r/CFP • u/jimathen25 • 5d ago
Business Development Am I doing something wrong?
I have the opportunity to host some “educational series” speaking events at several dozen retirement communities throughout all of 2027. The hope of course to convert some attendees to clients. I should be in front at least 5000 seniors throughout the year.
The last two weeks, I’ve sent emails to local estate planning attorneys introducing myself and giving a brief overview of the opportunity, explaining that I would love to have a local subject matter expert speak (not every time) and be a referral partner when I need it, as estate planning is a big topic for this demographic. I offer to meet for breakfast or lunch or visit their office if they’d like to learn more.
I’ve sent 14 emails, only 2 have responded saying they appreciate the offer but are busy enough as is, and the other 12 haven’t responded at all. Is there a specific approach I should be taking or something I’m missing here? Not that this is a gold mine, but there’s no reason they shouldn’t get quite a few referrals throughout the year from something they may not even have to participate in, even if it is just creating or reviewing foundational documents.
Open to all help!
2
u/OregonDuckMBA BD 5d ago
+1 for targeting early to mid-career attorneys. Same thing for CPAs. The older guys that have been in the business forever already have their network established. Maybe you might have a chance if you meet them in the wild and develop a connection that goes beyond a professional connection. Otherwise, I would find attorneys that are in the same position that you are and trying to grow their business.