Best Practices in the Financial Services Industry

2012-01-26T21:13:00.000-06:00

See you in Orlando at the TD Ameritrade annual conference!

A video message from Marie Swift - here's how to find me at the conference: Stop by the Social Media Lab. Watch this short video message now.

If you are not registered yet, sign up now: https://wwws.tdameritradeconferences.com/national/20120201A/

Follow Marie Swift on Twitter
Like Impact Communications on Facebook

2012-01-07T15:49:00.000-06:00

Technology Conference for Independent Broker/Dealers Gives Management Teams Unique Opportunity to Experience the Latest and Greatest Technology Solutions

Investment Advisor Magazine and Peter Montoya Announce First-Ever TechLeaders Conference in Dallas March 19-21, 2012

Investment Advisor magazine, one of the largest advisor-read publications in the independent investment management world, and Peter Montoya, a nationally-known financial services industry veteran, have partnered to produce the TechLeaders 2012 Conference, the only conference focused exclusively on technology resources for Broker/Dealer management.

The inaugural conference will be held March 19-21, 2012 at the Omni Mandalay Hotel at Las Colinas in Irving/Dallas, Texas. The conference boasts 30++ presentations from technology firms who will be showcasing the newest and most innovative solutions in the industry today. Montoya founded the TechLeaders Conference in order to address the need for quality programming and well-planned agendas focused exclusively on the many ways technology can solve the issues faced by broker-dealers and registered representatives in the financial services industry.

“There are tons of products in the marketplace whose aim is to assist Broker/Dealers and advisors, but there is a finite amount of time that these busy professionals have to devote to the process of figuring out what’s right for them at the place they are in their careers,” said Montoya. “The TechLeaders Conference will allow these professionals to have an opportunity to kick the tires and figure out what works for them and how they can seamlessly integrate these solutions into their businesses. This is the one place where they can quickly see everyone and everything in the marketplace,” Montoya said.

The 2012 TechLeaders conference will be supported by discussion groups, online user forums, and direct access to the technology vendors creating new solutions. The goal is to create a dialog through which new products can evolve in direct response to user need.

In addition, Investment Advisor magazine will be releasing the Broker/Dealer Technology Survey Results during an awards ceremony at the conference.

In an effort to truly utilize leading edge technology, TechLeaders will also host a virtual exhibit area where those unable to attend the conference will have access material about sponsors and their products.

Read full news release.

Great audio interview with Peter Montoya and Marie Swift:

Listen now.

Attention all IBD home office staff!
Register to attend by March 1, 2012 and glean substantial savings. Details here: http://www.techleadersconference.com/location-registration.php

Only at TechLeaders will you:

- Hear the results of the very first ever Broker/Dealer Technology Survey—get ahead of the competition in determining what's working and what solutions your Representatives are looking for

- Benefit from conference-only pricing on the newest, most asked-for software, hardware, and productivity solutions

- Maximize time spent out of the office with a targeted agenda and the ability to spend quality face-time with solution providers—without distraction

Attention tech companies!

Would you like to present your tech and productivity solutions to dozens of IBD executives and home office staff people? Sponsor the Tech Leaders Conference and gain exclusive access to these VIPs.

Download sponsor package now!

2012-01-07T13:43:00.002-06:00

	Marie Swift and other experts give advice on social media use>

Mastering Social Media - Research Mag - August 2011

Read now.

2011-12-31T13:39:00.001-06:00

Charles Sizemore, publisher of The Sizemore Investment Letter (http://www.sizemoreletter.com) and Jeff Reeves, editor of InvestorPlace.com (http://www.investorplace.com) talk about the InvestorPlace.com stock picking contests for 2011 and 2012.

Find out how Charles Sizemore won the contest for Best Stock in 2011 with Visa -- up a whopping 58% in 2011 -- and why Sizemore has chosen Turkcell as the best stock to own in 2012.

Listen to this insightful 16 minute audio interview now:

Read corresponding news release here:
COMING SOON

More great advice from Charles Sizemore via this WSJ.com video interview. Sizemore says "Buy Germany."

2011-10-28T18:04:00.000-05:00

"The Dull Investor" shares insights with members of the Garrett Planning Network at the 11th Annual Retreat

Here is a "highlights reel" of Allan Roth's opening keynote presentation for the Garrett Planning Network, held October 29-30 in Denver, Colorado. A record-attendance audience cheered and clapped enthusiastically at several moments during his speech. Learn more about Allan and his very impressive background at www.DareToBeDull.com.

2011-10-04T09:01:00.001-05:00

MARKETING THAT WORKS FOR FINANCIAL ADVISORS TODAY - POST YOUR IDEAS HERE

In a few weeks I’ll be speaking at the Financial Advisors Money Show. My topic: Marketing That Works for Financial Advisors Today. I have a number of success stories to share with the audience that will gather in Chicago on October 19, 2011, but I’m also looking for a few new success stories to add.

If you are doing something in the way of marketing, public relations, social media and online visibility, or have perfected a sure-fire method for generating quality introductions, I’d like to hear from you – and I’m offering a $360 prize to the top three contributors.

There are a couple ways you can submit your success stories to me:

1. Visit my personal blog, http://www.MarieSwift.com. There you can read about The Money Show for Financial Advisors, including my marketing presentation and Ric Edelman’s practice management presentation. Simply place a comment on that blog entry and I will get a note from the BlogSpot system letting me know to take a look. No one else will see your comment unless I “release it” and make it “live” on the blog – so if you want your name withheld or don’t want your success story to show up “live” on my Best Practices in the Financial Services Industry blog, just put that in your post and I will honor your request. Be sure to put your name, phone number, email address and website URL in your post so I can contact you with any questions and/or for additional conversation.

2. Send your contact information and comments to me via my assistant MaryEllenBanta@ImpactCommunications.org. Mary Ellen will make sure I see your contribution. I’ll be in touch if I need more information or want to dialog a bit.

PRIZES FOR THE TOP THREE CONTRIBUTIONS

In addition to potentially using your marketing idea in my speeches and/or future articles for http://www.Financial-Planning.com, my team and I will be looking for the best three marketing ideas or success strategies submitted.

I’ll be sending the top three contributors a certificate good for a free Marketing Evaluation (a $360 value). A professional marketing consultant from Impact Communications will review your Web site and marketing materials. Then during a consulting call with you and/or your staff, your Impact Marketing Consultant will provide professional recommendations and insights on how to improve your overall look and feel, marketing message, target marketing campaigns, etc.

Post your marketing idea now!

To read a Marketing Success Story:

http://www.Financial-Planning.com

Enter "Marketing Maven blog" or "Marie Swift" in the search box and all my recent articles will show up in a list. Suggestion: Read the one dated 10/5/11 on Becoming The Heritage Planning Professional in Your Community.

2011-09-28T15:41:00.004-05:00

Marie Swift and NAPFA invite you to:

2011-09-26T16:10:00.004-05:00

Marketing That Works for Advisors Today
Wednesday, October 19, 2011 | 4:00 pm - 4:50 pm

Register Free at:

http://www.moneyshow.com/tradeshow/Chicago/World_MoneyShow/fa_track.asp

Given the economic fallout of the past couple of years, there has never been a time in recent history when so many prospects are looking for a new advisor. In today's hyper competitive landscape, you need to find unique ways to differentiate yourself from the competition. The old methods do not allow you to demonstrate your relevant value to your clients, and are not very effective any more. In this keynote presentation, marketing guru, Marie Swift, will share stories of advisors who are gaining market share through online visibility and social media strategies, public relations and credibility marketing, purpose-driven prospecting, event marketing, and much more. Don't miss this fast-paced session as Swift provides simple yet effective ideas for attracting the kind of new clients and valuable assets that can propel your firm to the next level of success!

Special Bonus for Attendees!

Scan your conference pass (or take a photo of it with your smart phone) and send it to TeresaLaw@ImpactCommunications.org. Put in your email subject line: SPECIAL MONEYSHOW OFFER.

That will entitle you to receive one of the following bonuses:

FREE Marketing Evaluation (a $360 value)

A professional marketing consultant from Impact Communications will review your Web site and marketing materials. Then during a consulting call with you and/or your staff, your Impact Marketing Consultant will provide professional recommendations and insights on how to improve your overall look and feel, marketing message, target marketing campaigns, etc. Get 2 free hours of consulting time, compliments of Impact Communications and The MoneyShow.

Learn more about The Impact Consulting Team: www.impactcommunications.org/ourteam.html

- OR -

$300 off the normal price of Media Mastery University

This dynamic, group training and empowerment program offered by Impact Communications will teach you everything you need to know to succeed in the fast-paced world of media relations. You'll also receive a targeted media list, a 90-page Media Manual, dozens of templates for creating your own news releases and pitches, and much more. This 3-month class is conducted virtually so you do not need to travel to a venue to participate.

See full program details:
www.impactcommunications.org/groupprograms.html

2011-09-09T14:26:00.001-05:00

Many of the industry's best and brightest advisors have embraced a financial life planning methodology. Well known planners such as Rick Kahler, Marty Kurtz, Cicily Maton and Michael Kay all endorse the Money Quotient program. I'm a big fan so wanted to make sure you knew about the opportunity to participate in the following two training courses.

If you are on the East Coast, this is a wonderful opportunity to get the training and experience you need without traveling to Money Quotient's West Coast offices!

Fundamentals of Financial Life Planning
October 21, 22 and 23

This intensive 3-day course covers both the philosophical foundation and the practical application of the M.Q. model of Financial Life Planning. Gain hands on experience while learning how to integrate and custom-fit the M.Q. tools and processes to enhance your practice and strengthen your client relationships.

Increase your Financial Life Planning skills, knowledge and confidence. Plan now to participate in this in-depth training seminar.  

Advanced Training: Client Communications & Discovery 
October 24 & 25

Money Quotient will also conduct a 2-day Advanced Training, "Principles of Client Communication & Discovery," on October 24th & 25th. Completion of the "Fundamentals of Financial Life Planning" course is a prerequisite for attending the Advanced Training.

Visit www.MoneyQuotient.org to register or learn more!

2011-08-04T09:03:00.001-05:00

LOOKING FOR THE ULTIMATE GIFT FOR YOUR CLIENTS?

Consider a Legacy Profile written by award-winning journalist and celebrity profile writer Jane Wollman Rusoff!

As a financial advisor, you are always looking for ways to add value and bond with your clients. Here is one of the most creative and insightful ways I've found to help you do just that.

Listen to this 17 minute interview as I speak with Jane Wollman Rusoff and get her thoughts on building trust and affinity with clients. Jane has developed a special offering just for financial advisors so that you, too, can provide a wonderful gift to your most important clients.

A Legacy Profile starts with a personal conversation, over the telephone or in person. Jane has an immense talent for drawing people out. The telephone or in-person conversations with Jane are recorded, transcribed and edited by Jane. The oral history becomes much more than a transcript, though, as Jane -- who is a veteran journalist -- exercises her judgment to create a Legacy Profile that serves as a short autobiography and legacy document for your client.

The client's Legacy Profile is likely to be one of the most cherished documents you can ever provide for them. Your clients will be pleased with your thoughtfulness. You'll get new insights into their values, attitudes and goals. The Legacy Profile will help you understand, in a life planning type of way, what your clients want out of life. And the process could even open the door to your meeting with the next generation in your client's life.

I know from personal experience how powerful and wonderful these Legacy Profiles written by Jane Wollman Rusoff are. My family and I hired Jane to write a book length autobiography that captured my father-in-law's most important life stories. This digital history of his life will outlive him and honor his memory once he is gone. It will help generations to come understand their family legacy.

While you may not wish to provide a book length document to your clients, every advisor can afford and should consider providing a Legacy Profile to their best clients.

You can learn more at www.FamilyStarProductions.com.

LISTEN TO THIS INTERVIEW NOW:

2011-07-20T12:21:00.000-05:00

Special Invitation from Marie Swift and Matt Bellis

You are cordially invited to enjoy two free consulting calls with Matt Bellis, compliments of Marie Swift. There is no cost or obligation to continue on with Matt. We guarantee you will get value from the first 2 calls!

Listen to this!

Marie Swift interviews Matt Bellis about his system, the power of story telling and being a giver. 20 minutes well spent!

Learn how you can fill your pipeline with ongoing, predictable, quality activity from inside the top 20% of your client base using the Matthew Bellis Warm Introduction System™

To sign up for your 2 FREE consulting sessions, contact Matt Bellis at: http://www.matthewbellis.com/.

2011-07-09T16:44:00.000-05:00

Social Media Boot Camp with Marie Swift and Special Guests

Date: Saturday, September 24, 2011
Location: Fairfield University Dolan School of Business / Fairfield, CT

Sponsored by:
FPA CT - Fairfield County Chapter
FPA Greater Hudson Valley Chapter
Fairfield University

What Are You Doing to Build Your Online Presence Using Web 2.0 and Multi-Media?

What you do online may help beef up your bottom line!

Are you a business owner, financial advisor or service professional who's wondered if you are "missing the boat" online?

Have you ever wondered what the real ROI is on adding multi-media and/or social media to your online brand building strategy?

Are you totally happy with what comes up when people "Google you"?

The truth is: Every business professional needs to be online, building their public persona and promoting their business!

Why? Because that's where your clients, prospective clients and strategic partners are going to check you out.

The truth is: You can't afford NOT to be building a strong presence online. If you are not seen in a favorable way when people hit your website or do an online search you will not be seen as a viable resource.

