Research magazine – December 2005
The Gift Giving Season
Marie Swift and co-writer Trudy Turner, CPA, CFP® explain how you can help your clients give the gift of a lifetime; passing on financial literacy.
Research magazine – November 2005
Ensuring the Retirement Paycheck
Marie Swift and co-writer Sheryl Garrett, CFP® discuss the value of immediate annuities in your client's financial plan.
Financial Planning magazine – November 2005
The Patient Gardener
Ever notice how a dripping faucet gets your attention slowly over time? You may walk past it for days without noticing it--let alone taking action. Finally, you stop and pay attention to the soft repetitive noise, and respond. Drip marketing works much the same way. Find out how you can keep your name in front of current and potential clients and build share of mind so that they look forward to seeing your name in their mailbox.
Inside Information – November 2005
Industry guru Bob Veres gives Marie Swift’s article “The Patient Gardener” in the November issue of Financial Planning magazine a good review. The basis of drip marketing is that people don't know who you are until they've gotten multiple impressions and received multiple messages. Marie Swift tells you how to do it right.
MorningstarAdvisor.com – November 2005
Holiday Remembrances
Holiday Remembrances Reinforce the Client-Advisor Connection – If you Do them Right. With the holidays fast approaching, financial advisors across the country are planning on how to remember their clients and other VIP’s in a thoughtful, timely way. Marie Swift tells you of many ideas and resources that may be helpful to remember your clients, prospects and strategic partners.
Research magazine – October 2005
The Tax Man Cometh
Marie Swift and co-writer Larry Annello, CPA/PFS, CFP® talk about how you can help your clients manage their tax liability.
Financial Planning magazine – October 2005
The Right Stuff
Are your marketing materials stale? If your logo is more than a dozen years old, it may be time to get a makeover and then make e-mail announcements to all prospects touting your new brand and clearer marketing message. Marie Swift also recommends that you take a second look at how you ask for referrals. One of her clients, Dan Danford who is mentioned in the article, created an Ideal Client Profile, which he shares with clients and local professionals who may need a handy reference guide for who the advisor is looking for and how to facilitate an introduction.
Inside Information – October 2005
Industry guru Bob Veres gives Marie Swift’s article on “The Right Stuff” in the October issue of Financial Planning magazine a good review. The article says that you should make incremental improvements in your marketing activities which, over time, will have significant effects.
Financial Planning magazine – September 2005
Getting on Google
There's an art to having your Web site rank high on various search engines. Mastering it will help you draw more potential clients to your Web site. “While nothing can replace a long-term strategic approach and good old-fashioned marketing and PR, you also need to optimize your search-engine presence so your site will turn up fairly high among those listed when people scan the Web for your services,” says writer Marie Swift. Of course, “you must have a compelling Web site if you want those click-throughs to turn into inquiries,” she adds.
Inside Information – September 2005
It’s always great when industry guru Bob Veres gives a column “high” marks. Marie Swift’s article on “Getting on Google” in the September issue of Financial Planning magazine rates this mark. The article offers tips on how to increase your search engine ratings by doing things like using certain key words, adding links to strategic partners and related Web sites, naming images after keywords and more.
Research magazine – September 2005
Ethical Wills
Marie Swift and co-writer Holly Gillian Kindel, CFP® talk about ways your clients can record life's meaning through an ethical will.
Research magazine – August 2005
Liquidity Made Simple
Marie Swift and co-writer Jim Christie, CFP® discuss the importance of cash reserves and where to suggest your clients park the money.
Investment Advisor magazine – August 2005
The Gurus Speak
What's the biggest challenge for independent financial advisors? Is it staying compliant, finding and motivating employees, smartly using technology, or transitioning a practice? While all of those areas befuddle many of you, the single biggest bafflement for most advisors is marketing. Transcending advisors' marketing challenges is too big a job for a single soul, so the Investment Advisor editorial staff interviewed 15 experts for their best tips to help you find the path to marketing nirvana. Read what Marie Swift, president of Impact Communications, Inc. had to say in this excerpt from The Gurus Speak.
