The best way I know how to communicate with clients is to listen and ask questions. I want to be sure they understand what I'm talking about, and if there is any confusion, I will stop and explain it again in language that is accessible, without appearing to be talking down to them. I also confirm their understanding along the way. A recent example is a phone conversation I had with an 81 year old client whose wife had just died, one of his sons and his estate planning attorney. The attorney was explaining the process of settling the estate and after every sentence, I had to "translate" what he said into language that my client and his son understood. He was using legal terminology that was totally inappropriate for the situation. I thought afterwards, clearly, this man never speaks to clients!
As a CEO of Startup House, I believe in simplifying complex financial concepts for our clients by using relatable analogies and real-life examples. For instance, when explaining the importance of budgeting to a client with limited financial literacy, I might compare it to planning a road trip - you need to know how much gas you have, where you're going, and how to avoid detours to reach your destination efficiently. By breaking down financial jargon into everyday language, we ensure our clients feel empowered and informed about their financial decisions.