"Don't miss this important workshop! It may be quite some time before we'll be able to get Marie Swift and Andy Gluck back here in our region to do the Web 2.0 and Social Media Boot Camp again!"
- Mark Brownstein, President, FPA Greater Hudson Valley Chapter ~

* * * ACT NOW! REGISTER TODAY FOR THE CT BOOT CAMP! * * *

Early Bird Registration Deadline Ends 8/24/11!
For more details and to register, visit www.fpact.org.

Go to www.fpact.org to download program info and registration form.

Please note that registrations after 8/24/11 must be received by 9/10/11. After 9/10/11, please contact Lori Somerville at 877-777-0600 or fairfield@fpact.org to check space availability.

* * * ACT NOW! REGISTER TODAY FOR THE CT BOOT CAMP! * * *

Learn how to Build Your Online Presence, whether or not you can or want to use social networking tools such as LinkedIn, Twitter, Facebook, blogging and YouTube.

This jam-packed day will give you newfound knowledge of the major Web 2.0 and social media tools "out there". Whether you choose to use them or not, you MUST be aware of what they are and how your clients - and competitors - are using them to gather information and make informed business decisions.

You'll do a self-assessment using Marie Swift's Online Diagnostic tool to determine where the gaps are in your online strategy. You'll be able to quickly see what your peers are doing online that you're not and what the next steps are for you.

Marie Swift, a marketing expert and founder of Impact Communications, will provide a 4-step Success Plan for Building Your Online Presence. She'll share what other business owners, financial advisors and service professionals are doing to gain visibility online and how they tie-it to real-world results.

Andy Gluck, a marketing expert and founder of Advisor Products, will tell you how to harness the power of the Web using multi-media, keywords and cross-linking strategies. He'll show you how to get the highest page rankings when Google you or search for keywords online.

Drew King from Front Center Media will show you how you can produce a custom lifestyle magazine using their turnkey system.

Allan Slider of Financial Advice Network will be on hand to answer questions about online visibility tools.

Other special guest presenters are being confirmed now.

Those who elect to stay on for the afternoon session will actually build a blog, record a video message, record and audio message, and upload their newly created multi-media clips to their new blog site.

Special Bonus Webinar with Marie Swift and Leia Farmer!

Marie Swift, of Impact Communications, and Leia Farmer, Deputy Chief Compliance Officer with Securities America, will be offering a free educational webinar on Friday, July 15, at 10:00 a.m. EST. If you would like to attend this FREE bonus webinar, register here now: Space is limited. https://www1.gotomeeting.com/register/277255833

* * * ACT NOW! REGISTER TODAY FOR THE CT BOOT CAMP! * * *

Early Bird Registration Deadline Ends 8/24/11!
For more details and to register, visit www.fpact.org.

Go to www.fpact.org to download program info and registration form.

Please note that registrations after 8/24/11 must be received by 9/10/11. After 9/10/11, please contact Lori Somerville at 877-777-0600 or fairfield@fpact.org to check space availability.

* * * ACT NOW! REGISTER TODAY FOR THE CT BOOT CAMP! * * *

Watch this informative video! In an effort to beef up their online presence, many financial advisors, business owners and service professionals are turning to Web 2.0 and social media. But can this help your business? Financial Planning magazine's AdvisorTV film crew reports.

More info from Marie Swift: www.socialmediabootcampBLOG.com.

2011-07-09T11:29:00.004-05:00

DID YOU MISS THE WEBINAR ON JULY 15, 2011?

MAXIMIZING YOUR ONLINE PRESENCE IN A SMART, COMPLIANT WAY

WEBINAR SPONSORED BY:

FPA Fairfield CT, FPA Hudson Valley, Fairfield University, NAPFA, Securities America* and Impact Communications

CLICK HERE TO DOWNLOAD SLIDES

CLICK PLAYER BAR TO LISTEN TO RECORDING

SESSION DESCRIPTION:

Having a good website is mandatory in today’s digital, online world. Multimedia such as podcasts, interactive graphics, and flash movie segments that combine music, narration, images and video clips can make your website come alive. Social media sites such as blogs, Twitter, Facebook, Ning and LinkedIn can help you connect in new, exciting ways with current and prospective clients. But creating or expanding an online presence that will grow your practice requires clear objectives and a plan that delivers on those objectives. This session will cover the fundamentals – “and then some.”

In this recorded one-hour webinar, you will:

• See colorful examples of what other advisors have done in the digital world

• Learn about Spider Marketing – and how that can help generate more traffic to your primary website

• Understand what the ROI is likely to be

• See why it is more important than ever for you to embrace one or more of the social networking platforms

• Hear from a compliance expert on the do’s and don’ts related to social media use

• Get advice from a marketing expert on where to start if you’re late to the party

• Hear suggestions on what to do next if you’ve already dipped your toe into the water

In a nutshell, your instructors will cover:

• Best practices for creating a powerful online presence

• How to add multimedia to online sites

• When and how to add social media to your strategy

• How to work most effectively with compliance

• What the FINRA guidelines say and how to protect yourself from regulator scrutiny

• The best and easiest ways to get started

• How to get help if you’d rather not do it alone

Your instructors:

Marie Swift is President and CEO of Impact Communications, a full-service marketing communications firm serving a select group of independent financial advisors, industry thought-leaders and allied institutions.

A regular contributor to industry publications such as MorningstarAdvisor, RIABiz.com, AdvisorOne, Research and Financial Planning magazines, industry expert David Drucker calls her a “PR consultant extraordinaire” and featured her firm in “Raising Perceptions,” an article published by Research magazine about the benefits of public relations and credibility marketing. Bob Veres says, “Marie is perhaps the best PR professional in our industry.”

A popular speaker, Swift has spoken at numerous conferences within the financial services industry. She has received high ratings from participants at various venues including the NFL Players Association, TD Ameritrade, Pershing, Lockwood University, Charles Schwab, Securities America, Financial Network, the Financial Planning Association, the National Association of Personal Financial Advisors and the Garrett Planning Network.

Swift uses Twitter (http://www.twitter.com/marieswift) and her Best Practices in the Financial Services Industry blog (http://www.marieswift.com) as well as LinkedIn, Ning, multi-media engagement tools and online newswire services to build relationships in the digital realm.

Learn more about Marie Swift at http://www.impactcommunications.org.

Leia Farmer is Deputy Chief Compliance Officer with Securities America, Inc., one of the largest independent broker/dealers in the nation. Leia’s primary responsibilities are to oversee the RIA Compliance and Policies and Procedures teams within Securities America.

During its National Conference in Orlando, Fla., in June 2011, Securities America announced its new social media program, which will allow all of its 1,800 reps to access and post content on Facebook, LinkedIn and Twitter in mid-July. Leia was a part of the internal task force that analyzed and selected Securities America's social media compliance solution, and will participate in the social media / compliance training sessions provided by the firm in 2011.

Under the Securities America program, advisors will need to get static content, such as a profile page or market commentary, pre-approved by the firm’s compliance department. But any communications that are interactive—accepting events, creating groups and posting Tweets and comments that respond to questions—will not require pre-approval before they go live. These types of communications will go through a review process after the content has gone up.

Leia understands the FINRA guidelines as they pertain to registered representatives and social media use. She will share her insights with the webinar attendees on July 15th.

Prior to joining Securities America, Leia worked as the Chief Compliance Officer for Brecek &Young Advisors, Inc., a mid-sized broker/dealer that was acquired by Securities America in 2009. She was also a compliance analyst for E*Trade. In addition to over 11 years of industry experience, Leia has a bachelor’s degree from the University of California Berkeley in Legal Studies and a Master’s Degree in Organizational Management from the University of Phoenix. Leia holds the Series 7, 63, 24, 4, and 66 licenses.

Learn more about Leia at http://www.securitiesamerica.com. Get practice management tips and learn more about building your online presence at http://www.AdvisorPod.com.

*Securities America, Inc. is a Registered Broker/Dealer, Member FINRA/SIPC. Advisory services are offered through Securities America Advisors, Inc., a SEC Registered Advisory Firm.

Want to take a deeper dive?

Attend the next Web 2.0 and Social Media Boot Camp!

AS SEEN ON ADVISORTV
If you are interested in taking a deeper dive and/or building your online presence during a live, instructor- guided, computer-lab experience led by marketing expert Marie Swift, sign up now to attend one of these live boot camps:

SPONSORED BY FPA AND FAIRFIELD UNIVERSITY

Fairfield, CT - Saturday, September 24, 2011
Learn more at http://www.fpact.org

SPONSORED BY NAPFA

Brooklyn, NY - Monday, October 24, 2011
Learn more at http://www.napfa.org

See what FPA San Diego 2011 Task Force Chair Evelyn Zohlen has to say about the Web 2.0 and Social Media Boot Camp on AdvisorTV!

Build a Rich Niche with Professional Insights and Advice

2011-06-27T12:19:00.019-05:00

2011-06-16T13:52:00.000-05:00

Marketing and PR Tips for Financial Advisors: a Conversation with Marie Swift and Nicole Coulter

I attended my first Women Advisors Forum in Chicago on June 10, 2010. The following day, I was the guest on Copernicus Radio with host (and veteran journalist) Nicole Coulter. We spoke about marketing and PR for financial advisors, and I shared what happened at the first of many Women Advisors Forums that I would ultimately attend.

Listen now: http://bit.ly/qYIbAR

Listen to internet radio with Copernicus Radio on Blog Talk Radio

2011-05-17T22:22:00.006-05:00

Watch this 3 minute clip now on AdvisorTV.

Scott Hanson, Co-Founder, Hanson McClain Advisors and Hanson McClain Retirement Network talks about the fiduciary standard and what's best long-term for clients. He also says risk tolerance has changed for clients and that the industry needs to "get it right this time" if we are to restore trust after the erosion caused by recent Wall Street scandals.

Watch this 3 minute clip now on AdvisorTV.

Open Mic Conversation with Ed Jacobson and Michael Kay - Life Planning Realities

2011-03-21T17:36:00.000-05:00

Ed Jacobson and Michael Kay had a nice conversation in February 2011. In his monthly Open Mic call, Ed and asked Michael about his new book The Business of Life: An Inside-Out Approach to Building a More Successful Financial Planning Business.

"I was especially impressed by the book's practicality," said Jacobson. "Michael actually talks about what he does with clients. And I am moved by his personal journey from financial professional to financial planner to financial life planner. This book is one of the few that does it all."

In this 50 minute recorded conversation, Ed asks Michael about his professional and personal journey to becoming an "FLP," elicits some case examples, and asks his advice for others who are wondering how to put a toe in the water of this financial life planning "thing."

LISTEN NOW:

About Ed: www.edwardjacobson.com

About Michael: www.thebusinessoflife.net

Financial Planning Industry Influentials Debate Issues of the Day - Playback Available "On Demand"

2011-02-20T17:34:00.000-06:00

What Have You Done for Me Lately?

Redefining Your Value as an Advisor Today

On Thursday, January 20, 2011, Marie Swift held a lively Fireside Chat with industry influentials:

Bob Veres
Inside Information

Joel Bruckenstein, CFP®
Technology Tools for Today

Robert Lindner, CFP®
Lindner Capital Advisors

Michael Kay, CFP®

Financial Focus, LLC

Skip Schweiss
TD Ameritrade Trust Company

Listen to the audio version of the Fireside Chat:
http://www.audioacrobat.com/sa/WrwV88QL

Access the multi-media version of the Fireside Chat:
http://www.brighttalk.com/community/financial-planning/webcast/24289

Continue the conversation here on this blog! Post your questions, comments and observations here.

Going Independent: Things to Consider Before Making the Move - Educational Podcast Available "On Demand"

2011-02-07T22:57:00.000-06:00

Podcast - Available "On Demand"

Going Independent: Things to Consider Before Making the Move

Marie Swift interviews Financial Network Regional Directors:

John Brackett
BAR Financial, LLC

Dave Hubbard
Exemplar Financial Network

Cheryl Chiara, CFA®
Financial Network Investment Corporation

Listen to the round table discussion now.

Read the transcript, if you prefer.

http://marie-swift.blogspot.com/2010/02/going-independent-interview-transcript.html

T3 Technology Conference to Provide Practical Wisdom, Expert Advice

2011-01-27T09:02:00.000-06:00

Session Topics will Address Real-Life Productivity Issues

David Drucker and Joel Bruckenstein, two of the financial planning industry's best known leading lights and producers of the 6th Annual "T3" Technology Tools for Today™ Conference, today announced details of conference breakout sessions to be held at the Grand Hyatt Bonaventure Hotel in Weston, FL February 16-19th, 2011.

"We are introducing several new and exciting sessions that reflect changes in the marketplace," said David Drucker. "They will provide participants with guidance and advice for utilizing the latest products and services available. For example, the iPad was an instant hit for entertainment purposes, but it can also be used just as effectively in business. Advisors who are using it productively will share their insights and experiences about how this tool has transformed client meetings and presentations."

"Virtual Work Partners: Outsourcing Done Successfully" will offer practical information about this modern solution for administrative support. Jennifer Goldman with MyVirtualCOO, Stephanie Platt with Financial Services Outsourcing Solutions Inc., and Jessica Riner with Consider it Done! will teach participants about virtual assistants: what they do, best practices for working with them and how they can be used to reduce onsite administrative employee costs.

Oren Chaplin of Norris, McLaughlin & Marcus, P.A. will lead a session on "Practical and Legal Issues Surrounding Technology Service Providers," in which he will discuss some of the legal issues that advisors face when using technology service providers. It will be different from the standard compliance discussion in that he will address real issues that advisors face in their relationships with technology service providers such as ownership of information, protecting against third party claims of infringement and indemnification.