MorningstarAdvisor.com – August 2005
Writing Made Simple (or At Least Simpler)
Many readers were motivated by last month’s article by Marie Swift on How to Write Compelling Content in Half the Time and called or wrote in to share their ideas and experiences. Read this article where readers share their personal tips and strategies for how to be efficient and effective with their writing.
FPA Solutions – July/August 2005
Writing Matters
Advice to enhance your communication with clients, by Nancy Opiela who says your writing efforts may not produce the defining book on a financial planning topic, but client newsletters and personal letters have an enormous impact — for good or ill — on your practice. One expert on honing those skills is Marie Swift, president of Impact Communications in Leawood, Kansas. “Consumers are bombarded daily with so much information that if you don’t have a clear benefit-driven message that appeals to the person you are trying to reach, then they just tune out,” says Swift.
Career Adviser – July 7, 2005
Improving Your Web Site
Writer David Evanson interviews Marie Swift, who provides tips for improving your Web site. Not too long ago, if you had a Web site, you were out ahead. But the warp speed at which the financial planning industry and Internet are evolving means that, if you don’t have a Web site today, you and or your practice are behind the eight ball.
Financial Planning magazine – July 1, 2005
Lively Up Your Site
Like it or not, prospective clients expect you to have a good Web site. Just like a business card or brochure, a top-notch Web site shows that you're a serious professional. Nevertheless, it's surprising how many advisers resist creating a Web site because it costs too much or they don't know where to start. Read this article for Marie Swift’s advice.
Research magazine – July 2005
Facing Death and Taxes
Marie Swift and co-writer Brian Puckett, JD, CPA/PFS discuss estate planning essentials for advisors who want to help clients with complex issues.
MorningstarAdvisor.com – June 2005
How to Write Compelling Content in Half the Time
More than ever, financial advisors must be adept communicators, both in person and in print. If you struggle with the written word, Marie Swift has a blueprint for success. In this month’s article, Marie shares her formula for writing compelling content in half the time.
Research magazine – June 2005
Debt: Good, Bad and Ugly
Marie Swift and co-writer Dan Danford, MBA, CRSP, tell advisors how they can help their clients use debt wisely and add long-term value to their portfolios.
Inside Information – June 2005
Industry guru Bob Veres says that Marie Swift’s article on how to build a good Web site is one of the most relevant articles in the July issue of Financial Planning magazine. "Lively Up Your Web Site" gets a “high” rating and a decent media review from one of the industry’s toughest critics.
Research magazine – May 2005
The Deadline is Now
Marie Swift and co-writer Randy Hallier, CFP®, address the topic of what baby boomers must do to adequately prepare for retirement.
Investment Advisor magazine – May 2005
Top 25 Most Influential People in Financial Planning
George Kinder, founder of the Kinder Institute of Life Planning, and Sheryl Garrett, founder of the Garrett Planning Network (both of whom are clients of Impact Communications) were named to this prestigious list. This is Sheryl's third year and George's second year as honorees. Visit his and her websites for details of all media coverage secured.
Research magazine – April 2005
Small Business Owners Need Lots of Planning Help
Marie Swift and co-writer Rick Mayes, MBA, discuss a handful of financial planning strategies you'll need to know if you want to serve small business owners.
MorningstarAdvisor.com – April 2005
Writers’ Workshop: Using Client-Centered Communications to Build Your Business
Being others-centered is always a good thing. So how does your writing stack up? Is it all about you, wonderful you? Shift your focus and improve your marketing results with this six-step strategy. Marie Swift addresses the topic of what baby boomers must do to adequately prepare for retirement.
Research magazine – February 2005
How to Save for College and Qualify for Financial Aid
Research Magazine’s new column, Focus On Financial Planning, features premier article by Marie Swift and William Kelly, MS, CCPS that looks at some of the options for college saving, especially the difficult issue of saving for college without decreasing or completely eliminating a child’s eligibility for financial aid. Read this article to get a better understanding of how to help your clients.
