The Supernova Advisor: Crossing the Invisible Bridge to Exceptional Client Service and Consistent Growth

by Robert D. Knapp

The Supernova Model is a client service, client acquisition, and practice management model that drives an explosive acceleration in revenue and client satisfaction by capitalizing upon the 80/20 Rule. First implemented by financial advisors at Merrill Lynch―under the leadership of author Rob Knapp―it has grown increasingly popular within the financial services industry. The Supernova Advisor skillfully outlines this proven model and reveals how it can be used to create an exceptional experience for your clients, while significantly growing your business.

Genres: Business, Nonfiction, Finance

160 pages, Hardcover

First published December 5, 2007

Reviews

[Wilks · Rating 4 out of 5]

Really good book for advisors and aspiring advisors alike. If you want to learn about how to build a more efficient, effective and structured advisory practice, this is a good start.

Supernova Advisors offers a new paradigm to help advisors grow their practice sustainably by shifting focus away from just asset growth, but to delivering exceptional client service through proper segmentation, organization, and planning.

The book would have had a 5 star rating from me, but I felt it didn’t offer much when it comes to implementing the model. It also failed to mention the type of advisors (by AUM for instance) that would benefit the most from Supernova, and the limitations of its applicability across jurisdictions.

Loved the examples and tips to avoid common pitfalls.

Would definitely recommend.

[Tim Maurer · Rating 3 out of 5]

I didn't read this book for a long time, even after hearing about if from a number of financial advisors who enjoyed it, because I knew it grew out of the work of a consultant within a big Wall Street firm whose motivation I've come to question. But, as proof that I need to have an open mind for wisdom wherever it may be found, I found the first 2/3 of this book really solid advice for financial advisors at nearly every experience level. The last 1/3 was entirely too much of a commercial for Knapp's consulting service, dropping my overall rating, but it's a worthwhile read for any financial advisor interested in making his or her practice more efficient and effective.

[Bill · Rating 4 out of 5]

Thought-Provoking

For financial advisors looking to be more efficient, and more effective, in their guidance...with fewer clients. He encourages a smaller book of business, with deeper relationships.

[Josh Steimle · Rating 4 out of 5]

Great read for service businesses trying to improve customer service.

[Philip Francis · Rating 4 out of 5]

A practical toolkit to deliver excellent service to HNW clients in order to meaningfully grow your business.

[Ellis · Rating 4 out of 5]

I did find this book inspiring and appreciated the stories of real financial advisors implementing Knapp’s “Supernova” strategy. That said, upon review via google most of the case study advisors that I could find are not “all stars” (barrons listers/MDs/etc).

Most importantly, I simply didn’t find any of the strategies to be “new.” Now to give Knapp credit, I’ll bet many of his tips and strategies have been repurposed/ripped off by many coaches and consultants since.... but unfortunately it still makes the book feel a bit outdated and redundant when compared to similar works.

[Daniel · Rating 4 out of 5]

Short and useful book on the financial advisory business inside Merrill Lynch: how it grew totally out of control during the late 1990s tech boom, and how a few dedicated insiders turned it around using 80/20 concepts.

The reader can ingest this book on a few levels. The first-order/literal level exp... [see the rest on my book review site.]

[Wal Lajoia]

As someone who works with financial advisors, this is a very interesting model. The hard part is convincing the advisors to trust that the invisible bridge is there. Becoming smaller in order to grow sounds perfectly fine until it's your turn to let go of clients you've once thought had great potential.

[John · Rating 4 out of 5]

Very interesting. A way to look at a professional practice somewhat differently. Highly recommend to any accountant, financial advisor or attorney.

[Susanna · Rating 3 out of 5]

Interesting plan for managing a financial business from a Merrill Lynch Financial Advisor. Describes a process to pare a client list down to a manageable size and provide structured client contacts and excellent service. Also has tips on leadership and building an efficient and cohesive business team.

The plan in its entirety may not be for every office, but it contains good ideas, and is a quick read.

[MichelleCH · Rating 2 out of 5]

Vague and not very helpful to my own practice- I've read the book twice and have found other books that provide much better implementation models.

[Jamie Duval · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great book for those that want an excellent client service experience for their business.

[Cath · Rating 5 out of 5]

How to create the Harvard of Wealth Management? Rob's Supernova Advisor has the key steps, components and criteria. Wonderfully written and eye opening

[Michael · Rating 1 out of 5]

Repetitive

A quick read. There is one idea in this book which takes about 2 pages to explain. The rest is waffle.

[Dave Zoller · Rating 3 out of 5]

Good Read but no concrete recommendations other than the 12/4/2 process.