Another session, "Workflow and Process: How to Identify and Incorporate It Into Your CRM," will be a discussion with Ken Golding of Junxure and Deborah Fox of Fox College Funding. "Advisors are hearing more and more that they need to use a robust CRM," Bruckenstein said. "This session will help them assess different ones in the marketplace so that they can choose the right one for them."

In addition to 25 or more breakout sessions, general sessions include presentations by TD AMERITRADE Institutional, Laserfiche and Asset Dedication. For conference registration, sponsorship application and additional details, visit T3's newly revamped website, www.TechnologyToolsForToday.com.

Standard price of $ 375.00 starts on 12/16/2010 and ends on 2/15/2011 at 11:59 p.m. Late/Onsite price of $ 400.00 starts on 2/16/2011 at 12:00 a.m.

Follow the T3 Community at www.Twitter.com/t3fan. Watch a series of short videos from past T3 Conferences and read other important information at www.T3Conference.blogspot.com.

Read full news release: T3 Technology Conference to Provide Practical Wisdom, Expert Advice

Securities America's Nagengast on Industry Trends for Growth

2010-11-21T15:46:00.001-06:00

Jim Nagengast, the CEO of Securities America Corp., chats with Pam Black on November 1, 2010, at Sourcemedia's AdvisorTV in-house studio about volatility in the markets, his firm's distribution system for advisors, and its new emphasis on working with community banks.

Watch now:
http://www.financial-planning.com/video/nagengast-video2669865-1.html

Industry Luminary Bob Veres - Video Interview on the Future of the Financial Advisory Profession

2010-11-14T22:18:00.000-06:00

The Business Of Life - Financial Planning from the Inside Out - with Michael Kay

2010-11-09T21:26:00.000-06:00

Michael Kay, author of the forthcoming book The Business of Life: An Inside-Out Approach to a More Successful Financial Planning Practice (AdvisorPress, December 2010) on why so few people know how to communicate when it comes to discussing their finances.

Marketing That Works for Advisors Today - Advisors Money Show - Join Me!

2010-10-28T10:43:00.006-05:00

Check out this panel presentation!

If you'd like to attend the Advisors Money Show in Orlando Nov 17-19, I have 10 FREE FULL CONFERENCE PASSES to give away. Just call my office, Impact Communications, at 913-649-5009 and tell Teresa Law, the lovely lady who'll pick up the phone, that you saw my invitation to call and that you'd like to take me up on my offer to secure a free conference pass.

If all the free passes are gone, you can use this link to register at the very affordable rate of just $99. Your full conference pass includes 2 1/2 days of educational sessions with industry experts on a wide range of topics, sponsor presentations and meals, and access to the exhibit hall with over 80 hand-picked companies such as Lindner Capital Advisors (a money manager / TAMP with a unique investment strategy that includes a Managed Futures component).

Register Today and join Marie Swift for The Advisors MoneyShow Orlando, November 17-19, 2010, at The Peabody Hotel. The timing of this year’s Show is ideal. With clients weary of large investments and the fear of a double-dip recession, now is the most important time for you to attend the Advisors MoneyShow. Discover strategies for managing client portfolios (and yours too) in choppy markets, learn techniques for keeping your current clients, and find out how your business can grow in today’s economy!

Register Now! Only $99 for full conference pass.

Orlando | November 17 – 19, 2010 • The Peabody Hotel

Below is information on my session - see you there!
Marketing That Works for Advisors Today

Thursday, November 18, 2010 | 11:15 am - 12:30 pm

Gregory Sullivan

Marie Swift

Dean Zayed

Michael Zmistowski

Podcasts from Ellen, Davey, Iverson and Montoya - Listen Now!

2010-09-26T16:42:00.025-05:00

Take a few minutes out of your busy day to feed your brain with insights and information from some of the industry’s leading lights.

Marie Swift has been busy interviewing the following thought leaders. Their podcasts and commentary are available here on her “Best Practices” blog.

Listen to:

Brett Ellen, CFP® (mega-producer) talk about building a multi-million dollar financial advisory practice

Geoff Davey (FinaMetrica) on risk tolerance, psychometrics and the bear market

Matt Iverson (BoulevardR) on automating your marketing process and building your reputation online

Peter Montoya (relationship marketing expert) on the best way to attract and retain ideal clients

Feel free to look around - there's much much more here on Marie Swift's "Best Practices in the Financial Services Industry" blog!

Podcasts from Veres, Luby, Lindner and Stevens - Listen Now!

2010-08-12T13:25:00.000-05:00

Bob Veres talk about The Future of the Financial Advisory Business

Joe Luby on Maximizing Roth IRA Conversions with an Innovative Discount Valuation Strategy

Bob Lindner on Using Alternative Investments to Reduce Portfolio Volatility

Sue Stevens on Helping Your Clients Find Financial Happiness

Feel free to look around - there's much much more here on Marie Swift's "Best Practices in the Financial Services Industry" blog!

Branding Your Firm from the Inside Out: What You Must Know and Do to Win Market Share Now

2010-08-10T21:39:00.003-05:00

Annette Bau, creator of the Millionaire Series, interviewed me for her Financial Advisor Summit – a virtual event that is airing in August on select days and times. I just found out that my recorded interview will ONLY be available FREE of charge TOMORROW, August 11^th, 2010 between noon and 6:00 pm EDT.

My topic is:

Branding Your Firm from the Inside Out: What You Must Know and Do to Win Market Share Now

You will learn:

How to sharpen your brand and articulate your value in a clear, compelling way
Ways to gain access to worksheets and questionnaires that will help you clarify your value proposition and get everyone on your team "singing from the same hymn book"
What industry leaders have to say about the future of advice and the financial services industry
How to create an action plan based on expert advice from one of the industry's most respected marketing consultants
How to understand branding - and why it’s important to your ongoing success - from the inside out

Annette says on the Financial Advisor Summit site: “Marie Swift is the CEO of Impact Communications. Her firm boasts a long and illustrious list of industry thought leaders, celebrities, and highly-successful advisors-all gleaned effortlessly through attraction-based marketing and PR strategies. She’s one of the top PR experts in the country, as well as an expert in public relations and marketing communication. She is hailed as the ‘Marketing Guru’ by the editors at Investment Advisor Magazine.”

If you go now to www.fasummit.com and register for the virtual event, they will send you information on how to access my recorded interview – which is available tomorrow only, between noon – 6:00 pm EDT for free. Please note that if you miss this free window of opportunity you can pay for the audio series and not only hear my interview but several others from world-class sales and marketing experts. It is important to note that I do not receive any royalties or revenue from any of the audio purchases you make on www.fasummit.com; I’m simply participating as a way to bring insights and value to the financial planning and investment advisory community.

I know this whole system is a bit confusing – as all things are when they are new to us – but give it a shot and let the conference organizers know what you think. I’m pretty sure my segment will contain a couple of good and inspiring ideas for you!

You can post comments for me HERE on my blog: www.marieswift.com and I’ll respond here.

Warm regards,

Marie

Using Alternative Investments to Reduce Portfolio Volatility

2010-07-25T13:38:00.021-05:00

Robert J. Lindner, CEO of Lindner Capital Advisors (a TAMP that provides third-party asset management platform services to independent advisors and IBD registered reps), and I had a very interesting discussion in July 2010.

Our conversation is captured in this 19 minute podcast interview: Using Alternative Investments to Reduce Portfolio Volatility. It’s well worth the time you’ll spend listening to Bob share why his team is now adding Managed Futures to an otherwise well-diversified portfolio of low-cost asset class funds (e.g., DFA funds).

Lindner shares some pretty convincing research during our conversation and in the published articles, below.

The Missing Piece of the Portfolio Puzzle – November 2009

Managed futures have only recently been made accessible to individual investors. While viewed as a bit risky, when added to well-diversified portfolios of stocks and bonds and properly managed, these investments may help protect against market declines. Read Robert Lindner’s full article in Physician's Money Digest.

Subtraction Through Addition: Adding Risk to a Client's Portfolio Can Reduce Overall Risk – March 2010

Anyone who has studied basic portfolio construction understands that it’s possible to reduce the overall risk in a portfolio by adding an asset class that has low or negative correlation to the rest of that portfolio’s asset class constituents. At least, that’s what they taught us in Investing 101. That’s all changed now. What people are really interested in still is how the strategy worked in 2008… Read Robert Lindner’s full article in Investment Advisor magazine.

Putting It in Neutral : How You Can Improve a Client’s Portfolio by Using a Market Neutral Strategy – April 2010

With every bear market the discussion as to whether "buy and hold" works invariably resurfaces. It will be analyzed in journals, opined over in the mainstream media, and spun into the sales pitch du jour for active management. Then we enter the next bull run and investors simply don’t pay attention anymore. Or perhaps they assume that end-date bias is the culprit, so why don’t we just pick a different end date and be done with it? Well, that only works if you aren’t within a few years of retiring or your stomach is made of iron… Read Robert Lindner’s full article in Investment Advisor magazine.

Bob and his team will be at the Innovative Alternative Strategies Conference put on by Financial Advisor magazine, Private Wealth magazine and the folks at Charter Media July 26-28, 2010 in Chicago. Stop by the Lindner Capital Advisors booth and say hi. And don't miss Bob's panel presentation Tuesday, July 27, 2010 at 2:00 pm. I'll be there and look forward to seeing you if you can make it!

Get additional updates by following @Lindner_Capital on Twitter.

Redefining Your Value in Today's Market Place

2010-07-23T23:27:00.006-05:00

For several months now, I've been knee deep in conversations with financial advisors and industry executives and coaches on one topic in particular: Value.

How do you define it for yourself? How are your prospective and current clients defining it for themselves? How are current events and the recent past economic turbulence shaping the way financial advisors are perceived? And how are you not only articulating but continually proving your value to your clients?

The folks at Pershing started a ripple effect when they asked me to speak at their national conference, Insite 2010. They asked me to address an interesting topic: Redefining Your Value in Today's Market Place.

I spoke with a number of industry thought-leaders including Bob Veres, Chip Roame, Mark Tibergien, Blaine Aiken, Bill Cates, George Kinder, Brett Ellen, Steve Saenz, Sue Stevens and many more. Their comments were enlightening and stimulated some new thoughts of my own. I also spoke with numerous financial advisors as I traversed the country speaking at and attending industry events.

fi360 and Securities America asked me to customize and present the Redefining Your Value presentation at their national conferences in May and June. NAPFA asked me to lead a panel at their national conference on marketing and client communication in May. ASN360, NAAIM and TD Ameritrade asked me to speak at their national conferences on the Power of PR in Your Marketing Plan.

I was pleased when Financial Planning magazine asked me to write an article revealing some of what I'd learned. What Have You Done for Me Lately? ran in the July 2010 issue.

This is a very important conversation, and I'll continue to speak with FAs and industry thought leaders, gathering their insights and providing additional ideas to help you fuel your practice through additional speeches, articles and a white paper I plan to publish in a couple months.

A couple opportunities for you right now:

1. If you'd like to join a discussion on FinancialPlanning.com, here's a link that will take you to the online conversation. I've posted some additional comments on how FAs might want to think about articulating their value. There's even a link to a worksheet that will help you develop a strong positioning statement and I'm running a contest - the FA who posts the best positioning statement by 8/15/10 will win a $500 gift certificate compliments of Impact Communications.

2. If you missed the live presentation I delivered at the Pershing Insite Conference June 2010, you might still be able to register to attend the webinar I'm presenting for Pershing on Monday, July 26th at 1:00 pm CT, where we'll continue the conversation about Redefining Your Value in Today's Market.

I'll try to obtain a recorded version of the webcast and, worst case scenario, will be able to post the mp3 audio file and my slide show for you here on this blog.

2010-06-24T16:40:00.018-05:00

Here are a few photos from the Women Advisors Forum in Chicago last week. The event, put on by SourceMedia, offered an opportunity to network with the most successful and influential women financial advisors in the nation, while gaining insight into their career experience and rise to the top.

That's me (second from the left) with Ruthie Ackerman (a journalist from SourceMedia covering the event), Clara Sierra (Sentinel Financial Services Company - a speaker at the event) and Mari J. Buechner (Coordinated Capital Securities, Inc. - a speaker at the event).

Here's the back story - and who says people over 40 can't be spontaneous?

I decided on a whim, 2 days before the event, to rejigger my schedule so I could attend the Women Advisors Forum in Chicago. Even though I'd been on the road, speaking and consulting the entire first two weeks of June, when I ran into Financial Planning / On Wall Street magazine publisher Tim Whiting at the Pershing Insite Conference in Florida, I just couldn't resist the compelling value proposition he laid out.

So, after kissing my family hello and goodbye, I jumped on a plane the morning of the Women Advisors event and flew from my home town Kansas City to Chicago on the early bird flight. Karen Embry, one of Impact's ace project managers came with me. Gotta love Southwest Airlines!

Long story short: We had such a good time networking and learning from our esteemed colleagues that I intentionally missed my flight home that night in order to stay the night and go out to dinner with a choice group of people.

No toothbrush or jammies, but I managed to find a 7-11 and get the essentials I needed before settling into my hotel room with a copy of Carol Frohlinger's book "Her Place at the Table." Carol, a successful attorney and co-founder of Negotiating Women, Inc., was the closing keynote speaker at the event and she was FANTASTIC! She spoke about the propensity most women have to "bargain themselves down" even before the negotiations begin - plus a lot more.

But let me back up to the beginning of the afternoon event.

I loved, loved, loved the luncheon keynote speaker: Elizabeth Moss, CLU, ChFC, CFS, CLTC, Agency Investment Specialist, MassMutual Financial Group. Elizabeth talked about how women view finance, how they listen and learn best, and how she has successfully helped countless women make good decisions about their money and their lives by using colorful stories and candid, jargon-free conversation.

