What makes an advisory business successful?

In the first of a series of articles about better business, we're looking at what makes an adviser firm thrive.

What makes an adviser business successful?

In the first of a series of articles about better business, we're looking at what makes an adviser firm thrive.  Whether it's best practice, setting standards or knowing your niche, these articles and blogs offer tips, tricks and advice.  This week, five industry figures offer their titbits on what makes an adviser business thrive.  Read the full article.

How tech-savvy are you?

You may fear that technology will destroy the human element in your client relationships, but in reality technology like video chat can actually enhance it.  It allows you to simulate the benefits of a face to face meeting without having to be in the same location.  This can serve as a vital selling point for busy professionals, who may not always have time to come by the office.  There are other advantages to these services and many like Skype, Facetime and Google Hangouts are free to use.  Whether you're a Skype pro or you are just dipping your toe in the water you can add your Skype username to your company's profile* giving potential clients another way to contact you.

New feature for your profile!

You can now add your YouTube channel to your unbiased.co.uk profile, allowing consumers to click right through to videos you have uploaded.  As you're an enhanced advertising subscriber this benefit will automatically be added to your account.  Log in now to take a look.

The latest cut in the pension lifetime allowance (LTA), from £1.5M to £1.25M from 6 April 2014, will have a significant impact on retirement planning for wealthier clients. It's possible that the allowance could be frozen for the foreseeable future, or might even be cut again. This raises some difficult financial planning challenges for those affected and presents an opportunity for advisers to broaden their top end client base.

Standard Life has produced 7 short video tutorials covering the; economic drivers, hidden impact, tax implications, new protection options, and the key advice opportunities presented by the latest cut to the LTA. You can watch these videos on Adviserzone and hear Standard Life's Pensions Consultancy Manager - Bob Gordon talking about the key points you should be discussing with impacted clients.

The unbiased.co.uk team

*Feature available on enhanced profiles