Financial-Planning.com, Blog: The Marketing Maven – December 27, 2011
This week, marketing expert Marie Swift examines some of the best ways financial advisors can get face time with their clients and qualified prospects. Strategies That Can Produce New Business for Advisors.
Dow Jones / Financial Adviser, Blog – December 23, 2011
Marie Swift is quoted as a subject matter expert in Social Skills for Social Media.
Financial Advisor magazine – December 2, 2011
Following the Tiburon CEO Summit XXI in San Francisco in October 2011, seven financial services executives presented their views in a round table discussion. The 60-minute conversation was a spirited debate. In this excerpt, the participants talk about technology and the client of the future. The entire transcript along with a photo essay and seven corresponding video interviews are available on FA in the video library. Read it here: Executive Roundtable.
AdvisorOne.com – December 1, 2011
Read Marie Swift’s advice on how working on the frontend of relationships is the best foundation for an engaged client base. How to Choose the Right Clients.
Financial-Planning.com – December 1, 2011
What will the advisor of the future need to survive and thrive in the future? Marketing communications expert, Marie Swift, introduces a new Thought Leader series featuring Bob Veres, Eric Cott, Michael Kim, John Brackett, Michael Kay, Stephanie Bogan, Cameron Thornton and David Hubbard. Watch the 8 part series here: Advisor of the Future: the Road Ahead.
Financial-Planning.com, Blog: The Marketing Maven – December 19, 2011
Even in the digital age, nothing beats the “see the people” approach. Marie Swift shares two advisor success stories and how they are automating the referral process and supplementing their in-person communications with new media. The STP Approach to Business Building for Financial Advisors.
RIAbiz.com.com – November 22, 2011
Consultant Marie Swift, president of Impact Communications Inc., told the packed sessionatNAPFA Conference that PR can improve visibility, nationally or locally. “Go after both,” she recommended. Surprising some, Swift added, “Sometimes it is even easier to get national coverage.”Read more at: NAPFA Conference Yeilds Valuable Nuggets of Practice-Management and Marketing Advice.
Financial-Planning.com, Blog: The Marketing Maven – November 14, 2011
Marketing expert Marie Swift says it’s time for bloggers, tweeps, LinkedIn and Facebook addicts to take a timeout and realize that while building a positive online presence is important, it’s also crucial for financial advisors to think about their overall business image. A Financial Advisor's Toolkit for Creating the 'Wow' Factor.
Financial-Planning.com, Blog: The Marketing Maven – November 1, 2011
Marie Swift reports that the “Marketing Ideas, Rapid Fire” session at the recent Garrett Planning Network annual retreat yielded a bunch of winning marketing ideas for financial advisors. Which ones can you or your firm implement right now? Learn more at Marketing Ideas From -- And For -- Smart Financial Advisors.
Financial-Planning.com, Blog: The Marketing Maven – October 27, 2011
Financial advisors are constantly on the lookout for new, more engaging and effective ways to market their services to prospective clients. Here’s a compilation of all the latest and most effective marketing tips, techniques and first-hand accounts you and your firm will need to raise your profile and increase your assets under management. Marie Swift shares her Marketing Tips, Techniques for Financial Advisors.
Financial-Planning.com, Blog: The Marketing Maven – October 17, 2011
Sometimes it's the little things that make all the difference. If you’re like most financial advisors, you are ultra-busy serving your clients and generating new business. But have you handled the marketing fundamentals? Columnist and marketing expert Marie Swift delves into two marketing fundamentals that should not be ignored: the power bio and the prospect profile. Ignore them and suffer the consequences. Read more at Positioning Essentials for Financial Advisors.
Financial-Planning.com, Blog: The Marketing Maven – October 11, 2011
Among financial planners’ greatest concerns in this turbulent environment is retaining valued clients. In this high-tech era, marketing expert Marie Swift says planners should balance high-tech communications with truly “high-touch” communications. Learn how at Retaining Valued Clients in Tough Times.
Financial-Planning.com, Blog: The Marketing Maven – October 4, 2011
This article details a strategy that works for financial advisors and allied professionals who are interested in serving families with significant wealth. While this strategy works especially well for that demographic, the truly high-net-worth crowd, there are also applications for advisors who serve the middle-market millionaire and mass affluent. Learn about the Marketing That Works for Today's Financial Advisors.
Investment Executive.com – October 3, 2011
Thoughts from Marketing guru Marie Swift on keeping your website up to date and making your best online impression. Find out how to Keep Your Website Fresh.
Financial-Planning.com, Blog: The Marketing Maven – September 26, 2011
Professional marketers and smart advisors always tackle the “The 3 M’s” of marketing before they do any serious outreach. The 3 M’s are the foundational elements of all good marketing. However, according to marketing expert Marie Swift, it’s a very common error for many entrepreneurs and small business people to start with the wrong “M.” The problem with that is, it rarely, if ever works. Follow The 3 M's Process For Marketing Success.
RIABiz.com – September 21, 2011
Marie Swift, President & CEO of Impact Communications led a roundtable discussion that yielded some novel thoughts. Advisors talk over the future of financial planning at FPA Experience 2011.
