"We have to continue to grow and we'll be looking at acquisitions, mergers, tuck-ins and roll-ups, all of the above," says Mark Allen, president of Nebraska-based Allen Capital Group.

Want to insulate your firm from future crises? A few moves look sure to offer a payoff whether equities soar, plunge or just muddle along.

Edward Jones Managing Partner James Weddle says the firm grows organically, recruiting from colleges and even the military for new advisors.

When cash, commodities and other assets stumble, it is tempting to eliminate them from a portfolio. Run the numbers first, though.

Strong details and carefully executed plans make for a positive transition.

Fending off cyber intrusions is becoming a cost of doing business, but when advisors find that their practice has been breached, they need to follow a plan for assessing the damage.

When it's time to give up control of your firm, will you know what to do?