By Micah Shilanski, RFC An exert from his upcoming interview in the Jan/Feb Register… Every morning, yes every morning, I wake up and spend the first 30 to 60 minutes getting my head in the right frame of mind. I spend 10-15 minutes writing out my goals for the day. I am a big fan of technology and being paperless, but for this exercise I put pen to paper. I have a nice binder and write down my goals every single day. Once I have all my goals written down, I start listing out what I need to do that…

Currently the IARFC is recruiting sponsors for the National Plan Competition. On the Corporate level, we are very happy to announce that Cetera Advisor Network and Royal Alliance have become sponsors. With their commitment we move forward with our plans for Las Vegas and giving the finalists a venue to present their Sample Plans for the judges. On the Individual Level, we are pleased that many IARFC members have contributed. The Plan Competition gives hands-on development to young people by teaching them the skills necessary to provide the services advisors currently give, to the next generations. It is evident that…

We are now recruiting advisors for the final phase of judging for the National Plan Competition in Las Vegas.  Three teams of finalists will present their plan, in person, in front of a panel of judges – that could include YOU! Be there and be a judge! Each team has to combine facts, figures AND professionalism.  Ultimately, the judges are asked to think as a client and pick whom they would engage to implement their financial plan. The experience and knowledge of successful financial professionals is most important to the conclusion and selection of the best plan.  The IARFC needs…

The November Register will have an article entitled Advising Your Clients on Pension Plan Options. Below is an exert. You can read it in its entirety in the November issue coming out soon… By Jeff Rattiner, RFC There are certain guidelines that you may want to re-enforce to your client when selecting a pension plan option.   You should include the following: • Don’t select an option if you don’t understand how it works. • Keep your retirement planning as simple as possible. • Be sure that whoever advises you is technically competent and professionally qualified to perform the…

By Ed Morrow Your cell phone usage can enhance your “service image” and also “emphasize privacy” but also has the potential to subtly insult your client. Have you ever been in a meeting and had the person you were talking with getting a lot of calls? Each time they reached for their cell phone to see the caller, they were deciding “Who is Most Important – you or their caller?” One financial consultant, who is really very busy and receives lots of calls, makes an issue of this. As he starts a session with a client or prospect, he says,…

Impact Branding The competition for your clients is increasing. A strong brand projects your passion and commitment to clients and prospects. Brand loyalty is reinforced by continued efforts to positively project a favorable image. You don’t have to be a big company to promote your own brand. We help you discover what it is and how to build it. During the first part of the workshop, you will learn that first perceptions are a result of how you brand yourself. We review the cumulative cycle of branding and how it effects every aspect of client interaction from before…

By Christopher Hill Seminars offer a golden opportunity, unlike any other form of marketing or advertising. By hosting seminars, you have a captive audience of qualified prospects for approximately 30 minutes to an hour. During this invaluable period of time, you have the unique ability to provide every attendee with four key answers they need to know before they consider working with you: 1. Do they like you? Yes, first impressions are important. However, quality relationships happen over time. Most people can usually determine after a reasonable period of time whether they like you or not. By “like” I mean…

By Ed Morrow Comparing Targeting and Branding is like comparing a fine wine with a nice breakfast of scrambled eggs and bacon. They are both items you consume orally. One is expensive and may take 4 years to produce. The other needs to be prepared quickly and served while hot. In other words, there are some common features, but they are quite different. Target Definition is clarifying who you want to do business with and why? Target Marketing is how you will approach them, leading to an engagement or purchase. Firm Branding (including a firm of only one) is how…

By Susan Cappa The IARFC is happy to announce that members can now make their purchases for all the professional RFC products online. Through our store, you can browse by Category, Price or look for our Featured Products. You can view the selected product, easily “add to cart” and check out. It’s a breeze! Amy Primeau – the store manager, feels this is a convenient option to those of you who want to purchase any time of the day (or night) and those who want the ability to shop around and see what items the IARFC offers. Your order will…

By Ed Morrow In every country the population can be broken down into four categories. This grouping helps us know the professional learning we require, the tools of practice that are necessary and the support we need from commercial, educational and professional organizations. Super Wealthy. These persons have wonderful resources available to them – although many do not use them to maximum advantage. They have attorneys, real estate agents, securities brokers, bankers, trust officers, business valuation specialists and insurance agents. A Registered Financial Consultant can be an important part of this team – frequently serving as the person distributing the…