Financial-Planning.com, Blog: The Marketing Maven – September 19, 2011
Using a LifeBio Event can help financial advisors strengthen client bonds and connect with their heirs. Here is how one advisor created a “Norman Rockwell” experience for his very best clients and their special guests. It’s a smart way to build bridges and engage the next generation while positioning yourself as the advisor of choice. You can do it too. The Amish Kitchen Strategy.
WNPR – September 13, 2011
The Social Media Revolution. Marie Swift of Impact Communications spoke with WNPR's Harriet Jones about social media use and tips for small business owners. “For many consumers today, you are not a viable resource unless you have a strong online presence,” Swift said. "While Internet marketing isn’t expensive, it does take an investment of time, and a comprehensive strategy. I like to suggest that business owners start a blog, so that they can establish themselves as experts, and they can tie that blog to a Twitter account, to their website, to their LinkedIn status updates and to their Facebook feeds.”
Financial-Planning.com, Blog: The Marketing Maven – September 12, 2011
If your logo is more than a dozen years old, chances are it's time for a makeover. Tired, dated materials won't reassure prospective clients that you're progressive and will constantly update the knowledge and services you offer. Your branding essentials may not need a complete overhaul, just a simple facelift. Read on: Logo Logic for Financial Advisors.
Financial-Planning.com, Blog: The Marketing Maven – September 6, 2011
As a financial advisor, you are always looking for ways to add value and bond with your clients. One of the most unique and innovative ways that also drives referrals years into the future and provides a wealth of insight about their individual goals and values is a legacy profile. Read more at: When Clients Become ‘Family Stars': 5 Ways Advisors Benefit.
Financial Advisor (FA-mag.com)– September 2011
In this article, Marie Swift describes how her firm, Impact Communications can help with the book writing process as well as the other marketing and media consultation services offered by Impact. Find out more at: Author! Author!.
Financial-Planning.com, Blog: The Marketing Maven – August 29, 2011
Many financial advisors are able to successfully pitch their own story ideas, place their own bylined content with reputable media outlets and navigate the PR waters on their own without the help of a professional PR firm or marketing consultant. But if you want to generate more interviews and media success, you’ll want to steer clear of these harmful (and potentially fatal) rookie blunders. Learn How to Alienate a Journalist: 13 Blunders Advisors Need to Avoid.
Financial-Planning.com, Blog: The Marketing Maven – August 22, 2011
You’ve worked long and hard and now you’ve finally been quoted in the Wall Street Journal or had a bylined article published in the local newspaper. Perhaps you’ve just done a radio or television interview. Now what? Tips to Help Advisors Maximize Their Newfound Media Presence.
Investment Executive.com – August 16, 2011
In this 3-part series, Marie Swift offers her tips on improving your website. Read more at: Most Common Website Mistakes.
Financial-Planning.com, Blog: The Marketing Maven – August 15, 2011
Marie Swift says: “Since I’m such a big proponent of using free publicity versus paid advertising as a business growth strategy, advisors often ask me if it ever makes sense to advertise. In a word, yes”. Learn When Advertising Pays.
Financial-Planning.com, Blog: The Marketing Maven – August 8, 2011
The problem for many sole practitioners and small planning firms is that working with a PR firm in any way, shape or form is generally too expensive to even consider. A more affordable option: Group Training and Empowerment Programs – which can be a very attractive option if you can find the right group.PR On a Financial Advisor's Budget.
Financial-Planning.com, Blog: The Marketing Maven –August 1, 2011
Most public relations firms cite studies that claim the services they provide are at least three times more credible than advertising. But for financial advisors, the question often is how do you measure the return on your PR investment? Measuring PR and Paying for Results.
Financial-Planning.com – August 1, 2011
Read Bob Veres’ impressions of Facebook, LinkedIn and Twitter and his description of how Marie Swift envisions Facebook as a way to stay on top of changes in clients’ lives. Adventures in Twitterland.
ResearchMagDigital.com – August 2011
Marie Swift gives her advice for protecting your online reputation and using your time wisely. Learn more at: Mastering Social Media.
Financial-Planning.com, Blog: The Marketing Maven – July 25, 2011
Creating good PR is important for any advisor and should be part of an ongoing marketing plan, but when an advisor has a unique initiative such as the publication of a book, or a major community event, then they should take advantage of the opportunities for recognition that a good PR firm can provide. Find out how a PR firm can help with Creating Buzz with a Book or Big Community Event.
Financial-Planning.com, Blog: The Marketing Maven – July 18, 2011
Continuing her discussion of how PR firms work and how they can benefit advisors, Marie Swift writes about ways that advisors can get the most out of the relationship. Most public relations firms offer a variety of services to meet the needs of advisors at all stages of their career. Read Marie’s Answers to Advisors' Biggest PR Questions.
Financial-Planning.com, Blog: The Marketing Maven – July 11, 2011
Public Relations (the PR in PR firms) are vital for any business, especially for financial advisors who depend upon building a quality reputation. Marie Swift breaks down the ways that a good PR firm can help advisors promote themselves and their practice. She covers the ins and outs of how PR firms work and how Advisors Can Benefit From Proactive Public Relations in her monthly column for Financial-Planning.com.
Financial-Planning.com, Blog: The Marketing Maven – July 5, 2011
Continuing her blog for Financial-Planning.com, The Marketing Maven, Marie Swift describes the difference between advertising, where you “push” your message out to prospects, and public relations where you “pull” interest to you for your expertise and credibility. Read Get Exposed: A Primer on PR – Part Two.
