Now, for advisors who are serious about growing their business, there’s arguably an even more interesting reason to log on to the Internet.

In early January, GLOBE HySales and GLOBEfund.com launched a Web-based discussion forum designed exclusively for financial advisors. The Forum provides a venue where advisors can discuss the latest trends, solicit ideas and enjoy the camaraderie of colleagues from across the country.

The Forum’s host is Marketing Solutions’ founder Dan Richards, a Harvard MBA who has a wealth of knowledge geared towards helping advisors grow their client list and expand their business. As author of the best-selling Getting Clients, Keeping Clients: The Essential Guide for Tomorrow’s Financial Advisor, Richards leads discussions, responds to questions and regularly introduces new discussion topics to forum participants. At launch, Forum discussions focused on client communication, industry regulation, segregated funds and attracting new clients.

One of the Forum’s strengths is that it addresses the fact that the role of today’s investment advisor is more complex than ever before. Clients demand that advisors, among other things, keep abreast of new products and new opportunities, understand individual tax situations and retirement goals and provide regular performance updates. At the same time, advisors have additional priorities, such as marketing their business, growing their client list and keeping up with industry regulation.

1. Dan Richards’ analysis. As host of the Forum and head of Toronto-based Marketing Solutions, Mr. Richards leads discussions on such diverse topics as segregated funds, prospecting for new clients, the effective use of technology and how to build and grow a thriving advisor business.

2. For advisors only. Forum participation is restricted to practicing financial advisors. Discussion topics and messages posted in the forum focus exclusively on issues affecting advisors, mutual fund dealers and the investment community.

3. Networking. As an information exchange and a place to discuss topics relevant to financial advisors, the Forum connects advisors with colleagues who share similar concerns and can offer an experienced perspective.

4. Timely discussions. The Forum serves as a meeting place for ideas. Advisors can express opinions on issues that affect their business and their client list - from thoughts on the latest RRSP survey and industry trends to the media’s portrayal of financial advisors.

Globe Interactive
444 Front Street West, Toronto, Ontario Canada M5V 2S9
Phone: 800-268-9128, Fax: 416-585-5249