NAPFA Technology Conference Report: Day One
Here’s a quick post on the highlights from today’s NAPFA Practice Management and Technology conference held in Las Vegas.
Chris Parker, Franklin Covey: Success Is In The Systems
- If you closed your financial planning practice today, what would your clients miss? The answer makes up a significant part that differentiates your firm from other firms around you.
- On leadership: You can choose who to follow, but you can’t choose who follows you.
- Finally, clarify your business purpose: You must define the specific job to be done at a high level. Next you must identify the strategic link between your firm’s mission and strategy. Lastly, you must ensure you have a money making model and operate profitably
Next up were Jim Heard of Windham Brannon Financial Group and Cheryl Holland of Abacus Planning Group, Inc.
- Firms need a technology champion, and it should be a talented individual that thinks strategically and at both high and low levels.
- Buy the best software and hire the best knowledge workers (and keep them!)
- Present weekly “Tech Tips” during staff meetings and create a culture of continuous learning.
The agenda for tomorrow includes sessions on Tamarac, Document Management, Virtual Tools, and Current Challenges with Financial Planning.
Parting Thoughts
So I’m leaving the first day of the conference with one interesting thought. There are some fantastically smart individuals at this conference with tons of different experience working with technology and financial planning firms. The back-room conversations are simply amazing.
Yet why is it that we financial planning techies aren’t collaborating remotely? A lot can be accomplished by gathering like-minded individuals in the same place (be it in Las Vegas or virtually). I just wonder what prevents the techies from getting together remotely to share thoughts and ideas.
But then again, Las Vegas sure is a fun place to visit for a few days.
See you tomorrow!
View more reports from the NAPFA Technology Conference:
NAPFA Technology Conference Report: Day Three
NAPFA Technology Conference Report: Day Two
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October 23rd, 2008 at 6:30 am
So then, why don’t you propose the virtual techie collaboration and create a NexGen-type Yahoo group for that purpose? You’re at the right place to get it started. Surely you’re not the only one who has noticed this communications hole.
October 23rd, 2008 at 7:12 am
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October 23rd, 2008 at 7:12 am
I agree Julie. Now if I could just find a great collaboration resource on the web… I’m open to any suggestions.
I initially am considering some type of wiki. That may or may not be what this “techie” group is looking for.
December 30th, 2008 at 10:44 am
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