinguish yourself in a market that becomes more automated.

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Stay focused on essentials

Scaling a business is akin to building a house. Without a solid foundation, even the most glamorous architecture will crumble. In business, this foundation consists of a few core principles that, if consistently applied, yield great success:

Know what you do well. Being able to communicate what you do well, specifically when it comes to helping people enjoy a successful retirement, is key. Often, we take for granted how good we are at helping people plan their retirement.

About Adviser Intel

The author of this article is a participant in Kiplinger's Adviser Intel program, a curated network of trusted financial professionals who share expert insights on wealth building and preservation. Contributors, including fiduciary financial planners, wealth managers, CEOs and attorneys, provide actionable advice about retirement planning, estate planning, tax strategies and more. Experts are invited to contribute and do not pay to be included, so you can trust their advice is honest and valuable.

Guiding clients in the areas of income, taxes, estate planning and health care is a big differentiator from the person who helps only with investments.

Streamline workflows. Audit your operational processes to eliminate redundancies. It's amazing how we can complicate things through the years. We often add to, but very seldom subtract from, our processes.

Embrace technology, but don't think it's the magic solution

Technology is a powerful ally in the quest for growth, but it should be used strategically.

Employ selective automation. Use technology to automate repetitive, non-client-facing processes like data entry or scheduling, freeing up resources for more high-touch activities.

Leverage AI for efficiency. If you aren't using AI, you're falling behind — because your competitors are using it. AI can enhance your ability to analyze data, predict client needs and personalize interactions at scale.

Just remember that it should complement, not replace, the human touch that builds trust and loyalty.

Use data-driven insights. Leverage analytics tools to understand client behaviors and preferences. These insights inform strategies that enhance client interaction without requiring you to overhaul your existing system.

The impact of personal touches

In today's digital world, the human connection can be your most powerful differentiator. Personalized, unautomated interactions show clients they are truly valued.

Send handwritten notes. A simple, heartfelt note can convey authenticity and appreciation, qualities that mass-produced emails often lack.

Make phone calls. Taking the time to personally check in on a client conveys care and commitment. In a time when most interactions are digital, a voice call can strengthen relationships.

Cultivate meaningful client relationships

Building and nurturing relationships is at the heart of business success. A relationship-first approach not only retains clients but turns them into advocates.

Do fun things together. At Advisors Excel, our biggest investment, outside of staff, is in creating meaningful experiences with our adviser community.

Are you doing the same with your clients? Think through how you can create a connected community of fans.

Interested in more information for financial professionals? Sign up for Kiplinger's twice-monthly free newsletter, Adviser Angle.

Elevate your impact with one-to-many communication. While personal touches and regular check-ins are vital to success, you can save yourself a lot of work by finding ways to communicate to a large group of your clients at one time.

Regular events like "Wine and Wisdom" or "Markets and Mimosas" are fun ways to bring clients together and communicate en masse.

The power of simplicity

Scaling a business doesn't require adopting every new piece of technology or being everywhere all at once. It's about doing a few things exceptionally well and maintaining a personal connection with those you serve.

As we embrace new opportunities in 2026, let's remember that simplicity, combined with a commitment to personal touch, will set the foundation for scalable growth and enduring client relationships.

By focusing on what truly matters, relationships and taking the time to show genuine appreciation, you will continue to succeed in an ever-changing world.

Results from the use of these strategies are no guarantee of your future success.

Cody Foster is co-founder of Advisors Excel in Topeka, Kansas. Advisors Excel has a mission to help "good financial advisors become great business owners so they can help people enjoy an amazing retirement." Since its founding in 2005, the company has grown from the three original founders to over 1,000 employees today, making them one of the largest employers in Topeka.

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Disclaimer

This article was written by and presents the views of our contributing adviser, not the Kiplinger editorial staff. You can check adviser records with the SEC or with FINRA.

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Cody FosterSocial Links NavigationCo-Founder, Advisors Excel

Cody Foster is the co-founder of Advisors Excel in Topeka, Kansas. Advisors Excel has a mission to help "good financial advisors become great business owners so they can help people enjoy an amazing retirement." It has been named a Great Place to Work for seven straight years, becoming only the second company in Kansas history to accomplish this. In 2015, Cody founded AIM Strategies to bring his passion and knowledge for entrepreneurship into other areas, namely real estate, hospitality and community development.