Practice management

Advisors should work to become the first name people in a particular market think of when they need a certain type of product, service or expertise. Being a "local/vocal name" can set you apart from other financial advisors and help you gain market share, according to marketing expert Marie Swift.

Almost all the planners surveyed by Tiburon called the current technology offerings merely acceptable or downright unsatisfactory.

Your competitive advantage is what sets you apart. In a nutshell, have one. Then be able to articulate it.

A run-down of the stories in this issue, beginning with the cover story, which details how to offer wealth management with a personal touch.

Our legal analyst explores one state's new rules on employment agreements.

A few simple steps will help you meet the money management needs of each customer.

A run down of hirings and promotions, including advisor team Andrew Cappello and Christie Roberts moving to Merrill Lynch from Morgan Stanley.

European sovereign debt concerns and the U.S. debt-ceiling debacle spurred market volatility, pushing investors toward index-based equity funds.

The executive director of Consumer Federation of America discusses boosting financial literacy and the Dodd-Frank law.

The experience is aimed at strengthening client's ties to their advisor and trust in the firm

Advisors need to "feel the love" from their firms and their branch managers

Alabama Firm With $1 Billion in AUM Affiliates with LPL

They may seem overwhelming to plan, but marketing events can be very effective to thank existing clients or find new ones.

It takes plenty of schooling and savvy to coach executives.

John Bogle, the legendary champion of index funds, believes advisors add value - and it's not in trying to beat the market.

A proposal to deal with RIAs' regulatory advantage over independent broker-dealers.

Whether you are relatively new to the planning business or have been in the profession for decades, odds are you have lost potential clients as a result of mistakes made at a first meeting.

A strong leadership plan will not only help you identify the right successors, it is also the centerpiece of any successful transition.

Some people who seek the help of a planner have rigid ideas that clash with their advisor's approach.

It's not always easy to work with highly successful business owners, but the effort can be rewarding.