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by Colleen Kowalski on April 5, 2023
The 2023 Exit Planning Summit heads back to Scottsdale, Arizona this May. This year we are thrilled to have over 40 speakers, over 30 industry partners, 16 breakout sessions, five Power Sessions, and three supplemental workshops in our Summit lineup.
Today we introduce one of our Breakout Session Speakers, Susan Danzig, a Certified Business Development Coach.
Meet Susan Danzig
Throughout her progressive career, Susan Danzig served as a catalyst for growth with a long track record of helping clients communicate their value, define their specialization, and create effective marketing strategies that attract ideal clients and grow firms consistently. As a visionary business strategist, she is committed to both business and individual success. She continually demonstrates her ability to support her client’s optimal performance, move firms forward, and deliver ongoing results for diverse business models.
Susan is a graduate of the University of Colorado in Boulder and a Certified Business Development Coach. Through Coach U, one of the premier coach training programs in the world, she received training in advanced group, business, and personal coaching skills. She is a Certified Business Coach with The Professional Business Coaches Alliance.
Susan is also a Certified Master Neuro-Linguistic Programming (NLP) Practitioner through NLP of California. Utilizing this training and her decades of experience working with financial planners, Susan developed a unique program that helps her client eliminate their impediments to success and unlock their potential for transformative business growth and success. Susan uses individual guidance coupled with a 3-month virtual academy to train and focus her clients to attain exponential growth.
Susan is a past member of the National Board of Directors for the Financial Planning Association (FPA) (2020-2022) and past President of the East Bay Chapter of the FPA (2016). She brings her passion for client development to her work with clients and is a frequent presenter for financial planning organizations including corporate engagements. She has presented to the Financial Planning Association at both national and local venues, as well as corporate venues including MetLife, MassMutual, National Association of Insurance and Financial Professionals Association (NAIFA), Prudential, NerdWallet, and Women in Financial Services (WIFS).
We spoke with Susan to learn more about her Breakout Session, why she wanted to be a part of the Exit Planning Summit, and what strides the financial planning industry can make toward gender parity.
What can Summit attendees expect from your session in May?
Susan: Attendees will gain perspective as to what they need to include to have a proven system to accelerate revenues with a CEPA Credential. I will address some key points during my session. I will share how to strengthen your business brand, so you are seen as the go-to expert in your niche.
We will discuss creating a clear, 90-day marketing plan for accelerating your business growth in this digital age. Attendees will learn how to craft marketing messages and value-added content for a more powerful online presence, create a steady flow of potential clients that fit your ideal client profile, and identify specific actions to attract your ideal clients and grow your bottom-line revenues. Overall, we will build confidence and effectively communicate how we help others achieve their goals.
What made you eager to speak at the 2023 Exit Planning Summit?
Susan: The CEPA credential positions professionals to stand out in the marketplace as specialists serving business owners preparing to exit. Scott Snider shared with me that the #1 challenge for CEPAs post certification is monetizing their credential. I can help overcome this obstacle. I am passionate about coaching the Exit Planning Institute Community of professionals who are eager to incorporate business development strategies to monetize their credentials, attract ideal clients, and grow their businesses.
Other than your session, what are you most looking forward to about the Summit?
Susan: I am excited to meet members of the EPI community, speak with other Summit speakers, and network with the industry partners in the expansive exhibit hall.
Who are your role models in business?
Susan: Personally and professionally, my father is one of my role models. He is a retired dentist with his own practice and specialization. Additionally, Steve Jobs is a role model of mine. While he wasn’t the best businessman, I appreciated his innovative thinking.
Have you served as a role model for others in your industry and in your personal life?
Susan: I met a new financial services professional in a networking situation as she was wrapping up her graduate school education. I took her under my wing and introduced her to the founders of a financial services firm that hired her as an intern. Recently, she started her own consulting business and participated in my Financial Advisor Success Training to gain education on how to brand, market, and grow her business. She reached her business goals in year one!
As a woman in the exit planning industry, do you believe there is parity in the industry? If not, what do you think would improve gender parity in the industry?
Susan: According to statistics on pay in the industry, men tend to earn more than women across the board. The exit planning industry is still male-dominated; however, we are seeing more women entering the profession and taking on leadership roles.
What advice do you have for women looking to start their own business or grow their business?
Susan: Know that it will take time. Get the training and education you need to confidently deliver your services and grow a profitable business. Attend industry conferences to be aware of best practices and current trends, join networking groups, volunteer, be open to having mentors, and keep your social media current and professional.
Register for the Exit Planning Summit
This year, Exit Planning Institute is hosting the first-ever Women in Exit Planning Symposium after the Exit Planning Summit. The Women in Exit Planning Symposium will bring together women advisors and business owners as well as men who work on women business owner’s advisory teams. This event will foster collaboration between all different advisor specialties together in the exit planning community. It will feature a panel of women exit planners who will share best practices, discuss challenges women face in the exit planning profession, and how to build value in your business. Additionally, the symposium offers a chance for exit planning professionals to network with other women across the advisory community.
Bundle your Exit Planning Summit registration with the Women in Exit Planning Symposium for four days filled with incredible exit planning and business development content.