Horsesmouth – February 2005
Put Your Best Face Forward With a Great Photo
The old adage that “a picture is worth a thousand words” is very true in an industry that is totally dependent on trust and relationships. “The image you project can reassure prospective clients and help you earn their business,” says writer Marie Swift. In this month’s article she offers tips on how to put your best face forward, how to think outside the box, and use your photos in creative ways.
Horsesmouth – Advisors' Pick: Top 5 for 2005
Put Your Best Face Forward With a Great Photo
Marie Swift makes Top 5 List for marketing articles in 2005 with her 11 Photo Fiascoes to Avoid.
MorningstarAdvisor.com – February 2005
Magic Fairy Dust and Other Marketing Myths
Even the best advisors struggle with marketing and prospecting. Learning to separate truth from hype can help. “No single marketing tool will magically produce quality, long-lasting relationships. The magic is in you; the friendships you cultivate, the people you serve, and the approach you take to doing business and providing your services. While your products and services can be duplicated, you are the one element that cannot be cloned,” says Marie Swift.
Financial Planning magazine – January 1, 2005
Practice Tips – Make Your Photo as Pretty as a Picture
Companion Slide Show
“Your professional photograph is absolutely critical to the success of your advisory business. If your photo is more than two years old or wasn't that good to begin with, it's time to reshoot,” advises writer Marie Swift in this quick-tip article that tells you how, and when, to prepare for your professional photograph. View the companion slide show for great examples of How to Use Your Professional Photos in Creative Ways.
MorningStarAdvisor.com – January 2005
Extraordinary Conversations: Sage Advice from Accomplished Peers
As an industry writer and marketing consultant, Marie Swift traveled around the country in 2004 speaking with financial advisors and addressing various industry groups. In this article, she summarizes personal conversations she had with dozens of accomplished advisors, and she shares some of their thoughts, what they say about the techniques that have made them successful, and what they would do “if they could do it all over again.”
Financial Planning magazine – January 2005
Movers and Shakers
George Kinder, founder of the Kinder Institute of Life Planning and an Impact Communications client, was named a Mover and Shaker 2005. Visit the Kinder Institute website for details of all media coverage secured in 2004.
The Gift Giving Season
Marie Swift and co-writer Trudy Turner, CPA, CFP® explain how you can help your clients give the gift of a lifetime; passing on financial literacy.
Research magazine – November 2005
Ensuring the Retirement Paycheck
Marie Swift and co-writer Sheryl Garrett, CFP® discuss the value of immediate annuities in your client's financial plan.
Financial Planning magazine – November 2005
The Patient Gardener
Ever notice how a dripping faucet gets your attention slowly over time? You may walk past it for days without noticing it--let alone taking action. Finally, you stop and pay attention to the soft repetitive noise, and respond. Drip marketing works much the same way. Find out how you can keep your name in front of current and potential clients and build share of mind so that they look forward to seeing your name in their mailbox.
Inside Information – November 2005
Industry guru Bob Veres gives Marie Swift’s article “The Patient Gardener” in the November issue of Financial Planning magazine a good review. The basis of drip marketing is that people don't know who you are until they've gotten multiple impressions and received multiple messages. Marie Swift tells you how to do it right.
MorningstarAdvisor.com – November 2005
Holiday Remembrances
Holiday Remembrances Reinforce the Client-Advisor Connection – If you Do them Right. With the holidays fast approaching, financial advisors across the country are planning on how to remember their clients and other VIP’s in a thoughtful, timely way. Marie Swift tells you of many ideas and resources that may be helpful to remember your clients, prospects and strategic partners.
Research magazine – October 2005
The Tax Man Cometh
Marie Swift and co-writer Larry Annello, CPA/PFS, CFP® talk about how you can help your clients manage their tax liability.
Financial Planning magazine – October 2005
The Right Stuff
Are your marketing materials stale? If your logo is more than a dozen years old, it may be time to get a makeover and then make e-mail announcements to all prospects touting your new brand and clearer marketing message. Marie Swift also recommends that you take a second look at how you ask for referrals. One of her clients, Dan Danford who is mentioned in the article, created an Ideal Client Profile, which he shares with clients and local professionals who may need a handy reference guide for who the advisor is looking for and how to facilitate an introduction.
