Monday
I start the week with a quick run. Then after a quick team meeting, I have a catch up with our chief portfolio manager. We discuss the state of the performance of our portfolios, then it descends into a long conversation about the state of the bond markets.
We focus on long term investments so the minor ups and downs of the markets do not usually mean we need to take any immediate action, apart from perhaps reassuring any twitchy investors. But this current bond market feels different so we are considering our strategy.
In the afternoon I meet one a long-standing client. After a quick review of his investments and a chat about his retirement plans, he is happy – so we are happy.
Tuesday
I have a new client meeting first thing, and a joy it was too. This guy has some money to invest, but he has got some pretty strong views on the kinds of companies he would like to invest in, and those he would definitely like to avoid.
I specialise in ethical investments so, with the help of my trusty questionnaire and a good cup of coffee (Fairtrade, of course), we discuss his ethical preferences. He is a bit of a tree hugger, but also a heavy smoker, so his portfolio might not be traditional in terms of ethics.
I make a call to a second potential new client who has been referred to us by our trusty solicitor pal. We arrange to meet up next week to discuss things in more detail.
In the afternoon, I go to a seminar on risk management. I am confident that we are doing the right things and are keeping up with the latest developments.
Wednesday
I have an early morning swim before heading in to the office. I spend some time discussing investments with my colleague, Andrew. Today we were talking about Donald Trump wanting to withdraw from the trans-pacific partnership, and the effect it might have on our portfolios.
In the afternoon, we have a call with one of the fund managers to get his take on things. We have worked hard to forge strong relationships with our fund managers. We like to see the whites of their eyes before pulling the trigger.
Apart from that, a bit of an administration day for me. I have a quick trawl through my Twitter feed and check our Facebook page. Got to keep on top of these things.
Thursday
In the morning, we have a teleconference about a possible development we are working on. It is all a bit hush hush at the moment as we work through the complexities. We can see an opportunity, but we need to be satisfied with every aspect before forging ahead. Watch this space.
I pop to the guitar shop down the road at lunchtime to dream about my next purchase. Playing the guitar is a bit of a hobby of mine. One day I am sure my talent will be spotted and I will have a difficult career decision to make: IFA or Rock God.
Back to reality, I spend the afternoon interviewing some candidates for a job vacancy. The firm is small, but we are growing fast and we need the help of another paraplanner. We go a lot on personality when choosing people to join our team. Our working environment is quite unique so we need to be sure someone will feel comfortable here.
Friday
Fridays are often a day to get some bits tidied up in the office. I make someone’s day by offering them a job with us. Let us hope they feel the same way in six months' time.
I plan my next blog post for our website. We take it in turns to write something we think will have quite broad appeal and will actually be helpful.
With a bit of a debrief and catch up with the team, that is the end of another successful week.
Bob Wilson is a director of Greensky Wealth, based in Norwich
