Ellis Communications, L.L.C.

Advisors Who Are Aware of Marketing Concepts But Still Struggle
Should Seriously Consider Finding Someone to Help Them

Many financial advisors have been amply exposed to the concept of marketing to grow their practice.  They’ve seen marketing in action and attended seminars and read books on the subject.  But marketing still is not easy for them.

“Frankly, I don’t believe your struggles have anything to do with education or effort,” says Martin R. Baird, president of Phoenix, Ariz.-based Advisor Marketing and author of The 7 Deadly Sins of Advisor Marketing.  “I believe it has to do with how people think.  Marketing just isn’t top of mind.  And that’s why – for advisors who are truly struggling with their marketing – I recommend they get help.”

Baird offers the following five thoughts and tips on finding someone who can help advisors with their marketing.

No. 1. Most advisors have a natural attraction to the numbers of the business and less talent for the marketing concepts that can drive those numbers.  “Most marketing ideas and opportunities just don’t jump out at you,” Baird says.  “This has to do with the way you think and what you see in the world around you.  I see marketing opportunities everywhere and you probably don’t.”

No. 2. If you’re not at the level you want to be with your marketing, find someone who can help you.  “They come with a variety of titles:  advertising executive, marketing consultant, media relations consultant and even coach,” Baird explains.  “I don’t think the title is as important as finding a person that you feel comfortable with.”

No. 3. You should also feel uncomfortable with this person from time to time.  “If the person you select doesn’t make you step out of your comfort zone, you could have done it yourself,” Baird notes.  “When you’re challenged in that manner, you have the opportunity to learn.”

No. 4. Before you start looking for help, know what you want to accomplish with this person.  “Will they do most of it for you, point you in the right direction or really make you work to learn how to market effectively?” Baird asks.

No. 5. Understand that the process could be a little like dating.  “You may need to come into contact with a couple of people who don’t work before you find one who can give you the help you need,” Baird says.

Advisormarketing.com is the premiere Internet-based source for free marketing advice, information and tools for self-driven, success-oriented financial advisors who are demanding information that helps them market their practice, meet the needs of their clients and increase sales.  It offers such services as a free weekly electronic newsletter, free reports on how to conduct different kinds of marketing and evaluation of advisors’ marketing materials that is provided at no charge when the critique is posted online for all advisors to read. 

Advisormarketing.com also offers an electronic forum where advisors can learn from each other by discussing common problems, sharing ideas and gaining new insights from their peers.  Advisor Marketing may be reached at 480-991-6421.