Inside Information – October 2005
Industry guru Bob Veres gives Marie Swift’s article on “The Right Stuff” in the October issue of Financial Planning magazine a good review. The article says that you should make incremental improvements in your marketing activities which, over time, will have significant effects.
Financial Planning magazine – September 2005
Getting on Google
There's an art to having your Web site rank high on various search engines. Mastering it will help you draw more potential clients to your Web site. “While nothing can replace a long-term strategic approach and good old-fashioned marketing and PR, you also need to optimize your search-engine presence so your site will turn up fairly high among those listed when people scan the Web for your services,” says writer Marie Swift. Of course, “you must have a compelling Web site if you want those click-throughs to turn into inquiries,” she adds.
Inside Information – September 2005
It’s always great when industry guru Bob Veres gives a column “high” marks. Marie Swift’s article on “Getting on Google” in the September issue of Financial Planning magazine rates this mark. The article offers tips on how to increase your search engine ratings by doing things like using certain key words, adding links to strategic partners and related Web sites, naming images after keywords and more.
Research magazine – September 2005
Ethical Wills
Marie Swift and co-writer Holly Gillian Kindel, CFP® talk about ways your clients can record life's meaning through an ethical will.
Research magazine – August 2005
Liquidity Made Simple
Marie Swift and co-writer Jim Christie, CFP® discuss the importance of cash reserves and where to suggest your clients park the money.
Investment Advisor magazine – August 2005
The Gurus Speak
What's the biggest challenge for independent financial advisors? Is it staying compliant, finding and motivating employees, smartly using technology, or transitioning a practice? While all of those areas befuddle many of you, the single biggest bafflement for most advisors is marketing. Transcending advisors' marketing challenges is too big a job for a single soul, so the Investment Advisor editorial staff interviewed 15 experts for their best tips to help you find the path to marketing nirvana. Read what Marie Swift, president of Impact Communications, Inc. had to say in this excerpt from The Gurus Speak.
MorningstarAdvisor.com – August 2005
Writing Made Simple (or At Least Simpler)
Many readers were motivated by last month’s article by Marie Swift on How to Write Compelling Content in Half the Time and called or wrote in to share their ideas and experiences. Read this article where readers share their personal tips and strategies for how to be efficient and effective with their writing.
FPA Solutions – July/August 2005
Writing Matters
Advice to enhance your communication with clients, by Nancy Opiela who says your writing efforts may not produce the defining book on a financial planning topic, but client newsletters and personal letters have an enormous impact — for good or ill — on your practice. One expert on honing those skills is Marie Swift, president of Impact Communications in Leawood, Kansas. “Consumers are bombarded daily with so much information that if you don’t have a clear benefit-driven message that appeals to the person you are trying to reach, then they just tune out,” says Swift.
Career Adviser – July 7, 2005
Improving Your Web Site
Writer David Evanson interviews Marie Swift, who provides tips for improving your Web site. Not too long ago, if you had a Web site, you were out ahead. But the warp speed at which the financial planning industry and Internet are evolving means that, if you don’t have a Web site today, you and or your practice are behind the eight ball.
Financial Planning magazine – July 1, 2005
Lively Up Your Site
Like it or not, prospective clients expect you to have a good Web site. Just like a business card or brochure, a top-notch Web site shows that you're a serious professional. Nevertheless, it's surprising how many advisers resist creating a Web site because it costs too much or they don't know where to start. Read this article for Marie Swift’s advice.
Research magazine – July 2005
Facing Death and Taxes
Marie Swift and co-writer Brian Puckett, JD, CPA/PFS discuss estate planning essentials for advisors who want to help clients with complex issues.
MorningstarAdvisor.com – June 2005
How to Write Compelling Content in Half the Time
More than ever, financial advisors must be adept communicators, both in person and in print. If you struggle with the written word, Marie Swift has a blueprint for success. In this month’s article, Marie shares her formula for writing compelling content in half the time.
