Meeting Agenda & Facilitation Guide
A Simple Framework for Better Advisor Collaboration
Purpose
The purpose of a Trusted Advisor Huddle™ is simple:
Bring the client’s trusted professionals together to create better communication, better coordination, and better outcomes.
This is not a sales meeting.
This is not a networking event.
This is not a referral meeting.
The client is the focus.
The advisors are the team.
The goal is to align around the client’s objectives.
Recommended Participants
Depending on the situation, participants may include:
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Business Owner
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CPA
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Financial Advisor
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Estate Planning Attorney
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Insurance Professional
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Banker
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Business Consultant
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Valuation Expert
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Other Specialists
Invite only the professionals relevant to the discussion.
Meeting Guidelines
Focus on the Client
The client remains at the center of every discussion.
Respect Expertise
Each professional contributes unique knowledge and perspective.
Ask Questions Before Offering Solutions
Seek understanding first.
Avoid Technical Jargon
The client should understand every conversation.
Leave With Clear Next Steps
Every participant should know what happens next.
Suggested Meeting Length
Initial Advisor Huddle
60–90 Minutes
Follow-Up Huddles
30–60 Minutes
Annual Strategic Review
90 Minutes
Trusted Advisor Huddle™ Agenda
Part 1 — Client Goals (10–15 Minutes)
Questions
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What are your most important goals today?
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What has changed since our last discussion?
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What opportunities are most important right now?
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What concerns keep you awake at night?
Key Notes
Part 2 — Current Situation Review (10–15 Minutes)
Business Snapshot
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Revenue Trends
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Profitability
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Cash Flow
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Business Value
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Growth Initiatives
Personal Snapshot
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Retirement Readiness
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Family Considerations
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Estate Planning Status
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Major Life Changes
Key Notes
Part 3 — Opportunity Identification (15–20 Minutes)
Business Planning Opportunities
☐ Growth Planning
☐ Exit Planning
☐ Succession Planning
☐ Entity Structure Review
☐ Cash Flow Improvement
Tax Planning Opportunities
☐ Year-End Planning
☐ Retirement Contributions
☐ Entity Optimization
☐ Strategic Tax Planning
Personal Planning Opportunities
☐ Retirement Planning
☐ Estate Planning
☐ Insurance Review
☐ Legacy Planning
Collaboration Opportunities
☐ Additional Advisor Needed
☐ Better Communication Needed
☐ Follow-Up Meeting Needed
Key Notes
Part 4 — Risk Assessment (10–15 Minutes)
Questions
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What could derail progress?
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What risks deserve immediate attention?
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What assumptions should be challenged?
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What happens if the unexpected occurs?
Areas to Evaluate
☐ Business Risk
☐ Family Risk
☐ Estate Risk
☐ Tax Risk
☐ Succession Risk
☐ Retirement Risk
Key Notes
Part 5 — Advisor Roundtable (10–15 Minutes)
Each advisor answers:
What opportunities do you see?
What concerns do you see?
What actions do you recommend?
The Blueprint Review™
Review each area of The Blueprint for Financial Success™.
| Planning Area | Status |
|---|---|
| Business Planning | Green / Yellow / Red |
| Tax Planning | Green / Yellow / Red |
| Retirement Planning | Green / Yellow / Red |
| Risk Management | Green / Yellow / Red |
| Estate Planning | Green / Yellow / Red |
| Succession Planning | Green / Yellow / Red |
| Legacy Planning | Green / Yellow / Red |
Financial Planning Gap Analysis™
Which areas deserve further review?
☐ Business Planning
☐ Tax Planning
☐ Retirement Planning
☐ Risk Management
☐ Estate Planning
☐ Succession Planning
☐ Legacy Planning
Key Notes
Action Plan
Priority #1
Owner:
Due Date:
Priority #2
Owner:
Due Date:
Priority #3
Owner:
Due Date:
Next Advisor Huddle
Date:
Time:
Participants:
Advisor Huddle Success Checklist
Before concluding the meeting, confirm:
☐ Client goals are clear.
☐ Opportunities have been identified.
☐ Risks have been discussed.
☐ Responsibilities have been assigned.
☐ Deadlines have been established.
☐ Follow-up meeting scheduled.
☐ Advisors understand next steps.
Closing Question
Before ending the meeting, ask:
“What important question have we not asked yet?”
This simple question often creates the most valuable discussion of the entire meeting.
Trusted Advisor Huddle™ Philosophy
The objective is not to impress.
The objective is not to sell.
The objective is not to protect territory.
The objective is to help business owners make better decisions through better conversations and better collaboration.
Because better collaboration creates better outcomes.
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Where Trusted Professionals Build Smarter Plans Together.™
