Things to Consider Before You Join as an FA (2025 Edition) 💼📊 Part 2 #GenZ

In Part 1, we covered the realities of the FA industry, including income instability, traditional vs. AI-driven prospecting, and handling rejection.

Now, let’s dive into the mindset and strategies that separate those who struggle from those who thrive in this industry.

✅ Step 4: Become a Lifelong Learner 📚

✅ Step 5: Build Your Network Every Chance You Get 🤝

✅ Step 6: Adopt a Resilient, Long-Term Mindset 🏆

If you’re serious about succeeding as a Financial Advisor in Singapore, here’s how to position yourself for long-term success. 🚀

📚 Step 4: Be a Good Student—Master the FA Industry Inside-Out

One thing is clear: The best financial advisors never stop learning.

🎯 Stephen Covey’s "Circle of Influence" states that you should focus on what you can control. (See 7 Habits of Highly Effective People)

While you can’t control market conditions or client decisions, you can control how much you learn, how well you present financial products, and how confidently you provide value.

What You CAN Control (Circle of Influence):

✅ Master FA Products – Learn the ins & outs of insurance, investments, estate planning, and tax optimization.

✅ Develop Communication Skills – Clients don’t just buy policies; they buy confidence and trust.

✅ Stay Updated on MAS Regulations – Rules change, and a well-informed FA gains trust faster.

🔹 How to Learn Faster:

✅ Study beyond the minimum SCI exams – Take courses in estate planning, high net-worth client management, and investment strategies.

✅ Role-play with senior FAs – Practicing how to present policies & investments makes a huge difference.

✅ Read & Learn from global markets – See how advisors in the US, UK, and Hong Kong position themselves.

Pro Tip: The more knowledgeable and credible you are, the less you’ll feel like you’re "selling"—because clients will seek you out.

Source: iStock

🤝 Step 5: Build Your Network—SG is Small, and Relationships Matter!

In Singapore, networking is everything. Whether you like it or not, your success as an FA depends on how many people know, like, and trust you.

How to Build Your Network (Even If You Hate Cold Calling)

✅ Leverage existing opportunities – Every event, gathering, or even casual meet-up is a chance to make acquaintances.

✅ Be genuinely helpful – Offer financial insights without expecting immediate returns. People remember value, not hard sales.

"It's not the looks or how close you are to the person, it's the impression you give people".

✅ Join communities & associations – Business groups, BNI, Toastmasters, or alumni networks can introduce you to potential clients.

✅ Use LinkedIn & Social Media – A strong online presence attracts leads without intrusive sales tactics. (Feel free to DM me for more!)

🎯 Mindset Shift: Instead of thinking, "I need to sell insurance today,"

think "I need to make meaningful connections today."

The sales will follow.

Source: giphy

🧠 Step 6: Resilience & Long-Term Thinking—This is a Marathon, Not a Sprint

💡 “Between stimulus and response, there is a space. In that space is our power to choose our response.” — Stephen Covey

FA is a long-term game, and success depends on how you respond to setbacks:

🔹 Rejection? → It’s not personal. It’s a numbers game.

🔹 Market downturn? → Educate clients on long-term investing instead of panicking.

🔹 Slow months? → Reflect on past clients to improve and focus on skills and lead generation instead of self-doubt.

🎯 Top Resilience Strategies for FAs

✅ Daily Gratitude & Reflection – Instead of focusing on what went wrong, reflect on what you learned.

✅ Build Mental Toughness – Read books like "Atomic Habits" (James Clear) and "Mindset" (Carol Dweck).

✅ Take Breaks When Needed – Burnout is real; don’t let short-term stress derail long-term success.

Source: giphy

📊 Final Thoughts: Success in FA is Built Over Time

🚀 To succeed in the FA industry:

✅ Become a student of finance – Knowledge builds confidence.

✅ Network every chance you get – Singapore is small, and relationships drive success.

✅ Adopt an entrepreneurial mindset – Control your actions, not external factors.

FA is not for everyone, but those who persist, adapt, and keep learning will thrive. 🌟

Source: giphy

This sharing concludes my season of exploration and adulting journey of the FA industry!

🔗 Related Reads:

📌 Previous: Things to Consider Before You Join FA (2025 Edition) Part 1

📌 The IDEAL world as a Financial Advisor 2025 Edition (Stay Tuned!)

📌 How to Build a Strong Client Base in the D2C/B2C industry? (Stay Tuned!)