Financial-Planning.com, Blog: The Marketing Maven – June 27, 2011
In her column for Financial-Planning.com, Marie Swift launched a new series with an overview of PR. Advisors need to be visible and credible. Keep reading to find out how to Get Exposed: A Primer on PR – Part One.
Financial-Planning.com, Blog: The Marketing Maven – June 20, 2011
According to Marie Swift in her Marketing Maven blog, the only topic hotter than how to use social media is how women advisors are bringing their perspective to the financial industry. In Live From the Women Advisors Forum in Chicago Marie previewed some of the things she’d be talking about during the conference session on Social Media and invited people to follow her on Twitter that day to watch the conference unfold via a series of live tweets..
Financial-Planning.com, Blog: The Marketing Maven – June 13, 2011
Marie Swift spoke about public relations and social media at the Securities America Annual Conference. In addition to speaking, she sat in on several good sessions and live tweeted highlights of the three-day event. One of the key topics was how advisors can help clients with retirement income planning. Securities America offered NextPhase™ University as a pre-conference session. Read Positioning Yourself as Retirement Income Specialist for additional insights.
Riabiz.com – May 26, 2011
Marie Swift observed (and Tweeted) about the entertaining events and opportunities that were available at the NAPFA conference in Salt Lake City. See what was Seen, heard – and tweeted – at the NAPFA conference.
WomenAdvisors forum – May 23, 2011
In her online column for the WomenAdvisors forum, Marie Swift broke down getting started in social media into manageable steps and discussed its value in an ongoing series. Read Article #3: Rules of Engagement – Part One and be sure to check out her other columns for the WomenAdvisors forum.
Riabiz.com – May 25, 2011
Guest columnist Brent Burns reported on the NAPFA conference for Riabiz.com. Among his favorites were Marie Swift’s well-attended session on building online presence and using social media. Read more in his article, NAPFA conference hits hopeful note as members look to the future.
Financial-Planning.com, Blog: The Marketing Maven – May 23, 2011
Echoing on the topics she discussed in her recent article in Financial Planning magazine, Marie Swift offers tips from Dr. Don Heilbuth on really addressing clients’ fears and deepening relationships. Read Seven Great Things to Add to Your Client Communications Tool Belt.
Financial-Planning.com, Blog: The Marketing Maven – May 16, 2011
Continuing with the theme of her recent article in Financial Planning magazine, Marie Swift discusses how the new clients are media savvy and they expect more contact and interaction with their advisor. Read her new post, Connecting with Clients in a Wired World.
Financial Planning magazine – May 11, 2011
Marie Swift, a regular columnist for Financial Planning magazine and author of The Marketing Maven blog on www.financial-planning.com spoke with several advisors to gather their tips on how to reach out and stay connected with their clients who are social media savvy. Read these valuable ideas in Client Communications 2.0.
Financial-Planning.com, Blog: The Marketing Maven – May 2, 2011
In this blog, Marie Swift continues her series on how to grab your readers’ attention. This time she talks about the visual elements that make will make people read your message. Read more in The Eyes Have It.
Financial Planning Slideshow Gallery – May 2011
Marie Swift was captured by the cameras at the FPA Business Solutions Conference 2011 after her presentation on the “Best Practices When Using Social Media.”
RIAbiz.com.com.com – April 27, 2011
Marie Swift guest blogged for RIAbiz.com.com.com, “Eavesdropping on the Tiburon CEO Summit.” She gives an excellent rundown on the topics that were discussed. Impact Communications handled the onsite logistics and media relations for this important conference. Here are her observations of the Tiburon CEO Summit.
Financial-Planning.com, Blog: The Marketing Maven – April 25, 2011
In her blog, The Marketing Maven, Marie Swift addresses how advisors can best communicate with their clients in their marketing material. She discusses the best way to grab your audience with good headlines and to engage with good content and your own personal tone. Read her tips at Using the Right Words and Tone to Connect with People.
Financial-Planning.com, Blog: The Marketing Maven – April 18, 2011
In her blog for the Financial Planning Magazine, Marie Swift explains how every communication from an advisor’s office, whether written or spoken in person, is a form of marketing and should be treated as an important part of your personal brand. Read more about Writing Successful Marketing Communications.
Forbes Advisor Magazine – April 11, 2011
Marie Swift comments on the pros and cons of advisors launching their own show either on the radio or television. Read Edelman Show to Reach 20 Million.
Financial-Planning.com, Blog: The Marketing Maven – April 11, 2011
In her ongoing series of blogs at Financial-Planning.com, Marie Swift discusses the many different types of social media—Blogs, Twitter, LinkedIn—and how advisors need to learn to write for each in their own way. Find out How to Write Compelling Content for the Web.
Financial-Planning.com, Blog: The Marketing Maven – April 4, 2011
In her online column for Financial Planning Magazine, Marie Swift gives advice to advisors on how they can write compelling content. Read her Tips in How Advisors Can Break Up Writer's Block.
RIAbiz.com Central (page 6) – April 1, 2011
Every year, in conjunction with the FPA National Conference, Marie Swift invites select industry thought leaders to participate in a roundtable discussion. The topic varies from year to year, based on perceptions of what’s important for RIAs and other independent financial advisors to hear and think about. This year’s topic was Rebuilding Trust. Find out what they had to say in the article Rebuilding Trust.
