Independent Investment Advisors has made a name for itself with its holistic and tailored approach to serving high-net-worth individuals and families. Ognjenovic’s visionary leadership and dedication have set a new benchmark in the industry.

A Financial Visionary’s Journey

Goran Ognjenovic began his career in 2003 as an independent investor. His deep understanding of the markets and investment strategies led him to establish Independent Investment Advisors. Today, he leads a team of experts dedicated to helping clients achieve financial freedom. “Seeing my clients transition from anxiety to enjoyment in their lives is incredibly inspiring,” Ognjenovic reflects.

Comprehensive Wealth Management

What sets Independent Investment Advisors apart is its all-encompassing approach to wealth management. The firm offers a wide range of services, including financial planning, retirement planning, tax planning, investment management, risk management, and estate planning. This integrated strategy ensures that all aspects of a client’s financial life are seamlessly coordinated. “We work with a limited number of clients, which allows us to build deeper relationships and provide custom financial plans tailored to each individual’s needs,” Ognjenovic explains.

Philosophy of Incremental Improvement

A cornerstone of Ognjenovic’s success is his philosophy of “continuous incremental improvement.” This principle focuses on making small, manageable changes that lead to significant progress over time. “I’ve been teaching my kids this concept—whether in work or sports, success requires hard work, dedication, and perseverance. By focusing on small, daily improvements, we can achieve remarkable results over time,” he shares.

Adapting to Financial Changes

In a world of constant financial flux, staying ahead is crucial. Independent Investment Advisors is committed to helping clients navigate these changes, particularly with upcoming tax code alterations due to the sunset of the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act (TCJA) in 2025. The firm provides expert tax planning to ensure clients are prepared for the reversion of tax rates and standard deductions.

Practical and Personalized Approach

Independent Investment Advisors prides itself on its practical approach to wealth management. Ognjenovic emphasizes that their strategies are straightforward and free from unnecessary jargon. “Our approach to business and wealth management is very practical and not academic. We don’t generally use big words or elaborate theories,” he says. This clarity and simplicity have resonated with clients, fostering trust and long-term relationships.

Looking Ahead

Independent Investment Advisors are expanding their multifamily wealth management office, reflecting ongoing growth in this sector. Their short-term and long-term goals focus on providing the financial and wealth advice possible while staying adaptive to the ever-evolving financial landscape. “Financial markets and tax rules are always in flux. Our ongoing mission is to stay on top of those changes and help our clients adapt,” Ognjenovic states.

For more information on Independent Investment Advisors, visit their website.

Disclaimer: ”This content is for informational purposes only and is not intended as financial advice, nor does it replace professional financial advice, investment advice, or any other type of advice. You should seek the advice of a qualified financial advisor or other professional before making any financial decisions.”

It takes a lot of time and hard work to build wealth, but only a moment to lose it. Many high-earners and small business owners underestimate the effort it takes to maintain wealth and ensure their future financial success. While plenty of companies help clients manage their investments and navigate risk, many of them neglect areas like tax or estate planning. To achieve financial freedom, clients need an advisor who can help them navigate the ins and outs of wealth management.

That’s the goal of Independent Investment Advisors, a multi-family wealth management office led by Goran Ognjenovic.  Independent Investment Advisors works with high-net-worth individuals, families, and small business owners to help them manage every aspect of their finances.  Unlike other wealth management companies, IIA provides a comprehensive set of services including financial planning, retirement planning, tax planning, estate planning, investment management, and risk management. 

“Nowadays, you need much more than just investment returns to achieve wealth success,” says Goran.  “We believe in a holistic, comprehensive approach to wealth management that includes financial, tax, and estate planning.” 

Before founding Independent Investment Advisors in 2017, Goran began his career in 2003 as an independent investor.  It was there that he developed a deep understanding of the markets and learned how to build successful investment portfolios. 

“It’s hard to believe, but financial markets and tax rules seem to be in constant flux,” says Goran.  “Something is always changing and staying on top of those changes and helping our clients adapt is our ongoing purpose and mission.” 

The upcoming end to the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act is one of the biggest fluctuations in tax planning that Goran fears most taxpayers aren’t prepared for.  With the current tax rates set to end on Dec 31st, 2025, the top tax rate will increase while the standard deduction will be cut almost in half.  It’s these kinds of changes that Independent Investment Advisors wants to help their clients navigate. 

