Practice

Upstart firm asks advisors for feedback

There are only a few new players in the Canadian mutual fund industry, and even fewer who’ve made an immediate impact. Since its inception—by a trio of former star fund managers—the industry has had its eye on upstart EdgePoint Investment Group. The firm’s founding partners and primary money managers, Tye Bousada and Geoff MacDonald, could […]

By Mark Noble |August 1, 2009

12 min read

Planning and Advice

Evolving client interactions

I was listening to some old U2 tracks and thinking how much their sound has changed over the years. This got me thinking about how some of my other favourite bands have evolved over time, to the point where their early work is almost unrecognizable from their current material. I then started to think about […]

By Keith Pangretitsch |July 21, 2009

4 min read

Planning and Advice

Getting your “Moxie”

If you look up the word “Moxie” in the dictionary, you will find it is a noun that means “energy, pep, courage, determination and know-how.” You can also see that the source of this word is the brand name of a soft drink. Have you ever heard of “Moxie” soda? We have all heard of […]

By April-Lynn Levitt |July 14, 2009

3 min read

Planning and Advice

The wealth advisor value proposition

“Because it’s YOUR money and it’s YOUR life.” “Sound advice to help you build your future.” “Smoothing your way through life’s road bumps.” “Your plan and our advice — building your future together.” “Helping create legacies for people who care.” Whatever you say, your tagline should remind your clients that you are not like other […]

By Barry LaValley |July 6, 2009

3 min read

How to increase revenue in this climate

We all saw our income drop with the markets and have probably been stunned by how quickly everything turned around. At my branch, our income is directly tied to the value of the assets we manage. With the goal of increasing revenue, here are some of the ways we improved our bottom line. 1. We […]

5 min read

Case study: Showing your appreciation to clients

Quick — what activity comes to mind when you think of client appreciation events? Golf is by far the winner — and why not? ‘Tis the season for hitting the links. But advisor Greg Thompson wanted a unique event for his clients, something that maximized fun and socializing with others — two characteristics he feels […]

4 min read

The new wealth advisor — building a differentiation strategy

Protecting and enjoying your lifestyle Helping your family Planning for the future Enjoying financial comfort Creating a legacy If it is in your life, it is in your plan. John and Jane may do the same thing, but their marketing message is considerably different. John, the investment advisor, focuses on products and talks about “financial […]

3 min read

Odd lots

Failure, it is said, is of uncertain paternity, while victory has many parents. In the midst of a severe financial crisis, blame seeks a ready target. And yet, every financial crisis has a pattern that unfolds with predictable excesses, villains and scapegoats. If you canvass people who are distant from financial services, invariably they will […]

By Scot Blythe |June 3, 2009

3 min read

Don’t admit liability before the facts are in

In my car’s glovebox, along with a stash of Rolaids and fast food restaurant napkins (real men don’t carry Kleenex), I have a card from my insurance company, which explains what to do if I’m involved in a traffic accident. You probably have one too. Assuming you survive the crash, and have the presence of […]

4 min read

The advantages of fee-for-service

In times like these, advisors need to focus on their clients, all of whom are asking, “What does this mean to me?” They’re wondering whether their fi nancial plans have been compromised and what they can do to mitigate any negative impact. Those of us who provide comprehensive fi nancial planning are in a unique […]

10 min read