Small on Purpose
Thank you for joining the conversation at ConnectED. This page holds the ideas and tools from our braindate, so you don't have to remember them all.
A boutique practice is a set of choices
A boutique practice isn't defined by how few people work there. It's defined by how intentionally its resources are used.
Automate the repeatable.
Let systems handle the work that's the same every time: scheduling, meeting notes, data entry, reminders.
Outsource the specialized.
Hand off the work someone else does better. Check that a tool or vendor is approved before you build around it.
Personalize the irreplaceable.
Keep your own time for what no system can do: knowing people well, noticing what changed, and being there when it matters.
The tools behind Calibri Financial
Most of my technology runs where clients never see it. Here is what I use, what each tool does for me, and what it works with.
Redtail
My client relationship system, with Redtail Imaging for document retention. Works with Jump and RightCapital.
Jump
Meeting notes and client details, so I walk into every conversation prepared. Works with Redtail, RightCapital, and Zoom.
Calendly
Online booking, so people can pick a time without the back-and-forth.
Zoom
Video meetings with clients across the country.
RightCapital
Financial planning, and the portal where clients view their accounts. Works with Redtail and Jump.
Vidyard
Short personal videos, provided through Osaic with archiving. I can include them in Constant Contact emails.
Constant Contact
Email to groups, with a built-in opt-out. Every email is reviewed before it goes out.
Squarespace
This website. I built it and maintain it myself.
NFC tags
The sticker you just tapped. Inexpensive, and a small moment people remember.
A PR firm
Marketing strategy and online presence, the specialized work I hand off.
Two lessons I learned the hard way.
I selected a booking tool from the approved vendor list, only to discover it couldn't integrate with our system. My video service was approved, but wasn't connected to Osaic on the back end. That connection has since been established.
The takeaway? Approval is only the first step. Verify compatibility, confirm the integrations are active, and test the entire workflow before building around a tool.
Anticipating what clients need
These are the guides I give clients during some of the hardest transitions of their lives. They're an example of personal service you can hand someone.
Let's keep talking
If you try something from today, I'd love to hear how it went.
Melissa Blaszczyk
Founder and Financial Advisor
Calibri Financial