A 20+ year veteran of the investing markets, Goran makes sure to always stay up-to-date on the latest financial trends.  One of his biggest assets is the ability to explain complex financial concepts to his clients in a way they can understand.  Client relationships are Independent Investment Advisors’ number one priority, which is why they work with a limited number of clients to provide ongoing financial planning and advice.  The low advisor-to-client ratio helps them build deeper relationships with their clients, creating custom financial plans and portfolios to deliver better results.

As Goran puts it, the biggest takeaway he wants for his clients is the understanding that anything worth doing takes time, focus, patience, and hard work.  “There will be plenty of challenges along the way,” he says. 

“You just have to rise above, look at things logically, and focus on the next task.” It’s part of what Goran refers to as continuous incremental improvement, the idea that focusing on small tasks rather than the big picture is what helps people find success.  “If I can just improve one thing and be better tomorrow than I am today,” says Goran,” over time it will make a huge difference.” 

by Jia Rizvi Contributor

Whether your business is in finance, manufacturing, lifestyle, travel, or something else, you have one primary focus and responsibility – keeping your clients happy. At least, that’s how it should be. However, as we’ve seen, many business leaders forget their clients are their company’s foundation and instead focus on lining their pockets and keeping their investors happy.

How a company treats its clients is a top concern for customers, with 94% of people saying it’s the top thing they consider when deciding whether to do business with someone, according to recent research by Small Business. That’s why it’s essential to keep clients at the center of your business, no matter how large you grow.

Understanding Customer And Client Centricity In A Business

Customer-centricity involves more than providing excellent customer service – although that is certainly crucial. It means putting your client’s needs and experiences at the heart of your business strategy, influencing everything from product development and design to sales processes. “A customer-centric approach doesn’t view customers just as revenue sources but as central stakeholders in the business’s ecosystem,” explains Goran Ognjenovic, Founder and principal of Independent Investment Advisors. “The key to our success and the industry’s future is our ability to offer a wide range of services all under one roof. This approach allows us to develop deep, long-term relationships with our clients, understanding their unique needs and goals and providing tailored solutions that address every aspect of their financial lives.”

A customer-centric approach contributes to higher client satisfaction and a deep understanding of client’s needs and wants. By aligning your services with your client’s needs and expectations, you can enhance your relevance in the market and sharpen your competitive edge. This approach helps retain clients and attracts new ones through positive word-of-mouth and client referrals.

In an age where reviews and social media are increasing, positive customer experiences are more important than ever. Adopting a customer-centric approach significantly enhances client satisfaction and retention – critical in an industry where retaining customers can be up to five times cheaper than acquiring new ones. “By focusing on keeping our current clients happy for the long-term, we can build relationships that help us secure a stable revenue stream,” says Ognjenovic.

How To Become A Customer-Centric Organization

If you have felt your priorities straying from your clients, it’s time to get back on track. Here are a few strategies to adopt.

1. Stay On Top Of The Market And Respond To Changes Quickly

Staying customer-centric requires aligning business strategies with customer needs, all while keeping a close eye on shifting market changes and acting fast when they occur.

“Nearly 70% of consumers told us that behaving inconsistently is human and acceptable. However, consumers are also saying that businesses need to keep up. Around two-thirds of customers feel that companies are not responding fast enough to their changing needs,” said David Droga and Baiju Shah for The Harvard Business Review.

It’s critical to stay on top of customer’s needs, as 61% of small businesses say that more than half of their revenue comes from repeat customers, according to BIA Advisory Services.

2. Monitor Your Online Reputation

Deloitte found that 81% of people read reviews and check online ratings before doing business with a brand, highlighting the need for companies to keep up with their online reputation. “Empowered by access to information, social networks, and digital devices, consumers are now well equipped to do research and receive satisfaction for most of their needs. As a result, consumers have come to expect more, making it harder for businesses to keep up,” reports Deloitte. It’s important to respond to reviews, even negative ones, and do your best to make things right.

3. Embrace Your Small Business’s Natural Agility

Thanks to their built-in agility, small businesses can keep a pulse on what their clients want through a more personal connection with the consumer. “As an independent firm, we have the flexibility to adapt to market changes quickly, ensuring that our clients’ interests are always at the forefront of our decision-making process,” adds Ognjenovic.

Keeping clients at the center of your small business is not optional for small businesses – it’s a necessity. By adopting a genuinely customer-focused approach, small businesses can enhance their competitiveness, foster customer loyalty, and drive sustainable growth. Remember, in a world where your competitors are just a click away, how you treat your customers can make all the difference.

https://www.forbes.com/sites/jiawertz/2024/05/15/3-strategies-for-small-businesses-to-remain-customer-centric/?sh=1f5f486f39b1