Jessica Biblowicz, Chairman and CEO of National Financial Partners, the next keynote speaker, was simply amazing. What a beautiful and intelligent woman. She spoke about the challenges she and NFP had worked through during the dark days in 2008/09 and how they are now well positioned as a result of that somber, introspective time.

The panels were great, too. My favorite was the Women Rainmakers' panel. Of course I would say that, right?! Marketing and rainmaking is "my thing" and Sue Stevens, one of Impact's wonderful advisor-clients, was up on stage sharing how she's built her wealth management practice over the years after having left her mark as Financial Planning Director at Morningstar (and before that at Vanguard and Arthur Anderson, where she got her sea legs in the financial planning world after enjoying a nice career as a professional celloist). Sue and the other Rainmaker panelists were full of wit and wisdom. Check out Sue's latest brainstorm - www.financial-happiness.com - you might just get inspired to do something like this yourself. If not, you might as well use Sue's materials until you decide to build your own suite of attractive tools and resources.

It was nice to see old friends and make new acquaintances, too. Gail Marks Jarvis, syndicated columnist with the Chicago Tribune showed up for part of the day (thanks, Gail for turning in my leather notebook to lost and found!). And I was humbled when some of the attendees told me they recognized me from seeing my picture and reading my articles in Financial Planning magazine. Thanks, ladies - you made my day!

To top it off, Marion Asnes, Editor-in-Chief, Financial Planning magazine, was the-hostess-with-the-mostess. What a gracious and articulate emcee and panel moderator. I've been honored to work with Marion and her team on and off over the years. She's a class act - and one of the best editors I know. If you are not reading Financial Planning magazine as an advisor today, you owe it to yourself to subscribe now - www.financial-planning.co m.

So, that's it. My recap of the Women Advisors Forum. I plan to move heaven and earth to get to the next one - which, I believe will be in Boston, on October 25th, right before the Schwab Impact Conference. Watch Financial Planning magazine, On Wall Street magazine and Bank Investment Consultant magazine for additional details.

If you'd like to listen to a radio interview I did with Nicole Coulter of Copernicus Radio, where at the top of the interview, I share about my experience at the Women Advisors Forum, here's a link: http://www.blogtalkradio.com/copernicus-institute/2010/06/17/interview-with-marie-swift

And now for those photos:

Tammy Butts and Sue Stevens share Secrets of Women Rainmakers during one of the panel sessions.

Julie Murphy Casserly, Clara Sierra and Amy Webber talk about Reaching the Top.

Mari J. Buechner, Marion Asnes and Bruce Morris at coffee break.

Marie Swift and Karen Embry at break with gourmet goodies.

Ruthie Ackerman and Marie Swift "tweeting" live from the Women Advisors Forum.

Link to the June 17, 2010 Chicago
Event agenda and speaker bios:
http://www.financial-planning.com/events/women-advisors-forum-2666840-1.html

Watch for future events:
http://www.financial-planning.com

2010-06-24T11:41:00.018-05:00

Over the many years that I've been coaching financial advisors on Marketing Communications strategies, we've continually discussed how building a strong online presence is essential.

10-12 years ago, websites were just "coming of age" and advisors were asking "Do I really need to have a website? None of my clients are online." Today we know that not only do you need to have a website but it must be A GOOD website. People will look you up online and if they see a poor website (or no website), chances are they will move on to another option. Bottom line: you have to have a good website today to be considered a serious business.

Today, with the advent of LinkedIn, Naymz, Ning, Groupsite, Facebook, My Space, Intranets, Wikis, blogs, Twitter (which is essentially "micro-blogging), You Tube, EONs, and thousands of other social media sites ... coupled with the ability to cross-link to "traditional media mentions" such as WSJ, Kiplingers, local newspaper and magazine mentions, TV clips, etc. and audios, videos and/or multi-media presentations you produce on your own ... it's a wild, wide world of possibilities. I hear this common objection from advisors all the time: "Do I really need to do all this stuff? None of my clients are on XYZ (fill in the blank with Twitter, for instance). I predict that in 2-3 years, we will look back and see that participating on several social media sites - in addition to maintaining and populating a good website and blog - and in addition to having numerous "traditional media hits" - will be required to be seen as a viable resource.

Moral of the story: You owe it to yourself to understand your options today and to get ahead of the curve by embracing several online tactics now.

What happens when people "google" (or "bing") you? What do they see? Online reputation management and presence is important. You want scads of cool stuff to show up on the first google / bing page - articles you've had published, quotes in publications, a blog, your Twitter feeds, your LinkedIn page, your profile on FPA's site (or NAPFA, Garrett Network, Paladin Registry, WiserAdvisor, NAIFA, etc.), a You Tube video channel, a book you contributed to or wrote, online news releases, etc.

Here's one other "must": REGISTER YOUR BUSINESS WITH GOOGLE LOCAL AT http://www.google.com/local/add. You want to make sure that if anyone searches for you online, your name comes up!

Using the right keywords and meta tags (and copy in your web content) is also important.

I could go on and on ... but let's see what you all have to say. Everyone please chime in with your best tips and advice by posting your comments on this blog site.

Not only will be learn new ways to improve our online presences, but I'll be sharing some of our collective wisdom at Web 2.0 and Social Media Boot Camp that I'm doing for FPA as a pre-conference offering (right before FPA's national conference in Denver) on Saturday, October 9, 2010.

If any of you want to attend that boot camp session, it will run from 8:30 am - noon (the 3.5 hour long session will include setting up professionally branded blog and twitter pages and populating your blog with both a podcast and a video clip / interview that we'll record there on site, as well as core content). We'll have a lunch break from noon - 1:00. Then I'll be leading an advanced cross-linking and online reputation management class from 1:00-3:00. The main conference kicks off that evening.

Just watch the FPA Bulletins if you want to consider joining me for the Social Media Boot Camp.

Meanwhile, please share your tips and advice on building a strong online presence here.

Thanks,
Marie Swift
Marketing Communications and PR Coach

2010-05-25T19:20:00.011-05:00

Vince Esposito of AdvisorConnect and Marie Swift of Impact Communications talk about ways financial advisors can use Web 2.0 and Social Media to market their services and build relationships.

Audio here:
http://www.audioacrobat.com/sa/WZT0dCrT

Slide show here:
http://www.slideshare.net/bgeyser/marie-swift-social-media

2010-05-22T15:20:00.010-05:00

Long-time wealth manager Sue Stevens talks about finding financial happiness and her new book "Put Your Money Where Your Heart Is" in this podcast with Impact Communications' Al Martin in May 2010. Spend 5 minutes listening to Sue and Al talk about money, meaning and the pursuit of happiness.

In addition, Sue was a guest on the Good News Broadcast radio show with host Paul Slatkis in July 2010. They spend 10 minutes talking about finding balance, budgeting using Maslow's pyramid of needs, putting your money to work in wise ways, and much more.

Here's why you should listen to Sue:

Stevens, a leading thinker in the financial planning community with a thriving wealth management practice based in Chicago, says money should support the things one truly loves in life. In her new book, Put Your Money Where Your Heart Is, Stevens draws on real life stories to inspire readers to make profound changes that not only improve their lives, but the lives of others as well.
"By paying attention to a few key areas, you can transform your relationship with money from frustrating to inspiring," says Stevens, a Certified Financial Planner professional and founder and president of Stevens Wealth Management LLC, Financial Happiness LLC and Stevens Visionary Strategies. "Instead of endless worry, you can create a life that you look forward to living because it reflects who you are and what is important to you."
In Put Your Money Where Your Heart Is, Stevens details a transformational process that includes Portfolio Peace of Mind , It's Not Just Retirement, It's the Rest of Your Life and The Financial Bridge to help readers discover a path that leads to inspiration and hope about relationships with money. After that examination, Stevens leads the reader through the Radiant Wealth concept which helps readers put their money where their heart is and think beyond the traditional measures of wealth.
Put Your Money Where Your Heart Is helps readers:
- Reflect on what matters most
- Get inspired
- Make changes to better align use of money with values
- Examine net worth for balance
- Find financial happiness and reach a state of Radiant Wealth
"Put Your Money Where Your Heart Is is a must-read for anyone who wants to re-examine their relationship with money," says Stevens. "Money is not just about making it and spending it but being engaged with it and making it do the things that make you feel good."
"Few writers know more about personal investing than Sue Stevens," says Taylor Larimore, co-author of The Bogleheads' Guide to Investing.
"Sue has been a member of our Q&A With the Experts Panel for some time now," says Mel Lindauer, a co-author of the Boglehead's book. "Every year, when I introduce her, I say that she has more meaningful professional designations after her name than anyone I know."
Founder and President of Stevens Wealth Management LLC, Financial Happiness LLC and Stevens Visionary Strategies, Sue Stevens has held leadership roles in top financial organizations for 20 years. Stevens is frequently named as one of the top advisors in the country by Worth, Bloomberg, Reuters and others. In 2008, Stevens was named one of 50 Distinguished Women in Wealth Management by Wealth Manager magazine.

(pictured: Sue Stevens, left, and Kathleen L. Ryan, right, at the Vanguard Diehards VIII gathering in 2008)
Long associated with Morningstar, Inc, Stevens was Director of Financial Planning and authored award-winning columns as well as founded Morningstar's personal finance newsletter Practical Finance. Stevens holds an MBA from University of Chicago, a Masters of Science in Wealth Management from The College for Financial Planning, the Certified Public Accountant/Personal Financial Specialist (CPA/PFS) designation, and is both a Chartered Financial Analyst (CFA) and a CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER certificant.
Learn more about Sue Stevens at www.financial-happiness.com, where a subscription to Financial Happiness is free and gets you instant access to the monthly True Wealth Blast, a Spending Worksheet, a Net Worth Statement and much more.
The book, along with the other educational tools Stevens offers free or low cost to the general public, is a great gift book!

NAPFA Members and other independent financial advisors may want to buy a number of books and/or subscription memberships for their clients. Many of the NAPFA check lists and philosophies are included in Steven's book, newsletter, website, etc.

Now Hear This: Bob Veres on the Future of the Financial Advisory Business

2010-05-16T21:37:00.008-05:00

I had the privilege of speaking with industry influential / visionary Bob Veres on May 15, 2010 about his new white paper report: The Future of The Financial Advisory Business.

Listen to this Audio Interview
15 minutes of time well spent!
http://www.audioacrobat.com/sa/W1GKccST

Read "Micro No More" and

Join the Conversation at RIABiz:

http://www.riabiz.com/a/2006001

Read "A Profession Comes of Age" and

Join the Discussion at Financial-Planning.com:

http://www.financial-planning.com/fp_issues/2010_5/financial_planning_industry-2666628-1.html

How to Elicit from Feedback from a Client Advisory Board

2010-05-15T15:09:00.011-05:00

I've been out and about, attending conferences and speaking with lots of advisors about VALUE - what does it mean to clients and the public given everything that's gone on the past couple of years - and how they are refining their Value Proposition in light of all that?

The audience and panelists at the fi360 Annual Conference last week had some really good ideas on Articulating Your Value as an AIF or AIFA designee. If you are a part of the fi360 community, be sure to go to the designee portal and download my slides and presentation audio recording.

I've been on the discussion boards recently with Members of the Garrett Planning Network talking about Articulating Your Value as a Member of the Garrett Planning Network. So, Garrett Members, you know how to access that conversation.

It was fun meeting members of NAAIM - the National Association of Active Investment Managers - in Orlando on May 3 and discussion how to get started with a Media Relations plan.

More great news - Bob Vere's new white paper report on The Future of Advice is now available for FREE DOWNLOAD at http://www.bobveres.com/. You won't want to miss reading this 109 page missive.

Let the good times roll!

Next week, I host a discussion forum online for Financial-Planning.com - the topic? Articulating Your Value as an Advisor Today. It's free and open to all financial advisors, so do join what I hope will be a robust discussion there. Who knows, maybe I can use your comments in a future article or speech.

FYI I'll be in Chicago next week for the NAPFA National Conference May 19-21. I'm moderating a panel discussion Friday May 21 on What's Working Now: Best Marketing Ideas with 4 accomplished NAPFA members from various sized firms. Looking forward to seeing old friends and new there.

Then in June, I'll be speaking twice (Power of PR / Ask the Media Stars is presentation #1 and Redefining Your Value as an Independent Financial Advisor is presentation #2) at Securities America's annual conference in Huntington Beach June 2-8 and then at Pershing Insite on June 11 (the topic there is Redefining Your Value as an RIA Today).

So ... back to the interactions I've been having with Garrett Members. Sheryl Garrett, founder of the Garrett Planning Network, Mary Lacey Gibson, business planning coach for the Garrett Planning Network, and I came up with a few tips on how to gather feedback from your clients so that you can build a strong Value Proposition.

Here, with a little reworking, is the gist of that conversation.

*****************************************

To get it right ... your Value Proposition, that is ... you know what your best qualities and, gulp, weak spots are. A good way to start the process of understanding the real value you bring is to speak with your clients directly. While surveys can be good, personal conversations oftentimes yield a more candid and meaningful conversation.

Here are some tips on getting feedback from a select group of your clients - in person.

HOW TO ELICIT FEEDBACK FROM AN ADVISORY BOARD

THE INVITATION PROCESS

Determine your list and invite the right people.
· Review your client list.

· Select 8 to 12 clients that you feel you have a real solid relationship.

· Give them a call.

· Tell them that you're forming a client advisory board and you really appreciate their friendship, respect their opinions and would love to get their feedback on how they feel you could best improve the quality of your clients' experiences with you.

