When advisers become a target

Today many people consider The City of London a villain, responsible for most of the ills facing the economy, investors and ordinary citizens. You are a financial adviser. You are ‘The City’ to people you meet at parties. Are you the target of politely worded hostile questions? Can you respond without losing your composure? Is it a business opportunity in disguise? Before you answer, we’ve all heard: “Fools rush in where angels fear to tread” (Alexander Pope An Essay on Criticism, 1709). Before answering, draw them out. Ask: “Why do you feel that way?”, “Why do you say that?” or “What ha...