Five quiet signals a client is drifting
Clients rarely say they’re leaving. These signs come first.
They stop asking questions
Quiet after a review isn’t always a compliment.
What it looks like
An engaged client asks things: about a fee, a fund, a headline. When the questions stop, and a review ends with “all good, thanks”, they may have stopped thinking of you as the person to ask.
Do this week
Ask one specific question about something they told you last time. Use the detail as a fact you hold, not a replay.
“With the Cape house listing planned for spring, is spring still the date?”
A review slips and nobody rebooks it
A missed date with no new one is a door left open.
What it looks like
The review moved once, then nobody picked a new date. It’s easy to read as “busy”. It can also be the first sign they’re comparing you with someone else.
Do this week
Offer two specific times. “Let me know when suits” puts the work back on them.
“Would Tuesday at 10 or Thursday at 2 work for a 20-minute catch-up?”
Money moves without a conversation
You heard about it from the custodian, not the client.
What it looks like
A large withdrawal or an outgoing transfer shows up before anyone mentions it. Sometimes it’s a kitchen. Sometimes it’s a second advisor.
Do this week
Call, don’t email, and ask what the money is for. Then ask if anything has changed in their plans.
“Your $40,000 transfer went out on October 12. What is it for, so the plan still fits?”
Only one of the couple comes to meetings
The partner who stops coming is often the one deciding.
What it looks like
Both used to come. Now one does, and answers for the other. Whoever isn’t in the room isn’t hearing why the plan works.
Do this week
Invite both by name, and ask each what they want from the next review.
“Sofia, James, before we meet, what’s the one thing each of you wants to leave with?”
Replies get shorter
One-line answers to long emails.
What it looks like
Your emails stay long and theirs shrink to “Thanks” or “Sounds good”. They’re reading less of what you send, or none of it.
Do this week
Shorten yours: one point, one ask, under five lines. Put the ask in the first sentence.
“Can you sign the form by Monday? It’s attached; everything else is done.”
Where Tenuit fits
Use these signs to choose when to write, and never tell a client you noticed them. Tenuit reads your email, calls, CRM and custodian data. It puts what needs you on your Home, with a draft of the next step for you to check. Anything a client reads is cleared by compliance first.
For financial advisors. General education, not advice on any client’s situation. Names in examples are made up.