· Invite them all to meet with you together. If that’s not possible, visit with them individually in-person or over the phone. In-person is best as you will have a more rich and honest conversation that way.

· Tell them you will send an email (or mailed) confirmation and short list of questions in advance of the meeting. Ask them to come prepared to talk about the questions.

THE PREPARATION STAGE

Get them thinking between the invitational call and the feedback meeting.

· In an email or letter, recap the time, date, location and purpose of the meeting. Include a list of questions. Ask them to come prepared to talk about the questions.

· Questions might include:

a. If you were to describe me and the work we've done together to a beloved family member or friend, what would you say?

b. My business grows through referrals from satisfied clients. What would you suggest I do to increase the likelihood that clients will recommend me to their family and friends?

c. When you were first searching for a financial advisor, what factors caused you to select me? What could have made that process better for you?

d. What do you appreciate most about our relationship?

e. Is there anything bothering you about our relationship?

THE CLIENT FEEDBACK MEETING

Host the meeting.

· Pick a quite, comfortable setting. Use a conference room or private meeting room and have breakfast, lunch or refreshments catered in. Minimize distractions.

· Welcome people as they arrive and get everyone settled.

· Provide an opening statement about the purpose of the meeting. Ask people to be totally candid.

· Ask your questions and take notes. Have a staff member or trusted business colleague take a duplicate set of notes (you may not be able to hear and capture everything on your own).

· Thank the attendees and promise to use their advice.

THE THANK YOU LETTER

Send a thank you letter or email.

· Recap the top take-aways.

· Tell them you are in the process of incorporating their feedback into your business.
· Invite them to a Progress and Update Meeting in 60 days so that you can report in and get additional ideas on how to improve your service to them.

THE PROGRESS AND UPDATE MEETING

Repeat Steps 2-4 above, but instead of asking them the original questions, ask them to come prepared to offer additional insights and advice based on the key takeaways from the last meeting and the progress report you’ll provide.

In addition to a client advisory board, we also suggest a business advisory board. Find successful business owners, in particular, service businesses, in your community that you can learn from, share your ideas, gains and pains with. These people, once they understand what you are trying to contribute to the health of the community will become your referral sources and cheerleaders. All of them are serving the same small market and may have experiences that mirror yours.

You may be amazed how generous people are when they know you and like you and you ask for their help. We like to help people we care about. These clients won't expect anything in return for their candid feedback and wonderful ideas, other than seeing you take action and keep the channels of feedback flowing. Your clients want you to stay in business. They will help in any way they feel they can. Just ask.

You'll get by with a little help from your (advisor) friends ...

2010-05-08T23:42:00.010-05:00

What a month for industry trade publication content - and for great conferences, too!

David Drucker writes in the May issue of Financial Advisor magazine:

"What advisor networks do for the industry is to train advisors in the one thing they don’t get from CFP and other credentialing programs: Business savvy and processes. If this is what you’re lacking, think about joining an advisor network."

He profiles 3 advisor networks and mentions a couple others. I'm very proud that my firm, Impact Communications, has worked with and is happy to cheer lead for 3 of the networks named in the article - The Garrett Planning Network (www.garrettplanningnetwork.com - that's Sheryl Garrett pictured above), Fox Financial Planning (www.foxfinancialplanningnetwork.com) and Hanson McClain Retirement Network (www.hmrn.com).

By the way, Rick Epple of Epple Financial Advisors LLC in Wayzata, Minn (www.epplefinancial.com), who is mentioned in Drucker's article on advisor networks, will be one of 4 panelists who will share the top 3 marketing strategies that buoyed them through the dark days in 2008/09 during a presentation that I'll be leading at NAPFA's national conference in Chicago later this month. I hope to see all my NAPFA member friends and colleagues there - old and new!

If you're wondering "where in the world is Marie Swift" you can find a pretty accurate run down on my website, under Advisor Resources / Event Calendar. I just got back from speaking at 4 wonderful events - the Investment Adviser Association's national conference in Chicago, the National Association of Active Investment Managers national conference in Orlando, the fi360 national conference in Orlando, and the FPA Dallas Fort Worth regional financial planning symposium in Dallas - all in the span of 9 days - whew! I am happy to say I spent today shopping and doing girl-stuff at the mall with my favorite tweener, who ended up buying more stuff for herself than she did for me for Mother's Day (and that's a-okay by me!).

Also, by way of updates, a hearty congratulations goes out to Sheryl Garrett, who after many years of discussion with the Motley Fool finally inked an agreement with this well respected consumer information source. In addition to finalizing the Motley Fool agreement, which should be a real boon for Garrett Planning Network Members, Sheryl was in the May issue included in Investment Advisor magazine's list of the top 30 people in the financial planning profession over the past 30 years - wow!

And speaking of tops ... what a nice surprise to receive the May issue of Financial Planning magazine and see Jim Nagengast, President of Securities America, Inc. on the cover. The cover photo perfectly captures Jim's optimistic personality and the interior content by staff writer Paul Mencheca - The Road Ahead - provides a fair and balance look into the inner workings and executive team at Securities America, one of the big-5 IBDs in the nation and, I am proud to say, a tenured client with Impact Communications. And the companion video, published via Sourcemedia's new AdvisorTV channel, in which Nagengast shares his thoughts on the future not only for Securities America but for the industry as a whole, is a perfect compliment to Menchaca's article.

You'd think that things just couldn't get any better, content-wise this month, but then you'd be wrong (and so would I). Don't miss this month's column in Financial Planning magazine by Bob Veres. In his cover story, A Profession Comes of Age, Veres shares excerpts from his new white paper, The Futur e of Advice - which should be posted on his Inside Information website and available as a FREE download at www.bobveres.com by May 15th. I've just read an advance copy and was duly impressed by numerous insights from dozens of industry thought leaders (who Bob interviewed for the paper) and, of course, Veres himself. Until Bob gets the final version of The Future of Advice white paper done and onto his site, I highly recommend you read his article in Financial Planning magazine - and if you are not already subscribing to Inside Information or his Client Articles service, you owe it to yourself to look at those information sources as well.

So, back on the topic of advisor networks and "getting by with a little help from your (advisor) friends"...

Below is an excerpt from the article, which profiles Hanson McClain, one of Drucker's 3 profiled advisor networks. Scott Hanson and Pat McClain are incredibly sharp guys, with 1.2 billion in AUM. The PR Team at Impact Communications is pleased to be working with such a high caliber group! And thanks, Dave, for chosing 3 really good advisor networks to profile in your piece - I'm a big fan of your writing and am proud to be associated with the T3 Technology Tools for Today newsletter and annual conference (www.technologytoolsfortoday.com).

FROM THE MAY ISSUE OF FINANCIAL ADVISOR MAGAZINE

Hanson McClain Retirement Network
If you haven’t heard of the Hanson McClain Retirement Network (www.hmrn.com), which has been around since 1998, perhaps that’s because it’s somewhat more specialized than either the Sestina or Fox networks. The Hanson McClain Retirement Network is a nationwide network of financial advisors specializing in retirement planning that provides marketing and practice management tools for advisors who want to work with retirees from the telecommunications and utilities industries.

Hanson McClain, an advisory firm with three offices in the Sacramento area, began to work with Pac Bell personnel in 1991 and developed a program that brought a stream of qualified clients through the door. “We built our business off of that,” says Scott Hanson, a senior partner and founding principal at the firm.

In doing so, Hanson McClain developed a model for other advisors to follow. “Part of what makes our model unique, says Hanson, “is that we first become experts at specific companies’ retirement plans. So, if we’re working with Florida Gas & Power, we become experts at that employer’s pension plans, learning all the options their employees have at retirement time.”

Hanson says what differentiates their offering from competitors at larger institutions is that his firm gets involved with the client three to five years prior to retirement. “We help them make financial choices today so they’ll be better prepared for retirement tomorrow. Then we capture their rollover dollars.”

Training with the Hanson McClain network takes the form of a partnership, Hanson says. Training starts with a one-day seminar, followed by a nine-week business plan to get advisors off the ground. The firm formulates the best approach for each partner and customizes the plan from there. Some get weekly calls and some might get onsite visits.

“With 40 employees, we have relationship managers who travel across the U.S. and work with partners in their offices,” Hanson says. “We help our partners market through our relationships with trade unions and other gate-keepers, and we put on marketing events for partners. As their practices grow, we help them in every area they need help.”

Examples can include choosing a CRM, hiring employees, or legal issues they’re dealing with. “We’re not successful unless our partners are successful,” Hanson says.

Partners pay nothing up front. “We invest time and resources on the front end, and we get paid through a revenue share of 20%, which applies to clients they work for who came through our connections,” Hanson says. “If they form new relationships with employers we don’t serve, then they keep all of that income.”

READ THE ENTIRE ARTICLE HERE:
http://www.fa-mag.com/component/content/article/1-features/5484-help-from-your-friends.html

April is Financial Literacy Month - What Are You Doing to Help?

2010-04-05T22:32:00.004-05:00

Sarah Spear of AALU, motivational speaker and author Sarano Kelley, and Mary Quist-Newins, CLU^®, ChFC^®, CFP^®, State Farm Chair in Women and Financial Services at The American College discuss the nation’s astounding lack of financial literacy and how financial professionals can benefit from getting involved in this meaningful campaign.

View motivational video: Financial Literacy - What's In It For You?

http://www.thewealthchannel.com/pages/video-player/Financial-Literacy-Month-What-s-in-it-For-You/&related=614

Download free Financial Literacy Town Hall Materials:

http://www.iafsca.com

Get involved! See what one financial advisor is doing to help:

http://www.StandUpWithStanTWebb.ning.com

Twitter Digest - A Baker's Dozen

2010-03-08T17:06:00.004-06:00

Here's a quick look at what I've been reading and tweeting about:

Getting the Most Out of Twitter - good NY Times article - http://nyti.ms/dqg9cU
Advisers aim to ramp up marketing spending - Investment News: http://bit.ly/cListy
David Drucker profiles @brettellen #1 w/ Securities America multiple yrs - FA mag: http://www.fa-mag.com/fa-news/5252-strong-alliances.html
Financial Planning mag: Special Report - Your Practice Management Questions Answered: How do I stand out? http://bit.ly/cmNxeH
Happy to be home after a flurry of trips. Spoke at TD Ameritrade conf, #T3Show and #FPABizSol. Next up Tiburon CEO Summit to run press conf.
Dare we try this? At least we can read this journalist's blog entries about her travails. No Spend Challenge Week 1 http://bit.ly/bPv7Td
FinaMetrica offers risk-tolerance test online FREE thru April if use link www.riskprofiling.com/money (offer in conjunction with MONEY mag)
Gauge your appetite for risk FinaMetrica’s 25-question risk-tolerance test www.myrisktolerance.com accurate measure psychological tolerance
Good article on balancing appetite for investment risk and capacity for investment risk. http://tinyurl.com/riskprofile
From @RIABiz: The FPA's practice management event #FPABizSol boasts two hot speakers in its first day http://www.riabiz.com/a/139166
Wow! This is a GREAT site. Full of free worksheets and articles focused on creating Financial Happiness. http://www.financial-happiness.com
Securities America Advisors Collaborate and Achieve Success - podcast with Paul Lofties, plus related news release: http://shar.es/m3JOb
Estate Planning in 2010 - Good article by Kate McBride, editor, Wealth Manager: http://shar.es/m3iN

Not on Twitter yet? You should be! Sign up for free at http://www.twitter.com and search "people" to find "marieswift". Then follow @marieswift and join in as the spirit moves you.

I learn a lot from following my favorite journalists and industry peers on Twitter.

Why not give it a whirl - if only just to listen?

What You Must Know - AND DO - to Survive and Thrive as an Advisor Today

2010-02-08T19:00:00.005-06:00

This Radio Show Interview (mp3) was conducted in December 2009 by host Annette Bau for the Life Insurance Selling Summit. Really fun and informative conversation (if I do say so myself!)

Listen now:
http://annetteb.audioacrobat.com/download/ISS_SwiftM_Final.mp3

Creating Social Glue with Web 2.0 Strategies

2010-01-25T12:15:00.003-06:00

Good stuff. This quick and fun video makes the point in 90 seconds: Advisors who use Web 2.0 and Social Media strategies online can build buzz and generate awareness.

I'm hosting a "live" online discussion this week only for Financial Planning magazine. To join that discussion click here: http://www.financial-planning.com/forums/viewtopic.php?f=240851&t=2365211&p=2368180#p2368180

Time to Ramp Up Your Marketing Plan!

2010-01-16T21:45:00.002-06:00

Here are three resolutions FAs should tackle in 2010 to improve their market share:

Resolution #1: Work Some Media Magic
Resolution #2: “Celebritize” Yourself
Resolution #3: Expand Your Reach

Here's how to do it: Read my article, just published as a web exclusive by Research magazine: Time for a Transition (V): Ramp Up Your Marketing Plans in 2010

Looking Ahead

In my next installment for Research, I will provide tips on using Web 2.0 and online social networking strategies to expand your reach and generate positive search engine results.

But, if you are hungry for information on using Web 2.0 and social media to build buzz and create additional traffic to your primary Web site, you might want to sign up for the Using Web 2.0 and Social Media to Build Relationships webinar being offered by the Financial Planning Association (FPA) on January 20, 2010, at 1:00 pm CT.

I’ll be hosting the virtual learning session and will be joined by compliance expert Nancy Johnson Jones (www.compliancemaze.com), who will tell you what you can and can’t do under FINRA and/or SEC regulations, and multi-media expert Chris Hall (creator of “fast, fun and informative” Practice Management tips brought to you by the "vanguards of practice management" at Securities America, online and FREE at www.AdvisorPod.com) who will give an overview of LinkedIn, Facebook, Twitter, blogs, YouTube, podcasts and other tools you can use to build relationships with people online. You do not need to be a member of the FPA to attend; everyone is welcom, although there is a small fee to attend (goes to FPA to defray costs).

