As golf’s final Major for 2017, the PGA Championship, approached, memories of inspirational moments from years past were sparked. One of these “Major” moments came in the 1913 US Open with the most unlikely of heroes, Francis Ouimet, and his 10-year old Caddie, Eddie Lowery. After four rounds, Ouimet found himself tied with British greats, Harry Vardon and Ted Ray. He won in a playoff to the surprise and joy of spectators rooting for an American victor on American soil. In the movie “The Greatest Game Ever Played”, Lowery’s character quipped sage advice, however cheesy, at just the right moments to steady his man, Ouimet.

One moment in particular came close to the end with Ouimet needing to hole a challenging putt. Lowery knew it was makeable but saw the doubt in Ouimet’s face. To invoke confidence, he said “read it, roll it, hole it”. Ouimet did just that.

For Financial Advisors, the winds of change are swirling all around them from all directions: regulatory, robo management, compensation, product mix, account size. Perhaps now is the time to follow the counsel of Eddie Lowery and “Read it, Roll it, Hole it”.

“Read it”. Read your current situation. Measure what changes will affect you, your clients and your practice overall. Could there be negatives that affect how you invest for your clients? Could you be forced to give up relationships because they don’t meet corporate minimums? Will the Department of Labor fiduciary rule and your firm’s reaction to it influence future business practices and, subsequently, compensation? Could there be a loss of clients due to any of these forced changes and will there be pain as a result?

“Roll it”. Roll out a plan to investigate options. Is the distribution channel you exist in today the place to be going forward? Invest time researching other channels and firms. Carefully evaluate the pros and cons to reach a decision on any move. This process will help you commit with confidence to the final decision.

“Hole it”. Once all of your due diligence is completed, follow through with a well-developed plan to make changes you believe are in your best interest and the best interests of your family and clients. The confidence to make the putt was the difference-maker for Francis Ouimet. Read it, Roll it, Hole it can give you that confidence too.

Let’s make a list. It does not have to be lengthy. Name the activities most important to your success as a Financial Advisor. Think about where you focus your time and energy. Think about where your practice is today, and where you want it to go tomorrow. Are you bogged down by the minutiae forced on you by the corporate name for which you work? Are there limits, restrictions, or obstacles to how and with whom you conduct business? What would you most like to change if you were unfettered from the corporate namesake and branded yourself as The Business and the decision-maker?

For the established Advisor, there has never been a better time to explore your options, and one option, in particular, deserves your utmost attention- that of the Independent Channel. Why bother with another firm that will confine you to their norm? The lure of a signing bonus is just that- a lure. Don’t bite! Get compensation from Day One that is just and fair for the work you do and the value you provide your clients. YOU decide if and when to defer income. Focus your practice and services on the things you desire and not some incentive push by the corporate entity.

Ask yourself, “what initially drew me to the investment world? Why have I followed this career path?” If your answer is for the compensation, the Independent Channel IS the next logical step, as it’s the only path that provides you the full impact of your production. If your answer is because you have a passion for the financial markets, the Independent Channel IS the next logical step, as it’s the only mechanism that allows you the freedom of choice as to how, when, and what products and services you provide. If your answer is that your passion is to help people understand and navigate their financial future, the Independent Channel IS the next logical step, as it’s likely the only direction where you won’t be forced to pigeon-hole your clients based solely on the size of their account. From where does your drive to succeed originate? What is your “why”? The answer to that question will determine your future course.

The Independent Channel could be YOUR next logical step. You could be happier, and as a result, your clients may be more committed than ever.

Live your passion and purpose every day.