Clients for Life

The original, classic bestseller on evolving from a commodity expert for hire to a trusted client advisor. This engaging book, which includes profiles of famous advisors in history, sets out the seven essential attributes that every client-facing professional must develop in order to succeed.

FROM EXPERT TO ADVISOR

A Comprehensive Blueprint to Build Enduring Client Relationships
More than 15 million people in this country earn their livings by serving clients, and their numbers are growing every day. Unfortunately, far too few develop the skills and strategies needed to rise to the top in a world where clients have almost unlimited access to information and expertise. Supported by more than one hundred case studies and wisdom gleaned from interviews with dozens of leading CEOs and prominent business advisors, Clients for Life identifies what clients really want and lays out the core qualities that distinguish the client advisor — an irreplaceable resource — from the expert for hire — a tradable commodity.

  • Experts are specialists; advisors become deep generalists who have broad perspective.
  • Experts are for hire; advisors have selfless independence, balancing client devotion with objectivity and detachment.
  • Experts have professional credibility; advisors develop deep personal trust.
  • Experts analyze; advisors synthesize and bring big-picture thinking to the table.
  • Experts supply expertise and information; advisors are educators who provide insight and wisdom.


Portraits of history’s most famously successful advisors, including Machiavelli, Sir Thomas More, and J. P. Morgan, underscore these timeless qualities that modern professionals need to develop to excel in today’s competitive environment.

One of the best client-relationship books published recently, this practical guide offers powerful insights for professional advisors and customers alike.

Publishers Weekly (Starred Review)
Back to top