Of special note:

I will be at a number of industry conferences this year and would love to hear your marketing success stories. You’ll find my ever-evolving schedule of events at www.impactcommunications.org.

In the coming weeks, you can find me at:

TD Ameritrade national conference in Orlando, February 4-5, 2010
T3 Technology Tools for Today conference in San Diego, February 18-20, 2010
The FPA Business Solutions conference in Dallas, March 1-3, 2010 (save 15% with the code you will find at top of the page here: http://www.socialmedia-bootcamp.blogspot.com

My team and I are also leading the Web 2.0 and Social Media Boot Camp being offered by FPA as a pre-conference option on February 28, 2010 in Dallas (FPA early bird incentive ends January 22, 2010).

Hope to see you at one or more of these events!

Tamarac Takes Leap - Provides All-In-One Online Platform for RIAs

2010-01-11T18:51:00.004-06:00

Davis Janowski, Tech Editor for Investment News writes today about Tamarac Inc., which is best known for its sophisticated portfolio re-balancing technology.

Tamarac is "stepping out of its niche and seeking to fill the broad needs of advisory firms by launching an all-in-one online platform. The effort is a bid to expand the company's business and address what its representatives describe as the lack of a comprehensive and truly integrated technology platform in the advisory market. In theory, the full platform will allow an advisory firm to run its entire operation with a set of laptops and an Internet connection."

This could be a game-changer for many firms!

Read the rest of Janowski's article here:
http://www.investmentnews.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20100110/REG/301109968/1082/INIssueAlert01

Did You Miss These Tweets? Good Stuff!

2010-01-07T21:23:00.001-06:00

Ck out the Web 2.0 and Social Media Boot Camp (2/28/10) being offered by FPA and Impact Comm - a first! http://www.socialmedia-bootcamp.blogspot.com

Doing webinar for FPA (1/20/10) on Using Web 2.0 and Social Media to Build Business. Sign up now - cheap! http://www.fpanet.org/Learn/VirtualLearningCenter/ClassDescriptions/UsingWeb20AndSocialMediaToBuildRelationships/

Will be speaking at TD Ameritrade's national conference first of Feb. Then on to the T3 Conference mid-Feb where speaking, doing PR for conf. www.tdainstitutional.com and www.technologytoolsfortoday.com for more info.

RT @Fiduciary360 Social networking site for advisors built to be FINRA compliant: http://bit.ly/6Fci7C @NewsfromIN

RT @ovrdrv What are the five biggest mistakes in social media measurement? http://bit.ly/6xsUDU

Kiplinger's PF says Seek Advice on 401k, profiles Impact client Smart 401k - puts Smart 401k clients on cover: http://bit.ly/7hwRNY

New tools 4 end of life planning http://www.investmentnews.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20100103/REG/301039968/1082: http://bit.ly/8IxHI5

What's your major? http://www.investmentnews.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20100107/BLOG01/100109903: http://bit.ly/4zespt

Don't know your risk tolerance? Here's how to find out: http://www.pbs.org/nbr/blog/2009/12/dont_know_your_risk_tolerance.html

Bob Veres offer Client Article Svc. Great 4 FA's client newsletters. Inside Info subscribers $151 discount code E2DE http://www.bobveres.com

Evolution of a Planning Firm - http://blogs.wsj.com/financial-adviser/2009/12/31/voices-sheryl-garrett-on-the-evolution-of-a-planning-firm/

RT @WSJPersFinance Relax, You Can Beat That Stress http://bit.ly/6bkn4h

RT @tweetmeme Tips for Better Twitter Tweets — Art Biz Blog http://bit.ly/K7gYv

RT @sangsito I need NAPFA advisor that can help me reach my goal in life without cost me arm and leg. Thanks.

@sangsito Visit http://www.garrettplanningnetwork.com to view 300 fee-only (commission free) planners. Will work on hourly or project basis.

Take a look at six social media trends for the upcoming year. http://bit.ly/5pKp0k

Great PM info for Financial Advisors = AdvisorPod.com http://www.advisorpod.com/SociallyAdept

New Year = Perfect Reinvention Time

2009-12-28T16:36:00.003-06:00

Great article!
A "must read" as we enter the New Year:
Cover Story - Investment Advisor magazine: Reinvention Time

By Robert F. Keane

Scott Hanson and Pat McClain have built several successful advisory businesses. Now they’ve launched a new firm to serve low-net-worth clients. Pay attention.

You'll want to read the primary article (link above) as well as the 3 corresponding side bars. Why? I've worked with a lot of highly successful financial advisors over the past 23 years. Hanson and McClain are two of the smartest financial advisors I know. They treat their business like a business, outsource or hirer in expertise for anything they don't enjoy or do well, use time blocking and hold to personal time commitments, focus on first things first, are constantly in marketing mode - even when they don't need the business (which is, of course, the very best time to market) - and much more.

"A lot of financial advisors are just tradesmen," said Hanson in Keane's article. "They have a certain service that they provide and that’s what they do. As they get more successful they just work with bigger clients or more complicated clients to generate more revenue for the service that they provide. Most advisors don’t view themselves as a business. That’s why most advisory shops stay small, and I think it’s a mistake. Moving forward, it’s going to be even more of a challenge for these folks.

"We look at this as a business. We’re business people first and financial advisors second. Any decent businessperson would say, ‘How can I leverage the brand I have right now to bring in additional revenue?’"

Smart advisors everywhere will read Keane's article and take note. Hanson McClain are ones to watch in 2010 - and beyond.

LifeBio.com - Have Meaningful Dinner Conversations this Holiday Season, Win New Clients in 2010

2009-12-19T20:11:00.004-06:00

Just in time for the holidays ...

LifeBio is offering a free Family and Friends Conversation Kit, available at www.lifebio.com through December 31, 2009. Company founder, Beth Sanders, guarantees the kit will make family dinner conversations richer and more meaningful. The holidays are one of the best opportunities families have to permanently capture family stories and make them last forever.

LifeBio's free Family and Friends Conversation Kit includes:

Life story questions ideal for the holidays or anytime. These table tents can actually be printed and set right on the dinner table. Answer cards for recording memories are provided.
LifeBio's 7 Tips for Interviewing
Ideas for kids to draw or write the memories being discussed
5 good reasons to capture life stories NOW

Everyone has a story to tell, yet not everyone knows it, or knows quite how to tell it. That's where LifeBio comes in. Read more here: Free Download From LifeBio.com Promises Meaningful Dinner Conversations this Holiday Season

Advisors: Learn how to use LifeBio Events to generate better conversations with current and future clients - Read my article, published by Research magazine, here:

LifeBio Even t s: A New Way for FAs t o Bond with Clients

Tom McCarthy, affiliated with Commonwealth Financial, uses LifeBio system to build rapport with current clients and special guests – a great “next generation” strategy for smart advisors nationwide.

The Missing Piece of the Portfolio Puzzle

2009-12-01T17:55:00.004-06:00

Only recently have managed futures become accessible to individual investors. These assets – investments whose value varies with changes in market indexes, interest rates, currency exchange rates and commodity prices – have long been used by foundations and other institutional investors to diversify traditional portfolios of stocks and bonds.

Now investors who have total portfolios of $500,000 to $5 million can benefit from managed futures. These investments are often viewed as being a bit risky for individual investors, and it’s true that they’re not for the faint of heart.

Unlike many traditional investments, managed futures aren’t suited to long-term, buy-and-hold strategies; they must be closely monitored and managed. But when added to well-diversified portfolios of stocks and bonds and properly managed, they may help to protect individual investors against market declines.

Bob Lindner, CEO of Lindner Capital Advisors, provides more details in his article published by HCPlive in their Finance/Money section:

HCPlive | Finance/Money | The Missing Piece of the Portfolio Puzzle

EstateLogic - a Powerful Tool to Build Client Relationships

2009-11-20T14:46:00.005-06:00

Just learned about EstateLogic, a wonderful new system that allows people to organize their lives online. It's a "virtual safe deposit vault" that can help you and your clients organize and archive critical information in the right way, across the Four Categories of Estate and Legacy Preparation:

	Estate Documents: Wills, powers of attorney, trusts, medical directives, birth certificates, marriage licenses and other important papers
	Financial Catalog: Financial assets, liabilities, properties, collectibles, contracts, preferences on planned giving, etc.
	Family Legacy: Stories, pictures, videos, heirlooms, ancestry information, key family contact information, and other important aspects about your heritage
	My Instructions: Your preferences for continued dependent care, pet care, funeral instructions, along with personal values, and messages to be passed on to your family

Executor's Resource was founded by long-time wealth manager and highly-respected financial planning practitioner Myra Salzer. Having taken the time to demo the system and try it out myself, all I can say is "wow!" Not only is this a great gift for loved ones (and for ourselves) but it is a great client conversation starter - and a great client gift. They even have a whole marketing program for financial advisors to use in their marketing communications plan. Do yourself a favor and go check it out - www.executorsresource.com.

Here are some ideas from the most recent edition of their "Smart Way" newsletter.

5 meaningful gifts for the holidays:

1. Trace your family tree and give copies to family members.

2. Create a family cook book of favorite recipes.

3. Get out old family photos and design a coffee table style picture book. Identify who is in each picture and provide captions and descriptions.

4. Write a short letter to your loved ones about why they make your life special.

5. Give a new, blank journal to each family member for use in 2010.

What will you pass on?

What will your legacy be? You needn't be famous to have one. Each of us has a story worth celebrating and preserving. The key is to start collecting memories and thoughts now. Executors Resource provides an actionable "how to" in "What will you pass on?". Login to access this and other unbiased, professionally written content in the EstateLogic Resource Center Library.

Record your legacy one memory at a time:

No more postponing! Here’s how to record your legacy one memory at a time.

1. Login to EstateLogic.

2. Click on the Family Legacy tab.

3. Under the Quick Links menu, click Add Family Story.

4. In the title, type "My favorite childhood holiday memory."

5. In the body, type in the first things that come to mind when you think of the holidays and growing up. Was there a specific tradition your family had? Are there favorite foods, people, special songs, or one holiday season in particular that takes you back? Simply write about it!

6. When you've completed your entry, click "Save". Remember, it doesn't have to be lengthy or perfect. The beauty of your EstateLogic account is that you can come back in and update your entry at any time. What's important is recording your memories - your legacy.

With EstateLogic, it's quick and easy to have a well-organized estate and a lasting legacy.

Charles Schwab and Ken Fisher Share Spotlight, Receive Awards at Tiburon CEO Summit XVII

2009-11-19T18:42:00.003-06:00

NEW YORK, Nov 19, 2009 /PRNewswire via COMTEX/ -- Tiburon Strategic Advisors, a market research & strategy consulting firm serving a wide variety of financial institutions and investment managers, recently awarded its inaugural Tiburon CEO Summit Awards to Charles Schwab (Chairman, The Charles Schwab Corporation) & Ken Fisher (CEO, Fisher Investments). This release highlights some of the key points made by both award recipients.

Tiburon's CEO Summits are built around two key themes:

-- Maintaining a focus on consumer needs

-- Challenging conventional wisdom

In the spirit of recognizing leaders in the financial services industry who have excelled at applying one or both of these concepts, Tiburon awarded its inaugural Tiburon CEO Summit Awards. Charles Schwab (Chairman, The Charles Schwab Corporation) received Tiburon's award for Maintaining a Focus on Consumer Needs. Ken Fisher (CEO, Fisher Investments) received Tiburon's award for Challenging Conventional Wisdom. Tiburon believes that maintaining a focus on consumer needs and challenging conventional wisdom are two of the keys to success in the rapidly evolving financial services industry.

These awards were presented at Tiburon CEO Summit XVII on October 7, 2009:

Charles Schwab (Chairman, The Charles Schwab Corporation) - Tiburon's Maintaining a Focus on Consumer Needs Award

Charles Schwab started the well-known San Francisco based brokerage firm that goes by his name in the early 1970s. Subsequently, Mr. Schwab has served as chairman of The Charles Schwab Corporation since incorporation of the firm in 1986. He also served as CEO or co-CEO from 1986 to 2008. Today, The Charles Schwab Corporation is one of the nation's leading providers of financial services, with 12,000 employees, more than 300 branches nationwide, approximately 10 million client accounts, & $1.2 trillion in client assets.

Mr. Schwab is the author of several books, was named chairman of the President's Advisory Council on Financial Literacy in 2008, and, along with his wife Helen, is the co-founder & chairman of the Charles & Helen Schwab Foundation, a nonprofit organization that focuses on helping children with learning disabilities and supporting low income families through initiatives in poverty prevention, homelessness, & substance abuse.

Mr. Schwab was presented Tiburon's Maintaining a Focus on Consumer Needs award because of the numerous consumer-centric innovations of The Charles Schwab Corporation, including its discount brokerage, telephone-based services, branches, web based trading, mutual fund supermarket, and its custodial, operational, & trading support services for independent fee-based financial advisors.

Mr. Schwab sat down with Tiburon managing principal Chip Roame to discuss some of the factors that have contributed to his success as well as to discuss some of his opinions about the state of the financial services industry. Some of the highlights are included: When Mr. Roame asked how Mr. Schwab has been able to maintain a focus on consumer needs while also consistently introducing innovations to the industry, Mr. Schwab said that timing is everything. He went on to say that it is important not only to be in the right place at the right time, but to recognize and then act on opportunities as they present themselves. One of Mr. Schwab's key points was that he has always asked himself how a given situation will affect the common guy, and that this consideration, more than any other, caused him to rethink what a customer was and to reclassify customers as clients. Mr. Schwab referred to ETFs as Schwab's next big initiative.

