Peter Fetherston, the founder of PJF Consulting Group, is an established financial advisor for over three decades now.
His extensive experience and understanding of finance and investing make him a valuable resource for anyone who wants to learn more about these topics. He is a firm believer in providing customized solutions that are unique to each client’s particular requirements and goals. In addition, he believes in educating his clients so they can make well-informed financial decisions.
With a comprehensive consultative approach, he is able to make his clients feel very much engaged in every step of the process.
Peter holds an MBA degree and a certification as a Chartered Financial Consultant (ChFC) from The American College of Financial Services.
Outside work, he is a devoted husband and father who also participates in numerous charitable causes around the greater New York City area, such as the Catholic Youth Organization.
What is PJF Consulting Group all about?
PJF Consulting Group is a financial advisory firm that I started in 2015. At PJF, we take pleasure in engaging our clients and listening to them throughout the process in order to develop unique solutions that will help them achieve their long-term financial goals.
Tell us a little bit about your background and how you started your company?
I developed a passion for financial management at a very young age. Because of this, I started researching it way back in high school. During that time, I would always create presentations about how I dream of becoming a future financial advisor. Although it may not sound exciting to others my age, I knew that I wanted to help people in a more personal way.
After completing my MBA degree, I began working as a financial advisor for the Grand Central Financial Group. For 26 years, I worked with many clients and was able to help them reach their financial goals. In 2015, because I knew it was time to transition from employee to entrepreneur, I decided to start PJF Consulting Group. Most importantly, I wanted to create an environment where clients feel like they’re part of the process and are confident in the decisions being made.
What would you say are the top 3 skills needed to be a successful entrepreneur, and why?
I would say that the three top skills needed to be a successful entrepreneur are:
- Passion – You need to be passionate about what you’re doing in order to be successful. If you don’t have a genuine interest in your business, it will be difficult to put in the long hours and dedication that are needed to make it successful.
- Persistence – There will be many challenges and obstacles along the way, so you need to have the persistence to push through and overcome them.
- Risk-taking – In order to be successful, you need to be willing to take risks. This doesn’t mean that you should be reckless, but you shouldn’t be afraid to take chances and seize opportunities when they come your way.
How do you separate yourself from your competitors?
The main thing that sets us apart is our consultative approach. We take the time to get to know our clients on a personal level so that we can better understand their needs and develop custom solutions that fit their unique circumstances. We also pride ourselves on being accessible and always available to answer any questions that they may have.
What were the top three mistakes you made starting your business, and what did you learn from them?
Just like everybody else, I made mistakes when starting my business. But I believe that these mistakes have taught me valuable lessons that I can apply in the future.
If I have to mention one, I’d say it’s having doubt about my decision to switch to being self-employed. It’s easy to get caught up in the security of a 9-to-5 job. As a result, I had a few false starts before being able to go out on my own. But I’m glad I took the plunge and went independent because it’s been one of the best decisions I’ve ever made.
From that point on, the only thing I had to remember was that in order to succeed and maintain the level of support my family requires, I needed to build the strongest foundation I possibly could in my first year. So, without fail, I set goals for myself.
What helps you stay driven and motivated to keep going in your business?
There are a few things that help me stay motivated in my business. First and foremost, I love what I do. I’m passionate about helping people reach their financial goals, and that keeps me going even on the toughest days. Additionally, seeing the positive impact that my work has on my clients’ lives is also a great motivator.
Tell us a little bit about your marketing process, what has been the most successful form of marketing for you?
I make a lot of phone calls, and I have different types that I feel are essential. Whatever kind of call we make, it is an important component in developing relationships with clients.
It’s also important to keep in touch with past clients and referral sources. But instead of relying on sending emails alone, we have to give them a call once in a while to make sure that they’re truly satisfied with our service and to let them know you’re still the same financial advisor they’ve come to trust.
What are your plans for the future, and how do you plan to grow this company?
You’ve just reminded me that I am absolutely enthusiastic about growth! Maybe branch out in new markets and expand our services. As the company grows, I’ll be looking for individuals who can provide value and maintain the same commitment to customer service that PJF is known for.
What are the top 3 online tools and resources you’re currently using to grow your company?
You’ll come across a lot of excellent tools online that can assist you in organizing and automating activities today. I would have to say that my top three are:
- Google Workspace – This is an amazing suite of tools that can help with everything from email to project management. Aside from that, it allows you to access your files from anywhere, which is incredibly convenient.
- Email Marketing – This is a great way to keep in touch with your clients and cultivate relationships. It can also be used to generate leads and drive sales.
- Social Media – While it’s not a direct sales tool, social media is an excellent way to build brand awareness and connect with potential clients.
If you started your business again, what things would you do differently?
There are always things that we can do better, and I’m constantly trying to improve my business. However, if I had to start over again, I wouldn’t do anything differently. I believe that everything happens for a reason, and the mistakes I made have led me to where I am today. So, I’m grateful for all of it – the good and the bad.
What are you learning now? Why is that important?
I’m always learning, and I think it’s important to never stop learning. As an entrepreneur, you have to continuously adapt to the ever-changing landscape. What works today might not work tomorrow, so it’s crucial to stay on top of trends and be open to new ideas. Additionally, learning helps me to better serve my clients. I want to be able to provide them with the best possible advice, and that can only be done by keeping up with the latest information.
What valuable advice would you give new entrepreneurs starting out?
The best piece of advice I can give to new entrepreneurs is to always be prepared. Things will never go exactly as planned, but if you’re prepared for the worst, you’ll be able to handle anything that comes your way. Additionally, don’t be afraid to ask for help. There are a lot of people out there who want to see you succeed, so don’t be afraid to reach out and ask for guidance. Finally, always remind yourself why you’re doing this. It’s easy to get caught up in the day-to-day grind and forget why you started your business in the first place. By keeping your why at the forefront of your mind, you’ll be able to push through the tough times and come out on top.
What is your favorite quote?
“A ship in the harbor is safe, but that is not what ships are built for.”
– John A. Shedd
This quote is important to me because it reminds me that we can’t grow if we’re comfortable. We have to be willing to take risks and venture into uncharted waters. It’s only by pushing ourselves out of our comfort zones that we can achieve greatness.
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