How Are You Communicating with Your Clients and Prospects During the Current Market Volatility?
By Curtis Brown
Let’s take a moment to frame the environment investors are navigating today. The headlines are full of trade tensions and escalating tariffs, leading to market uncertainty, volatility, and anxiety. Clients are bombarded with conflicting messages from politicians, economists, and news outlets. No one has all the answers about how this will unfold—or what the ultimate economic impact will be.
This atmosphere naturally breeds fear and confusion, especially for clients trying to protect their investments, plan for retirement, or simply manage their household budgets. The uncertainty around global supply chains, the rising cost of goods, and the potential for broader economic slowdown can feel overwhelming.
Walk in the Client’s Shoes for a Moment
Let’s peel back the onion and step into the lives of your clients. They might be hearing about layoffs in tariff-affected industries, or seeing the rising cost of groceries, vehicles, or construction materials. Some are small business owners struggling with higher import costs. Others are watching the value of their portfolios swing wildly from one week to the next.
Maybe they’ve put a big purchase or a long-awaited vacation on hold. Maybe they’re worried about their kids’ job prospects or how inflation is affecting their fixed income. There’s a lot on their minds—and not just numbers on a spreadsheet.
Minimize the Pain
So what are people doing to cope? Some are dialing back discretionary spending. Others are researching how to stretch their dollar further. Many are tuning in more closely to the news and trying to make sense of what it all means for their future.
As a financial professional, this is your moment to show up. Reach out—not just with market updates or investment commentary, but with empathy. Even a quick call or message to check in and say, “I’m here if you have questions,” goes a long way.
Active Listening and Calm Leadership
During times of economic uncertainty, communication is critical. Active listening and emotional intelligence are your strongest tools. Understand where clients’ anxiety is coming from. They may be asking:
- Will my retirement timeline need to shift?
- Will I be able to help my kids with college or a down payment?
- Is now a good or terrible time to make a financial move?
This is where your leadership and calm demeanor become a source of reassurance. Your role is to provide perspective, offer clarity, and help clients avoid reactive decisions. Encourage them to focus on what they can control, and remind them that market disruptions—while stressful—are also temporary.
The Big Picture
We’ve been through crises before. From financial crashes to pandemics to political upheaval—markets have weathered storms, and clients have adapted. This period of tariff-related volatility is another chapter in that ongoing story. And like before, we will get through it.
Let your clients know: you’re not just watching the headlines—you’re watching out for them. Your consistency, empathy, and support matter more than ever right now. The storm will pass. And when it does, we’ll be stronger and wiser for it.
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