Financial-Planning.com, Blog: The Marketing Maven – March 28, 2011
Advisors often say that they worry about writing the content that they need to write to market themselves and communicate with their clients. In her blog for Financial Planning Magazine, Marie Swift offers step-by-step tips on how to “Write Compelling Content in Half Time.”
Investment Executive – March 28, 2011
Fiona Collie of Investment Executive spoke to Marie Swift about how advisors can use webcasting to reach out to their clients and prospective clients, and some ways to get started. Read about how to Embrace Webcasting in Five Steps.
Investment Executive – March 24, 2011
Marie Swift spoke with Fiona Collie of Investment Executive about how important and how easy it is for advisors to increase their SEO and online visibility. Read how to Rev up the Search Engines.
Investment Executive – March 23, 2011
In its series on web presence Fiona Collie of Investment Executive spoke to Marie Swift about how to make sure that your website is showing up on the search engines in Getting Googled.
InvestmentExecutive.com — March 22, 2011
In "Six questions to ask before going online: Design a strategy that focuses on your ideal client," writer Fiona Collie provides insights from Marie Swift and other industry consultants. "Ask yourself: Am I using the right tone? If you know who your ideal clients are, anything you write for your website — or for publication in any medium — should be written with them in mind, says Marie Swift, president and CEO of Impact Communications Inc. in Leawood, KS. "Make your website your hub. It should look professional and include links to articles you’ve written," Swift says, "or news sites in which you have been quoted. The site should have video and the graphics should be professionally designed. Read more.
Financial-Planning.com — March 21, 2011
Marie Swift is now writing The Marketing Maven column for Financial Planning magazine's online portal. In her first of six installments on "How Advisors Can Use Client-Centered Communications to Build a Better Business," Marie provides a number of tips to help with client correspondence, content creation, and marketing communications. Read now.
Financial Planning magazine – March 14, 2011
Marie Swift spoke with several successful advisors after a session at the FPA Business Solutions 2011, appropriately titled “Role Reversal, Making Your Clients Your Advisors.” Find out their thoughts on the importance and value of a Client Advisory Board in The Client-Driven Practice: Make Your Clients Your Advisors.
FA-Mag.com – March 8, 2011
In "Become A Recognized Expert Online" writer Mike Byrnes detailed what experts at the 2011 FPA Business Solutions conference talked about, including why social media will continue to become more important and how advisors can capitalize on it. See what Impact Communications' CEO Marie Swift and other experts had to say. Read the article now.
FA-Mag.com – March 7, 2011
In "Six Technology Tips From The FPA Conference" writer Mike Byrnes provides a recap of some of the best ideas for advisors on integrating technology to improve their businesses. Hear what Marie Swift of Impact Communications had to say when she spoke at the FPA Business Solutions Conference in Boston, Marc 2-5, 2011.
Financial-Planning.com Thought Leader Blog – March 6, 2011
In "Using the Web to Land More Clients," Marie Swift provides great details from Sam Richter's presentation at FPA Business Solutions 2011 in Boston, March 2-4. Richter is the author of "Take the Cold Out of Cold Calling: Web Search Secrets" (www.samrichter.com) and a SVP with Actifi (www.actifi.com), a leading software and solutions provider in the financial services industry. "One of the most useful presentations I've seen in many years," Swift said. Read her report now.
InvestmentExecutive.com – March 4, 2011
In "Seven ways to get the most from social media", Investment Executive magazine's Grant McIntyre quotes Marie Swift from her presentation at the FPA Business Solutions Conference in Boston, March 2-4, 2011. At a minimum Swift says advisors should adhere to these best practices. Get her quick tips now.
Financial Planning – February 18, 2011
Marie Swift presented to a room full of advisors at the T3 Conference in Florida on how they can maximize their online presence by effectively using social media. The two main reasons to use social media are to deepen existing relationships and to acquire new clients. "Advisors who are not learning about and engaging targeted groups through social media will get left behind," she said. "Social networking online is a perfect complement to their traditional business networking and marketing efforts -- especially when coupled with a good PR and media relations strategy". Read How Advisors Can Better Utilize Social Media by Mike Byrnes.
RIAbiz.com.com.com – February 08, 2011
Impact Communications client Gordon Bernhardt was invited to be a guest blogger in RIAbiz.com’s feature, “Eavesdropping on the TD Ameritrade Conference. He had high praise for Marie Swift’s session, “Building Your Online Presence,” which gave advisors valuable tips on using Web 2.0 and social media in building a business. Swift provided dozens of valuable insights and ways to wrap our arms around using Web 2.0 and social media to build business. Read his interesting posts in Eavesdropping on the TD Ameritrade Conference.
RIAbiz.com.com.com – February 08, 2011
Marie Swift moderated a breakout session at the TD Ameritrade Conference with three of the top journalists in the industry, “Get Exposed – Tips and Advice for Working with the Media.” RIAbiz.com.com.com asked her to guest blog about some of the key points. The journalists included:
They offered key tips on how to best work with journalists and keep them coming back to you as an expert resource. Learn some of their tips at the blog, Eavesdropping on the TD Ameritrade Conference.
This week, marketing expert Marie Swift examines some of the best ways financial advisors can get face time with their clients and qualified prospects. Strategies That Can Produce New Business for Advisors.
