What a Great Host Actually Looks Like—And Why Most Fall Short
- Scott Wismont, CTIE
- May 23
- 3 min read
Updated: May 26
Choosing the right host agency is one of the most important decisions an independent advisor can make. It’s also one of the easiest to get wrong.
In an industry filled with promises, platforms, and pitch decks, it can be hard to tell the difference between what looks good on paper—and what actually helps you grow.
So let’s talk about what makes a great host truly great—and why so many of them fall short.
A Great Host Helps You Lead, Not Follow
A great host doesn’t expect you to mold yourself to fit their brand. They don’t push you to sell a specific supplier or tell you how to talk to your clients. A great host empowers you to build your business, your way.
They give you the tools, mentoring, and access you need to lead confidently. They connect you with partners, suppliers, and systems that help you deliver incredible service. And they show up for you when you need strategy, not just tech support.
They don’t just give you a login—they give you a launchpad.
Why Most Host Agencies Miss the Mark
The truth is, most host agencies fall short for one of two reasons:
1. They’re too big to care.
In the largest networks, you become just another number. If you’re not already a top producer, your name rarely crosses leadership’s radar. You might get access to a Facebook group or a helpdesk, but don’t expect anyone to know your goals, your business, or your brand.
2. They’re too small to scale.
On the flip side, many smaller hosts end up stuck in their founder’s niche. Their focus stays inward, on their own brand or personal book of business, rather than on building a support system that helps you grow. They don’t invest in tools, they don’t build supplier relationships, and they don’t elevate their advisors—they just collect the override and keep moving.
The Commission Split Trap
One of the biggest mistakes we see advisors make when choosing a host is chasing the highest possible commission split without asking what they’re giving up in return.
Because the truth is, that extra 5% won’t mean much if you’re stuck figuring everything else out on your own.
A better question to ask is:
“What kind of business will I be able to build here—and who’s going to help me do it?”
If you can’t answer that clearly, the split doesn’t matter.
What Advisors Don’t Expect—But Can’t Stop Talking About
One of the most common things we hear from new members is how different the community feels. Yes, RBGTN is built around inclusive travel—but we’ve also built an inclusive advisor community.
Every voice matters here. Whether you’ve been in the business for 10 years or 10 months, your insight is welcome, your questions are valid, and your growth matters.
It’s not just about having access. It’s about being seen.
What to Look For in a Host
Here’s what a great host should be doing:
Encouraging you to build your brand—not theirs
Making direct mentorship available to help you grow
Offering tools that are actually useful—not just shelfware
Building real relationships with partners to help you deliver more value to your clients
Creating a professional, collaborative, and inclusive network where you don’t have to fight to be heard
And most importantly?
They should be focused on your success—not just their own visibility.
If you’re ready to work with a host that sees you, supports you, and helps you build something meaningful—