When Mr. Roame asked about Mr. Schwab's insights into what might lead the recovery of the financial services industry, Mr. Schwab said that the basic fundamental values of middle America - family, saving, & college education - are still the leading factors in considering how to reach clients. He also went on to acknowledge the debate over how to move forward ideologically, and said that in any case, the financial services industry must evolve to inherently embrace high ethical standards.

When an audience member asked how Mr. Schwab has been able to consistently generate ideas that work, Mr. Schwab talked about the value of testing - starting small market and moving bigger as successful testing warranted. He specifically mentioned that he has oftentimes considered his own needs when considering the needs of the masses. In one case, as Mr. Schwab preferred no-load mutual funds in his IRA account, this may have led to the genesis of the mutual fund marketplace at The Charles Schwab Corporation.

Ken Fisher (CEO, Fisher Investments) - Tiburon's Challenging Conventional Wisdom Award

Ken Fisher has been CEO of Fisher Investments since founding the firm in 1979. His firm is the largest direct marketer in asset management and depending on one's definition, the largest fee-based financial advisor. Today, Fisher Investments has 950 employees, 85 professional sales people, tens of thousands of clients, and more than $30 billion assets under management.

Mr. Fisher's theoretical work in the early 1970s yielded a tool known as the price-to-sales ratio, now a core element of financial curriculum. Mr. Fisher is also known for his Portfolio Strategy financial investment column featured monthly in Forbes magazine, where his 25-year tenure makes him the fourth longest-running columnist in the magazine's 92-year history. His recent research, published in professional & scholarly journals, focuses on behavioral finance.

Mr. Fisher was presented Tiburon's Challenging Conventional Wisdom award because in almost every facet of his business he has challenged the trends of others, including his use of direct mail, web based advertising, & infomercials; the use of dedicated sales people and a separate dedicated service organization; aversion to hiring graduates of big name universities; telephone based service model; and well defined job descriptions with unparalleled levels of specialization of labor.

Mr. Fisher sat down with Tiburon managing principal Chip Roame to discuss some of the factors that have contributed to his success as well as to discuss some of Mr. Fisher's opinions about the state of the financial services industry.

Some of the highlights are included: When Mr. Roame asked how Mr. Fisher has been able to challenge conventional wisdom, Mr. Fisher said that there are two ways to think about the question - internally & externally. Mr. Fisher said that externally, his only real contribution has been the price-to-sales ratio work that he did in prior decades, but that internally, at Fisher Investments, he continues to challenge conventional wisdom daily, saying that he prefers never-yet-done-practices over best-practices.

When Mr. Roame asked about Mr. Fisher's insights into what might lead the recovery of the financial services industry, Mr. Fisher said that financial services professionals must lead with innovations that are good for consumers.

He also said it is vital that the industry monitor itself, that there always be a sense of Am I Doing the Right Thing? driving any decision that is made.

When an audience member asked how Mr. Fisher maintains very high client retention at Fisher Investments despite the firm's unusual sales-oriented structure, Mr. Fisher explained the value of binding both employees & clients to his firm. In binding employees to his firm, Mr. Fisher discussed the necessity of each employee having a breadth & depth of experience in order for promotion.

In binding clients to his firm, Mr. Fisher discussed the importance of frequent client interactions and specifically about managing client expectations. He said that both considerations are important to maintaining a robust business.

Tiburon CEO Summit XVII was held on October 7-8, 2009 at the Ritz Carlton Hotel in San Francisco, CA. Tiburon CEO Summit XVIII will be held April 14-15, 2010 at the Ritz Carlton Hotel in New York, NY. To learn more about this unique forum for debate & networking among financial services CEOs, go to www.TiburonAdvisors.com, or if you are a qualified Tiburon client and would like to attend the upcoming Tiburon CEO Summit XVIII, please contact Tiburon Managing Principal Chip Roame directly. Contact information can be found at www.TiburonAdvisors.com.

Source: http://www.cnbc.com/id/34036760

An Amazing 43 Minutes: Sarano Kelley Serves as Accountability Coach to (Formerly) Broke & Famous TV Actor

2009-11-12T22:45:00.007-06:00

As a young star on two of the then most popular shows on television, Willie Aames had both wealth and fame, and lived the good life -- he is now faced with the prospect of losing his house, his possessions, and his family, after making a series of bad financial choices and living beyond his means. With no acting roles in sight, Willie is in dire straits with no plan to pull himself out of his situation. Enter Sarano Kelley, a tough, no-nonsense life coach who will be tasked with giving Willie the wake-up call he needs and helping him to reshape his financial future...before it's too late.

Watch Willie Aames's life completely change as he goes from famous to broke to the person he never knew he had inside.

Air Date: 11/09/09:
http://www.vh1.com/video/play.jhtml?id=1625079

Backing Up The Brokers

2009-11-10T21:26:00.005-06:00

Regulators are requiring brokers who sell retirement savings plans to meet a fiduciary standard.

by Scott Revare, CEO, Smart 401k

The last thing that most broker-dealers that sell and service 401(k) plans want is for regulators to classify their representatives as fiduciaries. Under the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974, brokers who give plans or participants advice on specific investments are considered to be acting as fiduciaries. As regulators step up enforcement of these rules and new layers of regulation are added, the likelihood that a broker may become a fiduciary inadvertently is increasing sharply.

Click here to learn how some brokers are handling this.

Watch a Sneak Peek of Broke and Famous - Then Download Free "Town Hall In A Box" to Host Your Own Financial Literacy Meeting

2009-10-29T23:47:00.002-05:00

Watch a Sneak Peek of Broke and Famous: Preview the show now. Then tune-in Nov. 5th at 10pm to see if actor Willie Aames can dig himself out of his financial hole.

Financial advisors:

Download free Town Hall Materials (customizable flyers, post cards, news releases and more - all developed by my team of professionals at Impact Communications and free for the taking) and learn how you can use the first episode of Broke and Famous as a conversation starter at a financial literacy gathering hosted by you in your own community.

Go to www.iafsca.com now to get the entire turnkey plan.

IAFSCA Launches Largest Financial Literacy Campaign in History

2009-10-23T15:15:00.004-05:00

The International Association of Financial, Sport and Celebrity Advisers (IAFSCA) will use a ground-breaking, one-hour television special to expose the horrors of financial illiteracy and launch the largest financial literacy awareness campaign in American history. Millions of Americans will tune in to VH1 on November 5, 2009 at 10:00 pm EST to watch or TiVo the first episode of "Broke and Famous," a one-hour docudrama that tells the heart-breaking story of former child-star Willie Aames.

As the docudrama begins, Mr. Aames -- who is best known for his roles in "Eight is Enough" and "Charles in Charge" -- is in deep trouble. Lack of financial knowledge and lack of trusted advisers leaves him with no home, no possessions, no family and nothing to show for his past entertainment success. With the help of world renowned Financial and Life Coach, Sarano Kelley (www.saranokelley.com), widely known in Hollywood and Wall Street, Mr. Aames is given a second chance to regain not only financial stability but countless other blessings.

Using the "Broke and Famous" docudrama as a conversation starter, thousands of financial advisers across the country will lead Town Hall Meetings in their communities during November and December 2009. These professionally led Town Hall Meetings will help participants understand what they and other important people in their lives can do to become more financial literate and personally responsible in their roles as global citizens. "As we enter the season of Thanksgiving and other important winter holidays, what better conversation to have with your loved ones than financial literacy," says Mr. Kelley, who emphasizes that many of the world's problems could be solved if we as a society were more personally responsible and financially aware. Financial advisers can download free Town Hall Meeting materials and Fact Sheets at www.iafsca.com.

According to U.S. Bankruptcy Court documents, Mr. Aames joined over 850,000 Americans who filed for business and/or non-business bankruptcy in 2007. As that figure rises with total filings reaching 1,117,771 at the end of 2008, the need for an American financial education lesson plan is crucial and immediate. "The IAFSCA is responding to these alarming numbers," says Mr. Kelley. "We will use Aames' 'Broke and Famous' story to reach millions nationwide on Nov. 5, 2009."

Kelley and an army of financial advisers will continue their financial literacy campaign by creating a "Stand Up for Financial Literacy" petition that concerned citizens can sign online. Updates will be issued via Twitter (sign up to follow @STAND4FL), Facebook and via the IAFSCA's website www.iafsca.com.

April 1, 2010 marks the start of U.S. Financial Literacy Month, where the "Stand Up for Financial Literacy" Campaign will take 100,000 advisers, educators, athletes, celebrities and business coaches into the country's classrooms to establish financial literacy awareness all across America.

ABOUT THE IAFSCA

Headquartered in Washington, DC, the IAFSCA is a cross-section of professional coaches, financial and business advisers dedicated to establishing a new generation of financially literate and purpose driven individuals who serve as fiscal role models. For more information, visit www.iafsca.com.

SOURCE IAFSCA / PR NEWSWIRE

Twitter Live! with Thought Leaders at FPA Anaheim 2009

2009-10-17T22:45:00.004-05:00

Eric Rasmussen, a reporter for Financial Advisor magazine, called me the other day to find out about the session I hosted at FPA Anaheim 2009 called Twitter Live! with 20 Industry Thought Leaders.

Here is the part of his article that relates to the Twitter Live! session:

During the conference itself, the FPA also tried to keep its members up to date on social and technology trends with a presentation called “Twitter Live!” in which industry stars twittered their key thoughts about advising for 2010.

“They wanted to create a sense of connectedness with those who could not be at the conference and/or those who could not attend every session,” said Marie Swift, a communications specialist and president of Impact Communications in Leawood, Kan., who hosted the “Twitter Live!” event.

Read the rest of the article here:
http://www.fa-mag.com/fa-news/4596-fpa-conference-subdued.html

New to Twitter? Set up a free account at http://www.twitter.com. If your compliance department does not allow you to use Twitter to conduct outbound communications, keep in mind that you don't have to post (or "tweet" as it's called) to "follow" people and organizations.

When you sign up, search for people you know using the "people search" function, then click "follow". Twitter will consolidate all of their Twitter feeds onto your Twitter personal page. You can "protect" your Twitter page so only certain people (or no one) can follow you (and there wouldn't be any Twitter feeds from you if you don't post any).

If you want to follow me, type in marie swift. My Twitter "handle" is @marieswift (http://www.twitter.com/marieswift).

Twitter Digest - Did you Miss These Tweets?

2009-10-16T15:57:00.002-05:00

I will be one of 18 "world class presenters" in a virtual summit next week. FREE. No travel involved! Register: www.InsuranceSellingSummit.com

Highlights from Invest In Others gala http://tinyurl.com/investinothers Impact Communications proud to represent top advisor / industry thought leader Brett Ellen.

Great article by Tara Siegel Bernard in the New York Times - To Retire in This Weak Market, the Magic Word Is ‘Focus’. An added bonus: several of Impact Communications' clients are quoted - smart people, all.

Interesting 7 minute podcast with New York Times reporter Tara Siegel Bernard and editor Jane Bornemeier - how to plan for and think about retirement: http://www.nytimes.com/2009/10/15/your-money/15LIFE.html

Julie Littlechild of Advisor Impact / Client Audit system - Watch Twitter Live! vblog: How advisors should be thinking about defining/articulating their value http://fpatwitterlive.blogspot.com/2009/10/julie-littlechild-advisor-impact-client.html

Mary Zimmerman of Kinder Institute / Path Financial - Watch Twitter Live! vblog: Thoughts on achieving success in 2010 and beyond: http://fpatwitterlive.blogspot.com/2009/10/mary-zimmerman-path-financial.html?spref=tw

Advisors - how to Create a Five Touch Campaign. Read my articles on MorningstarAdvisor.com

Financial planning dean - Deena Katz - says more regulation on the way - Watch Twitter Live! vblog

Liz Weston says credit will be the big story for 2010. View Twitter Live! video blog. Follow @lizweston

Impact Communications hosted the Industry Thought Leaders at booth at FPA Anaheim 2009. Wonderful seeing everyone there!

Great conversations w/ old friends and new at FPA Anaheim. Beth Sanders http://www.lifebio.com offering cool services for advisors.

Impact Communications coordinated a new and exciting session at FPA Anaheim 2009 -- Twitter Live! with Industry Thought Leaders. Watch video clips at www.fpatwitterlive.blogspot.com

Follow all the FPA Thought Leader tweets @fpassociation and/or use hash tag #FPA2009 to pull up consolidated digest.

Use my name "swift" and save 30% off ASN360 Practice Mgt Summit. I am speaking Nov 7. Enter SWIFT in discount box - early bird ends10/5 - register at www.asn360.com

Read George Kinder's article in Bank Investment Consultant magazine. Help your clients achieve their dream of freedom.

Gave away over $10,000 in prizes at FPA Anaheim 2009. Fun hanging out with dozens of industry thought leaders.

Securities America Congratulates Brett. S. Ellen - Invest in Others Award

2009-10-15T20:00:00.006-05:00

Brett S. Ellen, CFP, president of American Financial Network of Calabasas, Calif., founder of TKO Helping Hands, has been named winner of this year's Community Leadership Awards Mentoring Excellence Award. A top advisor and registered representative with Securities America, Ellen is a great example for financial advisors across the globe. His family foundation, TKO Helping Hands, will receive $12,500 from the 503(c) Invest in Others organization.

