May 22, 2017

Why IFAs should read books? Suggested Books for IFAs

Brijesh Dalmia
Founder, Dalmia Advisory Services Pvt Ltd

Why IFAs should read books? Suggested Books for IFAs.

I have been reading since long. Last few years, I have been reading a lot more. And I strongly believe that IFAs will benefit a lot by developing a habit of regularly reading books. Here are a few things I have learned about being an effective reader.

1) To be able to develop the habit of reading, it should not be done from the perspective of gaining benefit or learning. It should be done as a hobby or leisure. It should be effortless.

2) Most people consider reading as an opportunity cost of doing something else as reading doesn’t provide any instant gratification or economic benefit. So they ignore, avoid and put it off for tomorrow. Tomorrow never comes in reading. Reading must form part of everyday life. A routine. A ritual. Tune this in your mind.

3) Don’t force yourself to read a particular genre or subject. Start with reading whatever interests you. Over time, you will automatically know what you like. Go with the flow.

4) It is not necessary to read all the books cover to cover. Doing this will consume a lot of time. Instead, you need to learn the art of skimming (glancing through/capturing the main idea) and skipping (irrelevant sections and repetitions). With time you will learn to do this. This is extremely important to understand that you simply don’t have enough time to read everything that’s written. So, learn to read fast. Apply the rule of marginal benefit. Typically, a 300-page book will require 10 hours of reading. At some stage, you should be able to finish reading such books in 3-4 hours through skimming and skipping. Of course, books that interest you and keep you engrossed, you can read them cover to cover no matter how much time it takes.

5) After you have read a reasonable number of books (say 50-100), you will have a fair idea of basic stuff author write. This will greatly help you read faster.

6) Reading does to mind what exercise does to your body. It’s a slow process but bit by bit you will feel the difference in your ability to see things with a different perspective, make you analyze better and stop you from being judgemental.

How it Helps Your Practice?

It is extremely important for IFAs to give an hour every day to read. It could be anything. Initially, the habit should be formed and then IFAs will themselves be able to filter what you read. Ideally, it should be a mix of business and non-business readings. A widely read IFA will be able to convince a client on the basis of his/her knowledge rather than fluid convincing. A decision based on knowledge is expected to stand the test of time. Clients also like to stay longer with advisors who shows the serious commitment to the profession by being up to date.

Suggested Books for IFAs

Practice-related

  1. Behavior Gap by Carl Richards.
  2. Million Dollar Financial Advisor by David J Mullen
  3. The supernova Advisor by Rob Knapp
  4. Riding the roller coaster by Amit Trivedi.
  5. Mutual Fund Handbook for IFAs by Brijesh Dalmia

Management-related

  1. Blue Ocean Strategy by W Cham Kim
  2. How to win friends and influence people by Dale Carnegie
  3. 7 habits of highly effective people by Stephen Covey
  4. Great by Choice by Jim Collins
  5. Black Swan by Nassim Taleb

In the comments, do suggest a book name you think will be highly useful for IFAs.


12 Thoughts to “Why IFAs should read books? Suggested Books for IFAs”

  1. admin says:

    In Search of Perfect Model… by Mary Rowland

    Oversold, Underserved… Marc Freedman

    Lighting the Torch… George Kidner

    Stop Asking for Referrals… Stephen Wershing

    Tools & Templates for Your Practice… Deena Katz

  2. QUESTIONS GREAT FINANCIAL ADVISORS ASK – Alan Parisse & David Richman

  3. Very good Sir,
    also some useful books.

    Unshakeable by Tony Robbins
    Money the game Antony robbins.
    Think fast and slow by Danial

  4. anoop nasa says:

    Must Read Books…

    One Page Financial Plan by Carl Richards
    9 steps to Financial Freedom by Suze Orman

  5. Abbasali Mava says:

    The Ultimate sales machine best book for increase your sales

  6. Vasudev Ballaney says:

    Really appreciated for ideas shared. Hope it’ll nurture me too.
    Rgds
    Vasudev Ballaney

  7. Nitin suryawanshi says:

    Best of cafemutual – smart idea and advice to help ifa grow business

  8. Hiren Shah says:

    Deena Katz complete guide for the Financial advisor

  9. Mahendra Ashtkar says:

    Great Sir! Saadique how about starting a library of such books or any other way to get such book available for pro members . Thanks .
    Think like a Winner -Dr Walter Doyle staples

  10. Rohit Shah says:

    This is a wonderful summary. Thank you.

  11. Pradeepkumar singh says:

    Wonder full book

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