Whenever Robert Pierce, managing director and co-founder of Stonegate Private Counsel LP in Toronto, meets with a client, he takes detailed notes and, immediately after the meeting, forwards those “minutes” to the client.

The minutes specify any tasks to be completed by the client and spell out Stonegate’s next steps. Pierce jokingly calls this process “Rob’s rule of order.” It keeps the financial plan on track, he says, providing a “flashback” for clients on what’s been accomplished.

The next client meeting then starts with a review of the minutes and progress on the steps taken. Clients update him on anything relevant that’s happened in their lives.

“The client needs a plan that covers all aspects of their financial well-being,” says Pierce. “We simplify the process and break it down into steps to make it easier for the client.

“But it’s like a duck paddling across the pond,” he continues. “It may look easy, but there’s an incredible amount of discipline, organization and expertise required to make it run smoothly.” — JADE HEMEON