In photo: Brett Ellen accepts his award from Robert DeChellis of Allianz Life Financial.

Read article about Brett Ellen's charitable activities in Investment News: Teaching Children to Help Others

Hear podcast with Janine Wertheim, CMO, Securities America, Inc. - great ideas for companies who wish to give back to the community: Securities America Celebrates 25th Anniversary with 25 Weeks of Caring, Giving and Sharing.

Read related article: Entrepreneur.com

Five-Touch Campaigns - Advisor Success Stories Here

2009-10-15T13:19:00.007-05:00

In my last article for Morningstar Advisor, I provided thoughts and detailed instructions on how financial advisors could create an effective Five-Touch Marketing Campaign.

Be sure to read Power Up Your Marketing Plan - a companion article - too.

Please post your comments and success stories on this blog. We can create a dialog here.

Tiburon Strategic Advisors Honors Charles Schwab and Ken Fisher - FOXBusiness.com

2009-10-01T19:04:00.003-05:00

As a Tiburon Consulting Fellow, I am proud to share the following news item with you. For those of you attending the Tiburon CEO Summit XVII in San Francisco next week, I look forward to seeing you there.

Tiburon Strategic Advisors Honors Charles Schwab and Ken Fisher

Inaugural Awards Ceremony to Take Place October 7-8, 2009 at Tiburon CEO Summit XVII

Tiburon Strategic Advisors, a market research & strategy consulting firm serving a wide variety of financial institutions and investment managers, has announced the recipients of its inaugural Tiburon CEO Summit Awards: Charles Schwab (Chairman, The Charles Schwab Corporation) and Ken Fisher (CEO, Fisher Investments). These awards will be presented at Tiburon CEO Summit XVII to be held at the Ritz Carlton San Francisco October 7-8, 2009.

Read full article now.

The Fundamentals Never Change

2009-09-09T08:58:00.004-05:00

Economic indicators suggest the global economy is stabilizing. The financial dark cloud of the Great Recession may indeed be lifting. It’s given investors some renewed optimism. I’m reminded by this improving economic climate that no matter how dynamic markets are, the core principles of providing quality client-centered financial advice never really change.

I spoke with Roger R. Bell, president of Roger R. Bell & Company, Inc. in Dublin, Va., to get his thoughts on the immutability of financial planning. Here are four timeless tips that can help deliver long-term client relationships.

As published by Research magazine, August 29, 2009 - read:

The Fundamentals Never Change

Going Independent? Great Webcast!

2009-08-30T13:18:00.002-05:00

5 Industry Experts share their views and insights:

1. Marie Swift, President and CEO, Impact Communications
2. Gregg Johnson, Senior VP, Branch Office Development, Securities America
3. Clyde Wyatt, Managing Director, Navigation Financial
4. Arthur Cooper, Co-Founder, Cooper McManus
5. Don Patrick, Managing Partner, Integrated Financial Group

In this 50 minute webcast, the panelists share over 100 years of experience in the independent financial advisory world - including practical considerations about setting up your office, selecting a broker/dealer, building a team and much more!

Why are we happy? 21 minutes of pure insight.

2009-08-28T19:09:00.000-05:00

Smart Advisors Embrace Collaborative Services Platform

2009-08-24T19:36:00.003-05:00

Listen to this 5 minute podcast from:

#1 Top Advisor Brett S. Ellen, CFP

speaking on the Collaborative Services Platform

To request your invitation to the September Training Class in Santa Monica:

http://www.afn-net.com/section10.cfm

American Financial Network Hires Impact Communications to Promote Business Services - FOXBusiness.com

2009-08-24T19:23:00.002-05:00

American Financial Network Hires Impact Communications to Promote Business Services - FOXBusiness.com

Posted using ShareThis

Friendly Persuasion ...

2009-08-19T09:07:00.002-05:00

Smart business people are getting the hang of "the basics" now - blogs, Twitter, Facebook, LinkedIn, webinars, podcasts, digital multimedia recordings, wikis, intranets, You Tube, Flickr ...

Are you keeping pace?

A little friendly persuasion:

Axis of Influence:One book you must read this year!

2009-08-11T18:43:00.005-05:00

Two of my favorite authors are also people you probably know - Michael Lovas and his wife Pam Holloway. They are true thought leaders, and their new book is insightful - Axis of Influence: How Credibility and Likeability Intersect to Drive Success.

Michael and Pam are smart and extremely good at the psychology of making advisors more likeable and more credible. In their book, they teach you how to systematically improve both credibility and likeability.

In an era when so many books are filled with opinion and conjecture, Michael and Pam give you the psychology, the processes and the skills. And, thy they give you the research to substantiate their advice.

I believe Michael and Pam have written an essential book for every advisor who wants to achieve greater success, in personal life and professional life.

In addition, they are giving away $2,300 in Bonuses. You can get the details at:
http://www.axisofinfluence.com/PromoSummer2009.htm. And, be sure to tell them I said Hello!

Buy this book! Your business needs it!

Risk Tolerance, Psychometrics and You

2009-08-06T14:00:00.004-05:00

Geoff Davey, founder of FinaMetrica (www.riskprofiling.com), talks with me about the differences between risk tolerance, risk assessment and risk capacity. He talks about "psychometrics" and how to get a true measure for the clients' risk tolerance.

Davey's firm is also doing some interesting research. They are surveying investors to find out if their risk tolerance has changed due to the economic downturn and market turbulence. The people they are contacting had worked with an advisor who in the past had used the Finametrica Risk Profiling system. They are asking them to use the same Finametrica Risk Profiling system again to see if their risk tolerance has indeed changed. Stay tuned to this blog and I will post a summary of their research findings as soon as they become available.

For now, do listen to this very interesting and insightful interview:

Impact Communications’ Marie Swift interviews FinaMetrica cofounder, Geoff Davey, about the FinaMetrica system, psychometric testing, the four aspects of risk, marketing opportunities and current research (23 mins.)

How to Beat Your Competition as a Small Business Owner or Service Professional

2009-07-31T23:30:00.002-05:00

Do It Yourself PR Tips

2009-07-31T15:54:00.005-05:00

Based on a question I received on an association discussion board, I thought I would share this information here as well. The question was essentially: how can IFAs can post news releases online "for journalists to 'pick up'" and/or target specific media outlets and journalists.

D-Y-I STEPS USING THE WORLD WIDE WEB / BUILDING AN ONLINE PRESENCE

There are many different vendors that offer online news release distribution / posting services. Some are free. Some are low cost. Some are pricey. There's some wisdom to the old adage, "you get what you pay for."

Most of the online free and low cost options, such as http://www.prweb.com, are meant to be online visibility tools. In my experience, most "real journalists" don't pay much attention to online postings and RSS feeds from services like PR Web. The real value of something like PR Web is that you can create an online news room and bank of permanent online news releases. This can boost search engine ratings and create happy "just stumbled upon your news release online" type of business results.

Other free services (some with a premium / paid upgrade option) include:

24-7PressRelease.com – Free release distribution with ad-support

1888PressRelease.com – Free distribution, paid services gives you better placement and permanent archiving.

ClickPress.com – Distributs to sites like Google News and Topix.net, Gold level will also get you to sites like LexisNexis.

EcommWire.com – Focuses on ecommerece and requires you include an image, 3 keywords and links.

Express-Press-Release.com – Free distribution company with offices in 12 states.

Free-Press-Release.com – Easy press release distribution for free, more features for paid accounts.

Free-Press-Release-Center.info – Distributes your release, offers a web page with one keyword link to your site. Pro upgrade will give you three links, permanent archiving and more.

I-Newswire.com – Allows for free distribution to sites and search engines, premium membership differs only slightly in adding in graphics.

NewswireToday.com – All the usual free distribution tools, premium service includes logo, product picture and more.

PR.com – Not only will they distribute your press releases, but you can also set up a full company profile.

PR9.net – Ad supported press distribution site.

PR-Inside.com – European-based free press release distribution site.

PRBuzz.com – Completely free distribution to search engines, news sites, and blogs.

PRCompass.com – Distribute your press release with a free or paid version, others can vote it up ala Digg (Digg) style.

PRUrgent.com – Not only distributes your release, but attempts to teach you how to write one, and even offers downloadbale samples for you to work with.

Press-Base.com – Submit your release for free and get on their front page and the category of your choice.

PressAbout.com – A free press release service formatted as a blog.

PressMethod.com – Free press release distribution no matter what, but extra services based on the size of your contribution.

PRLeap.com – Free distribution to search engines, newswires, and RSS feeds. Fee based bumps get you better placement.

PRLog.org – Free distribution to Google News and other other search engines.

TheOpenPress.com – Gives free distribution for plain formatted releases, fees for HTML-coded releases.

IF YOU WANT BETTER RESULTS, YOU'LL NEED PROFESSIONAL HELP ...

If an organization or individual had a more specific goal of getting a news release in front of a select group of journalists, the best options are to work with a professional PR firm.

Working with a professional PR firm has the following advantages:

1. Relationships with real journalists. Any good PR firm will have cultivated and will constantly be cultivating relationships with a targeted group of media outlets and specific journalists.

2. Access to comprehensive media databases. Any good PR firm will subscribe to a media database so that they can quickly build targeted media distribution lists and glean specific pitching tips for specific journalists. For instance, at my firm, we subscribe to Media Atlas / PR Newswire.

3. Proprietary media lists. Any good PR firm will have developed their own proprietary distribution lists. They won't share this information with you at any cost.

4. Insights about when to use a news release, when to do a virtual or in-person media tour, when to do email or phone pitching, mass blasts or personal outreach, etc.

5. Strong ability to write a compelling news release that will get the attention of the targeted media list or news wire service.

6. Insights on when to use direct distribution to their proprietary list versus a news wire service versus a satellite feed (or a combination thereof).

- Most PR firms use a professional news wire service to supplement their direct email and fax distributions -- for instance BusinessWire or PRNewsWire. We use PRNewsWire and can thus target specific media distribution areas in the US, select the entire US, or opt for global distribution.

- A professionally written news release put out on a good news wire service will get picked up by news aggregation sites such as Yahoo! news, Google news, etc. and various online publications such as Forbes.com, Marketwatch.com, MSNMoney.com, etc. Real journalists watch and search these sites for items of interest and resources that pertain to their "beat." In addition, there is a credibility factor that occurs when a company/advisor links to what looks like a "news article" on a credible outlet such as Forbes.com versus

- Sometimes PR firms will also use an Associated Press satellite feed to ensure it goes right into media outlets and has a higher chance of hitting editors/producers desks.

7. Integration of Web 2.0 and viral marketing strategies with traditional PR tactics.

- For instance, submitting a news release in the most appropriate way(s) as described above. Then finding the top 10 bloggers on the topic and sending them an e-mail, linking to the release somewhere it was published.

- Another example: Blogging, tweeting, participating on social and business networking sites like Facebook, various Ning and/or subscriber-based communities, LinkedIn, etc.

- One last example: Using multi-media news releases and/or an electronic media blitz.

8. Ability track and measure results.

More tips and insights on why PR should be a big part of every independent financial advisor's marketing plan is available here:

www.impactcommunications.org - check the Advisor Resources tab and the In the News tab, which houses almost all of the past articles I've written.

WHAT TO DO IF YOU CAN'T AFFORD TO WORK WITH A PROFESSIONAL PR FIRM ...

1. Get some media training. If you are a member of FPA, NAPFA, IAFSCA, GPN or other professional associations you are probably offered live and virtual media training opportunities. Another option is Media Mastery University: http://tinyurl.com/cxqvje.

2. Practice small before you leap large. Talk to peers about what they have done and how they have been successful. Get into a PR Training and Empowerment group lead by a PR professional.

3. Build one success on another on another on another. Leverage your media successes so that you to become a "slightly famous" planner with your clients and strategic partners. Enjoy the crebility and take the next step as you improve your media skills (e.g., go from a local newspaper bylined column or TV appearances to national outlets and TV appearances, write a white paper then a book, etc.)

AdvisorPod - Fast, Fun and Informative Practice Management Tips for Financial Advisors

2009-07-22T15:50:00.006-05:00

Since it's recent launch, AdvisorPod.com has provided podcasts and tools to hundreds of subscribers. Check out a few of the latest podcasts available:

- Client Segmentation and Analysis,
- Structuring Your Client Communications
- The Number One Non-Investment Service

AdvisorPod.com is an exciting new podcast subscription service for financial services professionals that provides relevant best practices for running an efficient, profitable and enjoyable practice.Advisorpod podcasts have been featured as "New and Notable" in the Podcasts/ Business/Management & Marketing section of iTunes. Find out why!

Tips for Controlling Costs in Recession

2009-07-15T20:28:00.003-05:00

Small Businesses Struggle to Remain Competitive in the Recession: Financial Advisors Offer Tips for Controlling Costs

From corporate board rooms to the kitchen table, Americans are at work cutting the fat from over-extended budgets. This switch into survival mode is equally imperative in the small business arena where tight credit and the nation's newly adopted frugality have combined to create unprecedented financial challenges.

Listen to this helpful podcast now.

Financial Planning Gets Personal

2009-07-15T18:05:00.003-05:00

Just wondering what the financial planning community thinks about some of the concerns posed in this article:

Financial Planning Gets Personal

More financial advisers are moving beyond money matters and playing counselor with their clients. Not everyone thinks that's a good idea.

http://www.smartmoney.com/investing/stocks/financial-planning-gets-personal

Please "comment" here in this blog. Should consumers be wary if their financial planner takes a more personal approach? What types of "best practices" to you embrace?

Bob Lindner on Managed Futures and Contemporary Portfolio Management

2009-06-28T13:10:00.000-05:00