It’s hard to believe that approximately one year ago, I launched Neary Financial Planning. The launch still feels surreal, as the idea of launching a business from the ground up was frankly daunting. Truth be told, it led to more than a few sleepless nights.
The past year has been a journey, and just like any journey, it has come with both ups and downs (thankfully, more ups than downs). It has given me time to reflect on what matters most to me professionally, and it has taught me lessons I didn’t fully appreciate before opening my own practice. Here are a few things I have learned along the way:
- Have a plan and an open mind. Being a financial planner, I naturally gravitate towards careful preparation. I launched Neary Financial Planning after months of reflection and planning, not only because it impacted our family, but also existing clients and colleagues I deeply cared about. Launching with a plan was a no-brainer, but just as important has been the ability to be flexible and adaptable as the business has grown. From my experience, business growth is an evolution, not a linear process.
- Running a business can be isolating, but loneliness is a choice. Launching a solo practice can have its lonely moments; however, practicing alone is also a choice. This is why I am so grateful to have found the welcoming and supportive community of Core Planning to collaborate and grow with. I am also grateful to have my clients and network that I care so much about. I have learned so much from all in my first year. In the age of AI and technology, it’s easy to rely on both for communication. But good old-fashioned calls and meetings over a cup of coffee are hard to beat. It puts the human element in financial planning, and it is an important part of my practice and growth.
- While I might run the business, my clients guide the business. While I may own Neary Financial Planning, the firm exists because of the trust my clients place in me. Their goals and expectations guide the decisions I make every day. The responsibility is real, but it is also one of the most rewarding parts of the profession.
- There are benefits to being small. Being a small independent practice comes with trade-offs, and as a small business owner, I wear many hats. But being small has given me the flexibility to spend more time serving my clients, and that, after all, is what this business is all about.
One year in, and I am even more convinced that financial planning is ultimately a relationship business. We are in the midst of a technological paradigm shift, but trust, listening, and genuine human connection remain at the center of meaningful advice.
Building a business from the ground up comes with plenty of uncertainty, which makes me all the more grateful for how year one has unfolded. The experience has exceeded my expectations and reinforced why I chose this path in the first place.
I would not be in this position without the support of my family, the trust of my clients, and the encouragement of friends and colleagues along the way. While I may have launched the business, this first year has truly been a team effort, and it is a journey that was never walked alone. Thank you. I am deeply grateful for each and every one of you.
Image credit and inspiration: The Journey Is On (2018) by Clemens van Lay, courtesy of Unsplash. Building a business is a journey that shapes you both personally and professionally.