Linda Booth, a financial advisor with Edward Jones in Chippawa, Ont., says she has taken countless courses in sales, motivation and goal-setting, as well as classic Dale Carnegie courses on how to win friends and influence people.

But, she says, her interest in people comes naturally, and that is something her clients can sense.

“Even in school, I was a cheerleader and active on the school council,” Booth says. “I wanted to be involved — it’s my personality. That comes through, and you can’t fake it.”

Booth is persistent, giving people time to make a decision on a product or on becoming a client.

“I don’t give up on helping people,” she says. “If they’re not ready to do something yet, I can always approach them later. Planning is not just about investments; it’s about the needs and personalities and goals of each person. I like to bond with people on a personal level.”

In tough times like the past year of difficult markets, Booth says, she finds the personal bond and the trust that it creates to be helpful. People instinctively know she has their best interests at heart. — JADE HEMEON