Q: How did you first find out about Edward Jones?
A: Prior to coming to Edward Jones, I worked in the financial services industry and always heard great things about the firm. Q: So what brought you to Edward Jones?
A: In 2001, my job was downsized. After a few months of contemplating my next move, I went on monster.ca and the first thing that came up was Edward Jones. I applied online and within a week, got a call from Mississauga. I had three telephone interviews and a fourth in Mississauga, where the Canadian headquarters is located. I was on the payroll a couple months after submitting my application, and here I am four years later. Q: Can you tell us a little bit about the training that you received?
A: I had never done any sales before. I had worked in the airline industry before the financial services industry. I was a business analyst for a mutual fund company, so I never sold anything. At Edward Jones, you're taught from scratch about investments and how to sell them. You go through all the courses needed to be licensed to sell in Canada; the securities courses, the insurance courses and ongoing training. I also trained one-on-one with an experienced broker, so I got to learn what a Financial Advisor does. Q: What would you say to someone considering this career who has no experience in the financial services industry?
A: In the group that I trained with, there were people from all walks of life. I was the only person who had a financial background. We had retired teachers, principals, car salesmen and a scientist as well. You really don't need to have any prior investment knowledge. You don't need a background in the financial services industry. The training and the research that you receive help you understand the business and succeed at it. Q: What would you say to someone who thinks the Edward Jones opportunity sounds too good to be true?
A: It's a lot of hard work, and there are a lot of sacrifices you have to make, especially during the first few years of setting up your business. Like any business owner, you work a lot. You don't have normal 9 to 5 hours, and you don't always have your weekends free either. But if you are willing to do that, the sky's the limit in this job in terms of your earning capacity and the privileges it affords you. Being a mom with three kids, it helps a lot. If I decide to take a day off during the week because my daughter's sick, I can make it up on Saturday. That's what keeps me here; the balance I'm able to have. Q: What are your thoughts about your future with Edward Jones?
A: I always tell my clients that they'll see me walking into the office with a walker, that's how long I hope to be doing my job with Edward Jones. I love what I'm doing - helping my clients. Q: How does your family feel about you being an Edward Jones Financial Advisor?
A: My kids love me being with Edward Jones because of all the wonderful trips they get to go with me on. But they also know that mom has flexibility. I can go with them on school trips, for example. My husband likes it because he's not the sole breadwinner anymore. He also sees how much I enjoy it, and how much I love the people I work with. Q: What would you say the recipe for success is at Edward Jones?
A: Edward Jones' recipe for success is very simple. It's in the execution of five critical activities. If you follow these five activities, you'll be successful. I tell that to new brokers that come through my office for training. It's also important to wear the hat of a business owner. Don't think of this as a 9 to 5 job. It's a business, and it has to be run like one. Q: What do you think has made you successful?
A: I'm a people person, and I care for my clients. I go the extra mile for them. My clients know that whatever I tell them is in their best interest. In this industry where clients are investing their money, their life savings, a strong trust must be built. You have to be open, honest and sincere. Q: Are there other essential qualities for success as a Financial Advisor?
A: You have to be willing to take a leap. You need to be a committed individual with a strong entrepreneurial spirit - someone who's driven to be successful.
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