Those you serve deserve more than dinner with a side of presentation; they deserve thoughtfully crafted experiences that spark connection and are truly enJOYable.
In his recent Financial Advisor Magazine article, “From Transactional To Transformational: Rethinking Client Events,” Larry Sprung, CFP®, Founder of Mitlin Financial, challenges the profession to shift their approach to focusing on one powerful principle: JOY.
Here at Mitlin Financial, we have experienced how focusing on enJOYing spending time with those you serve transforms events into meaningful, memorable experiences.
And more importantly? It deepens relationships and fuels real growth, not because we ask for referrals, but because we create something worth sharing.
Rethinking the Role of Events in Your Practice
When you shift your mindset from acquisition to appreciation, the result is transformative. Inviting clients to an evening with no pressure, just a shared experience, sends a clear message: “These gatherings are about togetherness, and it is those relationships that make this work so meaningful.”
This shift can break down barriers. As Larry shares in his article, an invitation to an event spurred a next-gen client to take action, creating a relationship with the next generation built on connection rather than conversion.
The JOY Formula: Authenticity + Experience = Community
Our client events follow a JOY-driven formula:
- Consistency strengthens connection: Hosting events twice a year keeps relationships active and helps people feel valued year-round.
- Private, curated settings: Hosting in intimate venues creates exclusivity and comfort.
- Unforgettable experiences: From bourbon tastings to ravioli-making classes with personalized aprons, unique moments create lasting memories.
- Memorable, meaningful swag: Gifts that feel thoughtful and tie back to the experience.
When guests enJOY themselves, they post about it, talk about it, and bring others to the next event.
Community Grows Deeper with Time
One of the most rewarding outcomes of our events has been witnessing relationships grow not just between our team and clients, but among clients themselves.
At a recent woodworking event, several guests rearranged their projects just to sit with people they had met at previous gatherings, reinforcing that these are opportunities to build lasting connections.
Beth D., one of our longtime clients, shared, ““I have been with Mitlin Financial since the beginning, specifically with Larry Sprung, and it has been the best choice I could have made. The entire Mitlin team is there to answer any questions I have at any time and have helped me plan my future gearing up to my retirement. Mitlin Financial has a team/family approach which separates them from the rest of the financial institutions in my opinion. I feel confident recommending Mitlin Financial to my family and friends!”
These moments remind us that when we prioritize connection, we help foster a community.
The Impact: Referrals Without Asking
It turns out that JOY is contagious. When people feel seen and celebrated, they naturally want others to share that experience. And they remember who made them feel that way. Our events that people enjoy attending evoke emotions that become associated with your service… and that is something no ad campaign can buy.
Why JOY Works: Now More Than Ever
In a world where financial advice is becoming commoditized and where AI can process information and suggest solutions, human connection is your true differentiator. People don’t stay because of your tech stack or investment strategy. They stay because they feel connected.
Shared JOY, feeling heard, feeling part of something, is a big part of that. As advisors, focusing on creating space for relationships to thrive, spaces where people feel welcomed and cared for, growth happens naturally. And perhaps best of all, it makes the work itself even more enJOYable.
Be Part of the JOYful Revolution
Become part of the growing shift toward JOY-driven advising and learn how these strategies elevate the relationships with those you serve and drive meaningful growth.
Discover how JOY can elevate your practice, improve client outcomes, and reignite your own passion for advising.
Endorsements, recommendations, or reviews received on this profile may or may not be from a verified client, and as such may or may not reflect real-life experiences of individuals who used our services. Individual results vary, and CWM, LLC does not claim, nor should the reader assume, that any individual experience recounted are representative of what anyone using our services may experience. No compensation was provided directly or indirectly to the promoter for the endorsement, recommendation, or review received.