Dow Jones / Financial Adviser, Blog – December 23, 2011
Marie Swift is quoted as a subject matter expert in Social Skills for Social Media.
Financial Advisor magazine – December 2, 2011
Following the Tiburon CEO Summit XXI in San Francisco in October 2011, seven financial services executives presented their views in a round table discussion. The 60-minute conversation was a spirited debate. In this excerpt, the participants talk about technology and the client of the future. The entire transcript along with a photo essay and seven corresponding video interviews are available on FA in the video library. Read it here: Executive Roundtable.
AdvisorOne.com – December 1, 2011
Read Marie Swift’s advice on how working on the frontend of relationships is the best foundation for an engaged client base. How to Choose the Right Clients.
Financial-Planning.com – December 1, 2011
What will the advisor of the future need to survive and thrive in the future? Marketing communications expert, Marie Swift, introduces a new Thought Leader series featuring Bob Veres, Eric Cott, Michael Kim, John Brackett, Michael Kay, Stephanie Bogan, Cameron Thornton and David Hubbard. Watch the 8 part series here: Advisor of the Future: the Road Ahead.
Financial-Planning.com, Blog: The Marketing Maven – December 19, 2011
Even in the digital age, nothing beats the “see the people” approach. Marie Swift shares two advisor success stories and how they are automating the referral process and supplementing their in-person communications with new media. The STP Approach to Business Building for Financial Advisors.
RIAbiz.com.com – November 22, 2011
Consultant Marie Swift, president of Impact Communications Inc., told the packed sessionatNAPFA Conference that PR can improve visibility, nationally or locally. “Go after both,” she recommended. Surprising some, Swift added, “Sometimes it is even easier to get national coverage.”Read more at: NAPFA Conference Yeilds Valuable Nuggets of Practice-Management and Marketing Advice.
Financial-Planning.com, Blog: The Marketing Maven – November 14, 2011
Marketing expert Marie Swift says it’s time for bloggers, tweeps, LinkedIn and Facebook addicts to take a timeout and realize that while building a positive online presence is important, it’s also crucial for financial advisors to think about their overall business image. A Financial Advisor's Toolkit for Creating the 'Wow' Factor.
Financial-Planning.com, Blog: The Marketing Maven – November 1, 2011
Marie Swift reports that the “Marketing Ideas, Rapid Fire” session at the recent Garrett Planning Network annual retreat yielded a bunch of winning marketing ideas for financial advisors. Which ones can you or your firm implement right now? Learn more at Marketing Ideas From -- And For -- Smart Financial Advisors.
Financial-Planning.com, Blog: The Marketing Maven – October 27, 2011
Financial advisors are constantly on the lookout for new, more engaging and effective ways to market their services to prospective clients. Here’s a compilation of all the latest and most effective marketing tips, techniques and first-hand accounts you and your firm will need to raise your profile and increase your assets under management. Marie Swift shares her Marketing Tips, Techniques for Financial Advisors.
Financial-Planning.com, Blog: The Marketing Maven – October 17, 2011
Sometimes it's the little things that make all the difference. If you’re like most financial advisors, you are ultra-busy serving your clients and generating new business. But have you handled the marketing fundamentals? Columnist and marketing expert Marie Swift delves into two marketing fundamentals that should not be ignored: the power bio and the prospect profile. Ignore them and suffer the consequences. Read more at Positioning Essentials for Financial Advisors.
Financial-Planning.com, Blog: The Marketing Maven – October 11, 2011
Among financial planners’ greatest concerns in this turbulent environment is retaining valued clients. In this high-tech era, marketing expert Marie Swift says planners should balance high-tech communications with truly “high-touch” communications. Learn how at Retaining Valued Clients in Tough Times.
Financial-Planning.com, Blog: The Marketing Maven – October 4, 2011
This article details a strategy that works for financial advisors and allied professionals who are interested in serving families with significant wealth. While this strategy works especially well for that demographic, the truly high-net-worth crowd, there are also applications for advisors who serve the middle-market millionaire and mass affluent. Learn about the Marketing That Works for Today's Financial Advisors.
Investment Executive.com – October 3, 2011
Thoughts from Marketing guru Marie Swift on keeping your website up to date and making your best online impression. Find out how to Keep Your Website Fresh.
Financial-Planning.com, Blog: The Marketing Maven – September 26, 2011
Professional marketers and smart advisors always tackle the “The 3 M’s” of marketing before they do any serious outreach. The 3 M’s are the foundational elements of all good marketing. However, according to marketing expert Marie Swift, it’s a very common error for many entrepreneurs and small business people to start with the wrong “M.” The problem with that is, it rarely, if ever works. Follow The 3 M's Process For Marketing Success.
RIABiz.com – September 21, 2011
Marie Swift, President & CEO of Impact Communications led a roundtable discussion that yielded some novel thoughts. Advisors talk over the future of financial planning at FPA Experience 2011.
Financial-Planning.com, Blog: The Marketing Maven – September 19, 2011
Using a LifeBio Event can help financial advisors strengthen client bonds and connect with their heirs. Here is how one advisor created a “Norman Rockwell” experience for his very best clients and their special guests. It’s a smart way to build bridges and engage the next generation while positioning yourself as the advisor of choice. You can do it too. The Amish Kitchen Strategy.
