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The holidays are peak season for your clients to gather with friends and family—and for market memes to come up in conversation when you're not in the room. These are events like the results of the U.S. election and the current market.

We aren't a fan of asking for referrals, even if you call them introductions. We believe you should attempt to influence the conversation when you're not in the room by capturing "referable moments."

When the calendar collides with big market memes, think opportunity. Be sure you're ready with our four-step game plan:

Step 1. Develop your views on potential implications of U.S. election results and the current market, specifically regarding portfolio strategy and planning.

Step 2. If you're on a team, have a focused, collaborative session that crystallizes one view.

Step 3. Turn your view into a timely thesis or set of theses, making certain that each one embraces the following best practices:

  • Be pithy: Pithiness will amp up the probability your clients will remember it.
  • Use sound bites: If you speak in paragraphs, your clients won't be able to repeat it in conversation.
  • Always connect the dots: Make certain you explain how your thesis connects to the recommendations you're making for clients' portfolios.

Step 4. Call your clients, wish them a happy holiday season and articulate your theses.

Bottom line: Be ready to capitalize on the upcoming crescendo of referable moments—and the opportunities they present.

The Author

The views and opinions and/or analysis expressed are those of the author or the investment team as of the date of preparation of this material and are subject to change at any time without notice due to market or economic conditions and may not necessarily come to pass. Furthermore, the views will not be updated or otherwise revised to reflect information that subsequently becomes available or circumstances existing, or changes occurring, after the date of publication. The views expressed do not reflect the opinions of all investment personnel at Morgan Stanley Investment Management (MSIM) and its subsidiaries and affiliates (collectively “the Firm”), and may not be reflected in all the strategies and products that the Firm offers.

Forecasts and/or estimates provided herein are subject to change and may not actually come to pass. Information regarding expected market returns and market outlooks is based on the research, analysis and opinions of the authors or the investment team. These conclusions are speculative in nature, may not come to pass and are not intended to predict the future performance of any specific strategy or product the Firm offers. Future results may differ significantly depending on factors such as changes in securities or financial markets or general economic conditions.

This material has been prepared on the basis of publicly available information, internally developed data and other third-party sources believed to be reliable. However, no assurances are provided regarding the reliability of such information and the Firm has not sought to independently verify information taken from public and third-party sources.

This material is a general communication, which is not impartial and all information provided has been prepared solely for informational and educational purposes and does not constitute an offer or a recommendation to buy or sell any particular security or to adopt any specific investment strategy. The information herein has not been based on a consideration of any individual investor circumstances and is not investment advice, nor should it be construed in any way as tax, accounting, legal or regulatory advice. To that end, investors should seek independent legal and financial advice, including advice as to tax consequences, before making any investment decision.

Charts and graphs provided herein are for illustrative purposes only. Past performance is no guarantee of future results.   The indexes are unmanaged and do not include any expenses, fees or sales charges. It is not possible to invest directly in an index. Any index referred to herein is the intellectual property (including registered trademarks) of the applicable licensor. Any product based on an index is in no way sponsored, endorsed, sold or promoted by the applicable licensor and it shall not have any liability with respect thereto.