How to Find Financial Advisors in Your Area with Geoff Zimpfer

Geoff shares a specific, step-by-step method for finding and connecting with financial advisors using the Financial Planning Association's website and LinkedIn research. Pulled directly from a live coaching call, this episode is best for LOs who want to diversify beyond real estate agents into CFP referral partnerships.

Takeaways you can run this week

• Go to financialplanningassociation.org → click 'FPA Chapters' → filter by your state → find your local chapter and copy the executive director's name and email.
• Paste that name into LinkedIn and scan for: mutual connections, shared alma mater, volunteer work, or causes — any point of commonality you can reference in your outreach.
• Send a personalized LinkedIn connection request (not a blank connect) using this script: 'Hi [Name], I noticed you're the executive director for FPA [City]. I've been considering joining as I want to expand my network of financial advisors in the area. Would you be able to help me with appropriate next steps or suggestions? — [Your name], [Company]'
• If you already know the chapter contact personally, call them and use this opener: 'Hey [Name], I'm doing some planning for 2021 and want to expand my network of financial advisors. I know you're the chair for the local FPA chapter — would you have any ideas or suggestions along those lines? I was even considering joining.'
• On every application where the borrower shows meaningful assets, ask: 'Do you have a financial advisor or CFP? Would you mind if I called them to make sure we're all on the same page as we structure this loan?' — use closings to earn warm introductions.
• Apply the same LinkedIn research process to real estate agents: look up their profile before outreach, find a charity, board, or school in common, and lead with that in your connection note instead of a cold pitch.

The playbook

1. 1. Visit financialplanningassociation.org and navigate to FPA Chapters (86 national chapters).
2. 2. Filter by your state and select the nearest local chapter.
3. 3. Note the chapter executive director's name, email, and phone number listed on the chapter page.
4. 4. Paste their full name into LinkedIn and review their profile for: mutual connections, education, volunteer work, and interests.
5. 5. If mutual connection exists — call the chapter director directly using the personal opener script.
6. 6. If no mutual connection — send a personalized LinkedIn connection request using the FPA inquiry script; use the email from the FPA site to bypass the 'email required' LinkedIn barrier if needed.
7. 7. Once connected, ask how to get involved or join — position yourself as someone who wants to add value to their member community, not just prospect.

Worth quoting

“Sometimes your acres of diamonds are right under your feet.”

“Go where they are — and the good ones are joining the FPA.”

Best for

LOs who already work with real estate agents but want to add financial advisors and CFPs as a second referral channel in 2024–2025.