The first conversation with a financial services partner shouldn’t feel like a high-stakes exam. If you choose the right provider, it won’t. After working with investment managers of many sizes and stages, we’ve learned that a productive introductory call is less about perfect preparation and more about clarity, and connection.
In this post, we’re sharing simple, practical tips to help you get the most out of that first discussion, without the stress, extra work, or scrambling for documentation. Whether you’re a fast-growing emerging manager or a mature firm refining your finance function, these insights will help you step into the call confident, focused, and ready to explore what’s possible.
Be a little prepared
You don’t need a mountain of data for the first call. What matters most is having a clear sense of your firm, your team, and the challenges you face that have prompted the conversation. We want to understand why you’re here and the problems you’re trying to solve.
Don’t worry about using the right accounting terminology or having spreadsheets on hand. Describe what’s not working in your own words, and we’ll ask the right questions to uncover the full scope of the issue.
Be transparent
Be as straightforward as possible about what’s happening behind the scenes. We get it, you’ve just met us and don’t want to lead with the messy parts, but that’s exactly where we add value. Think of it like visiting a doctor. You won’t get the right treatment without being upfront about what’s wrong. Keep in mind, we aren’t keeping score, but we do need to know the situation to be able to properly bid for your business.
We’re always happy to sign an NDA. And rest assured, your situation is likely well within the industry norm. Most firms struggle with the areas they don’t focus on every day. That’s why we’re talking.
Ask questions
This is your call too, and a valuable chance to learn how our outsourced service works.
The most important question you can ask is: “how will your team integrate into our business?”
This single question reveals whether you’re talking to a transactional bookkeeper or a true financial partner. Listen for an answer centered on collaboration, accountability, and how they’ll fit into your structure, not just about sending reports or closing books.
Set cost aside…for now
There will be plenty of time to talk about numbers. On the first call, don’t let assumptions about cost dictate what you share with the service provider. Often, we see firms share only part of the picture, usually out of concern that being too open will drive up the cost. Gaps in information only make things more difficult (and potentially more expensive) later.
Once we understand the full picture, we can identify what truly matters and design a thoughtful, right-sized engagement. We work with many early-stage and growing firms, and often, we land on a price that fits their budget.
A good first conversation isn’t about preparation; it’s about alignment. When you show up with candor, curiosity, and a clear sense of your challenges, you give your CFO services partner what they need to assess fit and chart a path forward.
Take a deep breath, show up as you are, and let the conversation unfold. The right provider will meet you where you are, ask thoughtful questions, and help you clarify what matters most.
Learn more about Blue Ribbon CFOs