WNPR – September 13, 2011
The Social Media Revolution. Marie Swift of Impact Communications spoke with WNPR's Harriet Jones about social media use and tips for small business owners. “For many consumers today, you are not a viable resource unless you have a strong online presence,” Swift said. "While Internet marketing isn’t expensive, it does take an investment of time, and a comprehensive strategy. I like to suggest that business owners start a blog, so that they can establish themselves as experts, and they can tie that blog to a Twitter account, to their website, to their LinkedIn status updates and to their Facebook feeds.”
Financial-Planning.com, Blog: The Marketing Maven – September 12, 2011
If your logo is more than a dozen years old, chances are it's time for a makeover. Tired, dated materials won't reassure prospective clients that you're progressive and will constantly update the knowledge and services you offer. Your branding essentials may not need a complete overhaul, just a simple facelift. Read on: Logo Logic for Financial Advisors.
Financial-Planning.com, Blog: The Marketing Maven – September 6, 2011
As a financial advisor, you are always looking for ways to add value and bond with your clients. One of the most unique and innovative ways that also drives referrals years into the future and provides a wealth of insight about their individual goals and values is a legacy profile. Read more at: When Clients Become ‘Family Stars': 5 Ways Advisors Benefit.
Financial Advisor (FA-mag.com)– September 2011
In this article, Marie Swift describes how her firm, Impact Communications can help with the book writing process as well as the other marketing and media consultation services offered by Impact. Find out more at: Author! Author!.
Financial-Planning.com, Blog: The Marketing Maven – August 29, 2011
Many financial advisors are able to successfully pitch their own story ideas, place their own bylined content with reputable media outlets and navigate the PR waters on their own without the help of a professional PR firm or marketing consultant. But if you want to generate more interviews and media success, you’ll want to steer clear of these harmful (and potentially fatal) rookie blunders. Learn How to Alienate a Journalist: 13 Blunders Advisors Need to Avoid.
Financial-Planning.com, Blog: The Marketing Maven – August 22, 2011
You’ve worked long and hard and now you’ve finally been quoted in the Wall Street Journal or had a bylined article published in the local newspaper. Perhaps you’ve just done a radio or television interview. Now what? Tips to Help Advisors Maximize Their Newfound Media Presence.
Investment Executive.com – August 16, 2011
In this 3-part series, Marie Swift offers her tips on improving your website. Read more at: Most Common Website Mistakes.
Financial-Planning.com, Blog: The Marketing Maven – August 15, 2011
Marie Swift says: “Since I’m such a big proponent of using free publicity versus paid advertising as a business growth strategy, advisors often ask me if it ever makes sense to advertise. In a word, yes”. Learn When Advertising Pays.
Financial-Planning.com, Blog: The Marketing Maven – August 8, 2011
The problem for many sole practitioners and small planning firms is that working with a PR firm in any way, shape or form is generally too expensive to even consider. A more affordable option: Group Training and Empowerment Programs – which can be a very attractive option if you can find the right group.PR On a Financial Advisor's Budget.
Financial-Planning.com, Blog: The Marketing Maven –August 1, 2011
Most public relations firms cite studies that claim the services they provide are at least three times more credible than advertising. But for financial advisors, the question often is how do you measure the return on your PR investment? Measuring PR and Paying for Results.
Financial-Planning.com – August 1, 2011
Read Bob Veres’ impressions of Facebook, LinkedIn and Twitter and his description of how Marie Swift envisions Facebook as a way to stay on top of changes in clients’ lives. Adventures in Twitterland.
ResearchMagDigital.com – August 2011
Marie Swift gives her advice for protecting your online reputation and using your time wisely. Learn more at: Mastering Social Media.
Financial-Planning.com, Blog: The Marketing Maven – July 25, 2011
Creating good PR is important for any advisor and should be part of an ongoing marketing plan, but when an advisor has a unique initiative such as the publication of a book, or a major community event, then they should take advantage of the opportunities for recognition that a good PR firm can provide. Find out how a PR firm can help with Creating Buzz with a Book or Big Community Event.
Financial-Planning.com, Blog: The Marketing Maven – July 18, 2011
Continuing her discussion of how PR firms work and how they can benefit advisors, Marie Swift writes about ways that advisors can get the most out of the relationship. Most public relations firms offer a variety of services to meet the needs of advisors at all stages of their career. Read Marie’s Answers to Advisors' Biggest PR Questions.
Financial-Planning.com, Blog: The Marketing Maven – July 11, 2011
Public Relations (the PR in PR firms) are vital for any business, especially for financial advisors who depend upon building a quality reputation. Marie Swift breaks down the ways that a good PR firm can help advisors promote themselves and their practice. She covers the ins and outs of how PR firms work and how Advisors Can Benefit From Proactive Public Relations in her monthly column for Financial-Planning.com.
Financial-Planning.com, Blog: The Marketing Maven – July 5, 2011
Continuing her blog for Financial-Planning.com, The Marketing Maven, Marie Swift describes the difference between advertising, where you “push” your message out to prospects, and public relations where you “pull” interest to you for your expertise and credibility. Read Get Exposed: A Primer on PR – Part Two.
Financial-Planning.com, Blog: The Marketing Maven – June 27, 2011
In her column for Financial-Planning.com, Marie Swift launched a new series with an overview of PR. Advisors need to be visible and credible. Keep reading to find out how to Get Exposed: A Primer on PR – Part One.
