Starting a new career as a financial advisor is exciting—but it can also feel overwhelming. Between licensing, prospecting, and learning how to build client relationships, your first few months will set the foundation for your long-term success.
Think of the first 100 days as your launchpad. If you focus on the right habits now, you’ll not only survive but thrive in this competitive industry.
Here are the key habits to develop during your first 100 days as a financial advisor. The reality is you don’t need to think in terms of first 100 days. You need to think the first year, next 3 years, and the next 10 years. It’s a long term career commitment.
Why the First 100 Days Matter So Much
Your early days in this field are about momentum. This is when:
- You establish your reputation with colleagues and mentors. It will take much longer though.
- You form habits that influence your work ethic and client interactions.
- You gain confidence in navigating the real-world side of financial advising.
Failing to build the right structure early on can make it harder to recover later. But by being intentional, you’ll accelerate your growth.
1. Set Realistic Goals from Day One
Don’t pressure yourself to land dozens of clients immediately. Instead, set SMART goals (Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Relevant, Time-bound).
Examples:
- Schedule 10 networking meetings in your first month.
- Complete 2 practice financial plans for case studies.
- Attend at least 1 industry webinar or workshop per month.
These smaller goals build momentum and confidence.
2. Build a Daily Routine
Success in financial advising isn’t about one big win—it’s about consistent actions.
A simple daily structure could include:
- Morning (Prospecting): 1–2 hours dedicated to outreach and follow-ups.
- Midday (Client Prep/Meetings): Time for appointments or building proposals.
- Afternoon (Learning): Study industry updates, practice financial plans, or shadow a mentor.
Treat your calendar like your most important tool.
3. Prospecting & Networking Early On
Your client pipeline won’t fill itself. Start developing your prospecting habits now:
- Leverage LinkedIn to connect with young professionals and career networks.
- Ask friends, family, and mentors for introductions.
- Join local business groups or alumni associations.
The earlier you start prospecting, the sooner you’ll see results.
4. Build Client-Centered Habits
Even if you don’t have many clients yet, practice the behaviors you’ll need:
- Respond promptly to emails or inquiries.
- Listen actively—don’t just push products.
- Take notes after every client interaction to remember key details.
Trust is everything in this business, and it starts from your very first conversations.
5. Track Your Progress & Adjust
Use a simple spreadsheet or CRM to record your activities:
- Calls made
- Meetings booked
- Prospects added to your pipeline
Review this weekly. If you’re not meeting your goals, adjust your approach instead of waiting for results to “just happen.”
6. Lean on Mentorship & Training
Don’t try to figure everything out alone. Seek out mentors who have walked this path before. A good mentor can:
- Help you avoid common mistakes.
- Share scripts, templates, and strategies that work.
- Keep you accountable when things feel tough.
This is where a training membership like Behind The Advisor Academy becomes invaluable—structured guidance plus community support can shave years off your learning curve.
Long-Term Mindset Beyond Day 100
By the end of your first 100 days, you won’t have it all figured out—and that’s okay. What matters is building consistent, repeatable habits around prospecting, learning, and client care.
The truth is, financial advising is a marathon, not a sprint. If you focus on forming the right habits now, you’ll be setting yourself up for a long and rewarding career.
✅ Takeaway: Your first 100 days as a financial advisor are about momentum, discipline, and learning. Start small, stay consistent, and lean on mentorship to accelerate your growth.
👉 Want a proven roadmap for your first 100 days (and beyond)? Join Behind The Advisor Academy and get access to training, mentorship, and a community of advisors who’ve been where you are.
