Episode 36
The Virtual Advisor Revolution Nobody Saw Coming with Derek Notman
Derek Notman shares his unconventional journey from archaeology student to top-producing financial advisor to fintech entrepreneur. After becoming a top 5% producer at New York Life, Derek made the bold transition to a fee-based AUM model—watching his income drop by half before rebuilding. When a…
Chapters
- 00:00:00 — LinkedIn content opportunity (cold open)
- 00:00:20 — Show intro + meet Derek (REBL Dads / Necker Island)
- 00:02:00 — From archaeology to financial services (getting recruited by New York Life)
- 00:03:20 — Early success at NYL + what made it work
- 00:03:45 — Discovering AUM + going all-in (income drop, recurring revenue)
- 00:06:00 — Relationship-first selling (simplifying complexity, trust > illustrations)
- 00:07:00 — Small change that built trust: losing the suit/tie in rural meetings
- 00:14:10 — The move that changed everything: going virtual in 2013 (Skype → scale + family time)
- 00:19:00 — Derek’s carbon-copy referral system (warm intros in seconds)
- 00:22:40 — Couplr + final advice: personal brand, content, vision boards, ideal client clarity
Show notes
Derek Notman shares his unconventional journey from archaeology student to top-producing financial advisor to fintech entrepreneur. After becoming a top 5% producer at New York Life, Derek made the bold transition to a fee-based AUM model—watching his income drop by half before rebuilding. When a business partnership collapsed after relocating his family across the country, Derek pioneered virtual advisory services in 2013, years before COVID made it mainstream. He reveals his unique carbon-copy referral system that generated warm leads consistently, why he ditched the suit and tie to connect with rural clients, and how personal vision boards transformed his practice. Now running Couplr, a "Bumble for financial advisors" matching platform, Derek discusses the critical shift from referral-based to content-driven client acquisition and why defining your ideal client is more important than any sales technique.
Chapters:
- (00:00:00) LinkedIn content opportunity (cold open)
- (00:00:20) Show intro + meet Derek (REBL Dads / Necker Island)
- (00:02:00) From archaeology to financial services (getting recruited by New York Life)
- (00:03:20) Early success at NYL + what made it work
- (00:03:45) Discovering AUM + going all-in (income drop, recurring revenue)
- (00:06:00) Relationship-first selling (simplifying complexity, trust > illustrations)
- (00:07:00) Small change that built trust: losing the suit/tie in rural meetings
- (00:14:10) The move that changed everything: going virtual in 2013 (Skype → scale + family time)
- (00:19:00) Derek’s carbon-copy referral system (warm intros in seconds)
- (00:22:40) Couplr + final advice: personal brand, content, vision boards, ideal client clarity
Links and Resources
- Website
- REBL Dads
- Derek Notman on LinkedIn
- 7 Figure Advisor
- Nick Davies on LinkedIn
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About 7 Figure Advisor
“7 Figure Advisor” is the go‑to podcast for driven financial advisors on their seven-figure journey who don’t want to compromise their family or their health. Hosted by Nick Davies, each episode explores the essential pillars of sustainable growth: proven strategies for scaling your business, leadership and team‑building best practices, and operational insights. You’ll also gain the mindset shifts that fuel long‑term success. With practical frameworks, real‑world examples, and actionable tactics that can turn you from a great financial advisor into an exceptional business leader - without sacrificing your family, relationships, or health. Go to www.7-FigureAdvisor.com for more info on how to transform your business.