Buy It! The Practical Guide to Buying a Financial Services Book of Business

More than 50% of today's financial advisors will be ready to transition out of their practice in the next 10 to 15 years. We are on the cusp of the largest transfer of advisory practices in history -- and that presents abundant opportunities for buyers who are ready and able to seal the deal.

In Buy It!, author Mary Sterk walks you through the complex process of acquiring a new book of financial services business, from finding the right opportunity all the way through to establishing great relationships with your newly acquired clients.

Sterk has successfully completed multiple acquisitions of her own and shares her secrets for a successful transition. You'll find answers to important questions such as:

-- Where do I find a practice to buy?
-- How do I value a financial services business?
-- How should I write the contract?
-- What have businesses sold for in the past?
-- How do I communicate changes to clients?
-- How many clients will stay with me after the sale?

If you've been wanting to expand your financial services practice, the time has never been better to look at acquisitions. Buy It! shows you the way.

Mary Sterk is the founder of Map It Build It Buy It, a company that helps financial advisors grow their practices.

Mary's career has taken her from being a divorced mother of two surviving on food stamps to being a million-dollar producer. Her inspirational story of fighting her way to a better future despite a teenage pregnancy, living in low-income housing, and raising two small children with no child support, has motivated many to believe that anything is possible.

Mary has been working in the investment and insurance industry since 1994. She also owns and operates one of the largest certified financial planning firm in northwest Iowa. As a long-time member of the Million Dollar Round Table, Mary has qualified for the prestigious Court of the Table and Top of the Table honors multiple times. She was the 2006 national winner of the Lewis and Clark Explorer award, given to a financial advisor who demonstrates tremendous business success and excellent client care.

Additionally, Mary developed and teaches a college class on financial planning for women. She is a member of the Siouxland Estate Planning Counsel, the National Association of Insurance and Financial Advisors, and is a Financial Services Institute board member. Her community involvement includes the Siouxland Professional Women s organization, Women United, The Greater Dakota Valley Jaycees and staffing Premier Educations Family Values Focus seminars.

An avid private pilot, Mary loves flying her Piper Cherokee 235 to meet with advisors and clients alike. Her passion for bringing value to relationships with her clients, family and friends has undeniably contributed to her success.