Paraplanners are being encouraged to elevate their visibility within the finance industry by industry expert Zara Okoro, a senior paraplanner at JG Paraplanning. Okoro emphasizes the need for paraplanners to assert the value of their profession and establish a stronger professional identity. She highlights the current lack of exposure and recognition faced by paraplanners, contrasting it with the prominence of financial planning professionals.

Okoro advocates for paraplanners to proactively showcase their expertise and contribute to industry discussions to gain recognition as thought leaders in their own right. She points out a disparity in how paraplanners are represented compared to financial planners, noting that paraplanners often conduct significant research work that goes unnoticed. By stepping into the spotlight, paraplanners can assert their role as the technical and pragmatic voice in financial planning.

In her call to action, Okoro urges paraplanners to speak up and advocate for themselves rather than relying solely on financial planners to represent them. She emphasizes the importance of paraplanners sharing their knowledge through self-published content, engaging in industry conversations, and creating relatable content like memes to foster a sense of community and attract more talent to the profession.

By enhancing their visibility and actively participating in industry dialogue, paraplanners have the opportunity to shape their professional identity, contribute valuable insights, and debunk misconceptions about the complexity of their role. Okoro believes that by embracing their expertise and engaging with a wider audience, paraplanners can significantly impact the financial services sector and position themselves as essential voices in the industry.

As the finance industry continues to evolve, the role of paraplanners in providing technical expertise and support to financial planners is increasingly crucial. By seizing the opportunity to showcase their skills and knowledge, paraplanners can not only enhance their professional standing but also attract new talent and drive innovation within the financial planning landscape.