Financial-Planning.com, Blog: The Marketing Maven – June 20, 2011
According to Marie Swift in her Marketing Maven blog, the only topic hotter than how to use social media is how women advisors are bringing their perspective to the financial industry. In Live From the Women Advisors Forum in Chicago Marie previewed some of the things she’d be talking about during the conference session on Social Media and invited people to follow her on Twitter that day to watch the conference unfold via a series of live tweets..
Financial-Planning.com, Blog: The Marketing Maven – June 13, 2011
Marie Swift spoke about public relations and social media at the Securities America Annual Conference. In addition to speaking, she sat in on several good sessions and live tweeted highlights of the three-day event. One of the key topics was how advisors can help clients with retirement income planning. Securities America offered NextPhase™ University as a pre-conference session. Read Positioning Yourself as Retirement Income Specialist for additional insights.
Riabiz.com – May 26, 2011
Marie Swift observed (and Tweeted) about the entertaining events and opportunities that were available at the NAPFA conference in Salt Lake City. See what was Seen, heard – and tweeted – at the NAPFA conference.
WomenAdvisors forum – May 23, 2011
In her online column for the WomenAdvisors forum, Marie Swift broke down getting started in social media into manageable steps and discussed its value in an ongoing series. Read Article #3: Rules of Engagement – Part One and be sure to check out her other columns for the WomenAdvisors forum.
Riabiz.com – May 25, 2011
Guest columnist Brent Burns reported on the NAPFA conference for Riabiz.com. Among his favorites were Marie Swift’s well-attended session on building online presence and using social media. Read more in his article, NAPFA conference hits hopeful note as members look to the future.
Financial-Planning.com, Blog: The Marketing Maven – May 23, 2011
Echoing on the topics she discussed in her recent article in Financial Planning magazine, Marie Swift offers tips from Dr. Don Heilbuth on really addressing clients’ fears and deepening relationships. Read Seven Great Things to Add to Your Client Communications Tool Belt.
Financial-Planning.com, Blog: The Marketing Maven – May 16, 2011
Continuing with the theme of her recent article in Financial Planning magazine, Marie Swift discusses how the new clients are media savvy and they expect more contact and interaction with their advisor. Read her new post, Connecting with Clients in a Wired World.
Financial Planning magazine – May 11, 2011
Marie Swift, a regular columnist for Financial Planning magazine and author of The Marketing Maven blog on www.financial-planning.com spoke with several advisors to gather their tips on how to reach out and stay connected with their clients who are social media savvy. Read these valuable ideas in Client Communications 2.0.
Financial-Planning.com, Blog: The Marketing Maven – May 2, 2011
In this blog, Marie Swift continues her series on how to grab your readers’ attention. This time she talks about the visual elements that make will make people read your message. Read more in The Eyes Have It.
Financial Planning Slideshow Gallery – May 2011
Marie Swift was captured by the cameras at the FPA Business Solutions Conference 2011 after her presentation on the “Best Practices When Using Social Media.”
RIAbiz.com.com.com – April 27, 2011
Marie Swift guest blogged for RIAbiz.com.com.com, “Eavesdropping on the Tiburon CEO Summit.” She gives an excellent rundown on the topics that were discussed. Impact Communications handled the onsite logistics and media relations for this important conference. Here are her observations of the Tiburon CEO Summit.
Financial-Planning.com, Blog: The Marketing Maven – April 25, 2011
In her blog, The Marketing Maven, Marie Swift addresses how advisors can best communicate with their clients in their marketing material. She discusses the best way to grab your audience with good headlines and to engage with good content and your own personal tone. Read her tips at Using the Right Words and Tone to Connect with People.
Financial-Planning.com, Blog: The Marketing Maven – April 18, 2011
In her blog for the Financial Planning Magazine, Marie Swift explains how every communication from an advisor’s office, whether written or spoken in person, is a form of marketing and should be treated as an important part of your personal brand. Read more about Writing Successful Marketing Communications.
Forbes Advisor Magazine – April 11, 2011
Marie Swift comments on the pros and cons of advisors launching their own show either on the radio or television. Read Edelman Show to Reach 20 Million.
Financial-Planning.com, Blog: The Marketing Maven – April 11, 2011
In her ongoing series of blogs at Financial-Planning.com, Marie Swift discusses the many different types of social media—Blogs, Twitter, LinkedIn—and how advisors need to learn to write for each in their own way. Find out How to Write Compelling Content for the Web.
Financial-Planning.com, Blog: The Marketing Maven – April 4, 2011
In her online column for Financial Planning Magazine, Marie Swift gives advice to advisors on how they can write compelling content. Read her Tips in How Advisors Can Break Up Writer's Block.
RIAbiz.com Central (page 6) – April 1, 2011
Every year, in conjunction with the FPA National Conference, Marie Swift invites select industry thought leaders to participate in a roundtable discussion. The topic varies from year to year, based on perceptions of what’s important for RIAs and other independent financial advisors to hear and think about. This year’s topic was Rebuilding Trust. Find out what they had to say in the article Rebuilding Trust.