Research magazine – June 2005
Debt: Good, Bad and Ugly
Marie Swift and co-writer Dan Danford, MBA, CRSP, tell advisors how they can help their clients use debt wisely and add long-term value to their portfolios.
Inside Information – June 2005
Industry guru Bob Veres says that Marie Swift’s article on how to build a good Web site is one of the most relevant articles in the July issue of Financial Planning magazine. "Lively Up Your Web Site" gets a “high” rating and a decent media review from one of the industry’s toughest critics.
Research magazine – May 2005
The Deadline is Now
Marie Swift and co-writer Randy Hallier, CFP®, address the topic of what baby boomers must do to adequately prepare for retirement.
Investment Advisor magazine – May 2005
Top 25 Most Influential People in Financial Planning
George Kinder, founder of the Kinder Institute of Life Planning, and Sheryl Garrett, founder of the Garrett Planning Network (both of whom are clients of Impact Communications) were named to this prestigious list. This is Sheryl's third year and George's second year as honorees. Visit his and her websites for details of all media coverage secured.
Research magazine – April 2005
Small Business Owners Need Lots of Planning Help
Marie Swift and co-writer Rick Mayes, MBA, discuss a handful of financial planning strategies you'll need to know if you want to serve small business owners.
MorningstarAdvisor.com – April 2005
Writers’ Workshop: Using Client-Centered Communications to Build Your Business
Being others-centered is always a good thing. So how does your writing stack up? Is it all about you, wonderful you? Shift your focus and improve your marketing results with this six-step strategy. Marie Swift addresses the topic of what baby boomers must do to adequately prepare for retirement.
Research magazine – February 2005
How to Save for College and Qualify for Financial Aid
Research Magazine’s new column, Focus On Financial Planning, features premier article by Marie Swift and William Kelly, MS, CCPS that looks at some of the options for college saving, especially the difficult issue of saving for college without decreasing or completely eliminating a child’s eligibility for financial aid. Read this article to get a better understanding of how to help your clients.
Horsesmouth – February 2005
Put Your Best Face Forward With a Great Photo
The old adage that “a picture is worth a thousand words” is very true in an industry that is totally dependent on trust and relationships. “The image you project can reassure prospective clients and help you earn their business,” says writer Marie Swift. In this month’s article she offers tips on how to put your best face forward, how to think outside the box, and use your photos in creative ways.
Horsesmouth – Advisors' Pick: Top 5 for 2005
Put Your Best Face Forward With a Great Photo
Marie Swift makes Top 5 List for marketing articles in 2005 with her 11 Photo Fiascoes to Avoid.
MorningstarAdvisor.com – February 2005
Magic Fairy Dust and Other Marketing Myths
Even the best advisors struggle with marketing and prospecting. Learning to separate truth from hype can help. “No single marketing tool will magically produce quality, long-lasting relationships. The magic is in you; the friendships you cultivate, the people you serve, and the approach you take to doing business and providing your services. While your products and services can be duplicated, you are the one element that cannot be cloned,” says Marie Swift.
Financial Planning magazine – January 1, 2005
Practice Tips – Make Your Photo as Pretty as a Picture
Companion Slide Show
“Your professional photograph is absolutely critical to the success of your advisory business. If your photo is more than two years old or wasn't that good to begin with, it's time to reshoot,” advises writer Marie Swift in this quick-tip article that tells you how, and when, to prepare for your professional photograph. View the companion slide show for great examples of How to Use Your Professional Photos in Creative Ways.
MorningStarAdvisor.com – January 2005
Extraordinary Conversations: Sage Advice from Accomplished Peers
As an industry writer and marketing consultant, Marie Swift traveled around the country in 2004 speaking with financial advisors and addressing various industry groups. In this article, she summarizes personal conversations she had with dozens of accomplished advisors, and she shares some of their thoughts, what they say about the techniques that have made them successful, and what they would do “if they could do it all over again.”
Financial Planning magazine – January 2005
Movers and Shakers
George Kinder, founder of the Kinder Institute of Life Planning and an Impact Communications client, was named a Mover and Shaker 2005. Visit the Kinder Institute website for details of all media coverage secured in 2004.
