We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Travis May Sr. a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.

Alright, Travis thanks for taking the time to share your stories and insights with us today. We’d love to hear how you think where to draw the line in terms of asking friends and family to support your business – what’s okay and what’s over the line?

Asking friends and family to support you or your business can be a delicate matter. It’s often a balancing act between leveraging personal relationships for professional growth and maintaining the integrity of those relationship. As a financial advisor building a financial planning practice, its a bit different. When I reach out to family or friends for support, it’s not just me asking them to help my business. Its about extending an offering to address a critical need that many overlook or don’t fully understand-financial planning. I know how daunting and unfamiliar this territory can be, especially in the African-American community, as most people haven’t taken the time or simply don’t know where to go to address their finances appropriately. My goal is to provide a service that not only supports my family and professional journey but also equips them with the knowledge and resources they need to secure their financial futures. It’s about empowering them with information and strategies that make a real difference in their lives far beyond a business transaction.

Transparency and honesty are important. Its important to be upfront about your goals and intention. Explain your business and how their support could help, whether through introductions, testimonials, or becoming clients themselves. Respect and boundaries are a must. Always respect their choice to decline. They may not be interested or comfortable mixing personal and business relationships. Lastly, focus on the value you bring. Ensure that the products or services you offer genuinely benefit them. It’s easier for them to support your business if they see value in what you’re providing.

Never pressure or guilt trip. Avoid making friends and family feel obligated to support your business. Pressure can strain relationships and lead to resentment. Also, relying too heavy on family and friends can hinder the growth of your business beyond your inner circle. Lastly, be careful about blurring the lines between personal and professional relationships, as this can create complications and misunderstanding. The line is often drawn based on mutual comfort and respect. It crucial to maintain clear communication and be sensitive to their comfort levels. remember that not everyone may want to mix personal and business relationships, and that’s okay.

Personally, my family and friends weren’t receptive to my attempts at helping them plan financially. Everyone’s experience is different, but I learned very early to not place too much stock in family or friends. My parents would no-show appointments or simply avoid my attempts at trying to help. I had several close friends and family begin to avoid my calls and several tell me that they didn’t need what I was I offering. All that to say, be prepared to work extremely hard because reliance on family and friends to help you build your empire may just be the first let down you experience on entrepreneurial journey.

Travis, love having you share your insights with us. Before we ask you more questions, maybe you can take a moment to introduce yourself to our readers who might have missed our earlier conversations?

I’m Travis, a proud husband and father of two boys, born in Decatur, GA. I graduated with a B.S. in Psychology from Valdosta State University and an M.A. in Teaching Special Education from Liberty University. For eight years, I dedicated myself to education, working to develop young minds before I made the transition into financial planning.

My roots in the church and my background in education have instilled in me the principles of servant leadership. I’m passionate about meeting the needs of families and communities across the nation. I blend my love for teaching with my expertise in financial planning to provide personalized guidance and support, ensuring everyone I work with feels equipped on their journey to financial success.

I offer a range of financial services, including comprehensive financial planning, retirement planning, risk management, investment strategies, tax minimization, and wealth building. I specialize in helping clients establish themselves financially, and navigating complex financial landscapes, aligning their actions with their intentions to achieve their financial goals.
I help clients address common financial challenges, such as inadequate savings, inefficient tax strategies, lack of proper risk management, and unclear retirement plans. My goal is to provide clarity and confidence, empowering clients to make informed decisions that lead to financial stability and growth.

When you know you’re on the right track to build wealth, financial anxiety subsides, and you breathe easier. We believe in integrity, education, and a client-first approach. I want potential clients to know that our partnership is built on trust and mutual respect. We prioritize transparency and honesty in all interactions, ensuring that every decision is made in the best interest of our clients. My team and I are committed to making sure clients not only understand their financial situation but also feel confident and secure about their future for generations to come. We believe that by strengthening their financial foundation, we can help them build a prosperous future for themselves and their families. Our mission is to create generations of certainty for families and businesses across the nation.

What’s worked well for you in terms of a source for new clients?

The best sources of new clients for us comes from introductions made by the people we meet with who see value in the work we do and what we stand for. These introductions are a testament to the trust and satisfaction that our clients (and even those who don’t become clients) have in our services. By focusing on building strong, authentic relationships and delivering real value, I’ve found that word-of-mouth introductions naturally follow, helping us reach new families and individuals who can benefit from the work we do.

Are there any books, videos, essays or other resources that have significantly impacted your management and entrepreneurial thinking and philosophy?

Two books that have significantly influenced my management and entrepreneurial thinking and philosophy are Nick Murray’s Game of Numbers and Claude Anderson’s “PowerNomics”. These works have provided valuable insights into the importance of metrics in business and the socio-economic dynamics within communities, shaping my approach to financial planning and leadership. They’ve helped me understand the power of strategic thinking and the impact of economic empowerment, both of which are central to the work I do with my clients. “Additionally, the Miseducation of the Negro” by Carter G. Woodson has provided profound insights into the systemic challenges and educational issue that can influence economic and personal development, further shaping my approach to financial planning and leadership.

Lastly, “Exactly What to Say” by Phil M. Jones and “Think and Grow Rich: A Black Choice Daily Motivations for African American Success” by Dennis Kimbro are two daily reads. These books have provided practical advice on communication, mindset, and motivation, enriching my approach to leadership and entrepreneurial endeavors

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.northwesternmutual.com/financial/advisor/travis-may/
• Instagram: @travismaysr
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/travismaysr/

Image Credits

Travis May Sr.