Financial-Planning.com, Blog: The Marketing Maven – March 28, 2011
Advisors often say that they worry about writing the content that they need to write to market themselves and communicate with their clients. In her blog for Financial Planning Magazine, Marie Swift offers step-by-step tips on how to “Write Compelling Content in Half Time.”
Investment Executive – March 28, 2011
Fiona Collie of Investment Executive spoke to Marie Swift about how advisors can use webcasting to reach out to their clients and prospective clients, and some ways to get started. Read about how to Embrace Webcasting in Five Steps.
Investment Executive – March 24, 2011
Marie Swift spoke with Fiona Collie of Investment Executive about how important and how easy it is for advisors to increase their SEO and online visibility. Read how to Rev up the Search Engines.
Investment Executive – March 23, 2011
In its series on web presence Fiona Collie of Investment Executive spoke to Marie Swift about how to make sure that your website is showing up on the search engines in Getting Googled.
InvestmentExecutive.com — March 22, 2011
In "Six questions to ask before going online: Design a strategy that focuses on your ideal client," writer Fiona Collie provides insights from Marie Swift and other industry consultants. "Ask yourself: Am I using the right tone? If you know who your ideal clients are, anything you write for your website — or for publication in any medium — should be written with them in mind, says Marie Swift, president and CEO of Impact Communications Inc. in Leawood, KS. "Make your website your hub. It should look professional and include links to articles you’ve written," Swift says, "or news sites in which you have been quoted. The site should have video and the graphics should be professionally designed. Read more.
Financial-Planning.com — March 21, 2011
Marie Swift is now writing The Marketing Maven column for Financial Planning magazine's online portal. In her first of six installments on "How Advisors Can Use Client-Centered Communications to Build a Better Business," Marie provides a number of tips to help with client correspondence, content creation, and marketing communications. Read now.
Financial Planning magazine – March 14, 2011
Marie Swift spoke with several successful advisors after a session at the FPA Business Solutions 2011, appropriately titled “Role Reversal, Making Your Clients Your Advisors.” Find out their thoughts on the importance and value of a Client Advisory Board in The Client-Driven Practice: Make Your Clients Your Advisors.
FA-Mag.com – March 8, 2011
In "Become A Recognized Expert Online" writer Mike Byrnes detailed what experts at the 2011 FPA Business Solutions conference talked about, including why social media will continue to become more important and how advisors can capitalize on it. See what Impact Communications' CEO Marie Swift and other experts had to say. Read the article now.
FA-Mag.com – March 7, 2011
In "Six Technology Tips From The FPA Conference" writer Mike Byrnes provides a recap of some of the best ideas for advisors on integrating technology to improve their businesses. Hear what Marie Swift of Impact Communications had to say when she spoke at the FPA Business Solutions Conference in Boston, Marc 2-5, 2011.
Financial-Planning.com Thought Leader Blog – March 6, 2011
In "Using the Web to Land More Clients," Marie Swift provides great details from Sam Richter's presentation at FPA Business Solutions 2011 in Boston, March 2-4. Richter is the author of "Take the Cold Out of Cold Calling: Web Search Secrets" (www.samrichter.com) and a SVP with Actifi (www.actifi.com), a leading software and solutions provider in the financial services industry. "One of the most useful presentations I've seen in many years," Swift said. Read her report now.
InvestmentExecutive.com – March 4, 2011
In "Seven ways to get the most from social media", Investment Executive magazine's Grant McIntyre quotes Marie Swift from her presentation at the FPA Business Solutions Conference in Boston, March 2-4, 2011. At a minimum Swift says advisors should adhere to these best practices. Get her quick tips now.
Financial Planning – February 18, 2011
Marie Swift presented to a room full of advisors at the T3 Conference in Florida on how they can maximize their online presence by effectively using social media. The two main reasons to use social media are to deepen existing relationships and to acquire new clients. "Advisors who are not learning about and engaging targeted groups through social media will get left behind," she said. "Social networking online is a perfect complement to their traditional business networking and marketing efforts -- especially when coupled with a good PR and media relations strategy". Read How Advisors Can Better Utilize Social Media by Mike Byrnes.
RIAbiz.com.com.com – February 08, 2011
Impact Communications client Gordon Bernhardt was invited to be a guest blogger in RIAbiz.com’s feature, “Eavesdropping on the TD Ameritrade Conference. He had high praise for Marie Swift’s session, “Building Your Online Presence,” which gave advisors valuable tips on using Web 2.0 and social media in building a business. Swift provided dozens of valuable insights and ways to wrap our arms around using Web 2.0 and social media to build business. Read his interesting posts in Eavesdropping on the TD Ameritrade Conference.
RIAbiz.com.com.com – February 08, 2011
Marie Swift moderated a breakout session at the TD Ameritrade Conference with three of the top journalists in the industry, “Get Exposed – Tips and Advice for Working with the Media.” RIAbiz.com.com.com asked her to guest blog about some of the key points. The journalists included:
- Sydney LeBlanc, a 35-year financial services industry journalist, author, publisher and marketer who as founding editor helped establish Registered Rep magazine, the nation’s first trade magazine for stockbrokers in 1976
- Liz Weston, personal finance columnist for MSN Money and author of four books
- Joe Giannone, a senior correspondent for Reuters
They offered key tips on how to best work with journalists and keep them coming back to you as an expert resource. Learn some of their tips at the blog, Eavesdropping on the TD Ameritrade Conference.