As a small business owner myself, I’d like to introduce this new Forum for advisors considering going independent with a hearty welcome and encouragement for taking this big step! After a 15 year career both with Merrill Lynch and Schwab Institutional, I can vouch for the angst, confusion and nervousness for leaving an established position to building your own business. But, as with most big steps, once you’ve made the leap to going on your own, you are quickly going to realize that there is a vast world of opportunity out there. In fact, according to a recent survey, over 98% of advisors who’ve recently gone independent gladly report that they would do it again, given the chance.
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