I’ve been waiting for something like this to come along to email. Sorting email by timestamps is sooo 20th century…
Junxure’s AdWords Campaign Fixed
Almost a year ago we wrote that Junxure’s Google AdWords campaign referenced version 7 of the software when version 8 was on the market. Today the current version of the popular CRM software for financial advisers is up to 8.7.
I spotted the following AdWords entry while purging my inbox.
Finally somebody got the version number updated. Now I have to offer some unsolicited feedback: is the version number even necessary? I think the ad can say “Get the latest version now!”
And now back to your regularly scheduled programming.
More Monitors Equals More Productivity? Not Necessarily
We’ve written before how adding a second (or third) monitor to an advisor’s workspace can unlock additional productivity (Increase Adviser Productivity At Least 10%).
Now there’s a discussion developing on the Lifehacker website over whether the gain in productivity is actually true or not.
Click here to read Is the Multiple-Monitor Productivity Boost a Myth? at Lifehacker.com
The debate circles around the overall screen real estate available (e.g. pixels) when working with multiple programs and talks about settings for screen resolution and monitor size. I believe that one can be just as efficient when working on one large monitor with suitable dimensions compared to two monitors that feature an equivalent resolution.
Still, the argument that multiple monitors does not add to one’s productivity is not absolute. It depends on several factors that vary significantly from user to user.
So my takeaway for advisors considering multiple monitors is as follows:
- 20″ widescreen monitors should be sufficient to display large records side-by-side.
- Choose one monitor for your active workspace and one for your reference materials. Try not to switch back and forth between monitors to display active programs. Choose one and stick with it.
- Finally, don’t leave any email program active on any monitor at any time!
An End-to-End Account Processing Integration To Watch
Last week I came across a press release highlighting the integration of four different pieces of software. The integration features the following companies and tools:
- SIGNiX, an online digital signature provider
- LaserApp, a electronic form-filling application
- Redtail Technology, a provider of web-based CRM, document management, and email archiving solutions
- Arius Software, a provider of account opening and document management solutions
Click here to read the full press release Alliance of Leading Enablers Provide “Best-Of-Breed” Cloud-Based Solution for the Wealth Management and Securities Industry at PRWeb.
Get Prepared For FPA Denver 2010, The Annual Conference of the Financial Planning Community
FPA Denver 2010, “The Annual Conference of the Financial Planning Community” is less than two months away!
FPA Denver 2010 will be held at the Colorado Convention Center in Denver from October 9 through 12. Register before August 27 to secure your spot and receive early-bird pricing, a $200 savings.
I will attend FPA Denver 2010 and will be presenting a session on Sunday, October 10 at 8:15AM. Bring your second cup of coffee and take in my session titled Emerging Trends in Financial Services Technology. My expectation is that advisors will take at least 3 ideas away on emerging technology to implement in their practice and enhance the way they engage clients.
Also, this past Friday the Financial Planning Association announced in a tweet that it will be using the hashtag #fpa2010 for information related to the annual conference in Denver.
So broadcast your impressions of sessions you attend during the conference and remember to tag them with the #fpa2010 hashtag.
FPA also created a group on LinkedIn that anyone can join to stay up to date on conference activities. Click here to join the FPA Denver 2010 LinkedIn Group.
I look forward to seeing you in Denver!
New at Morningstar Advisor: Rescue Your Imperiled Productivity
My August column for Morningstar Advisor is now available!
This month I find out just how productive I spend my time each day using a convenient time management utility. If advisors aren’t measuring time spent on daily tasks, how can they identify changes to make to enhance their productivity?
Click here to read “Rescue Your Imperiled Productivity” at Morningstar Advisor.
WSJ: When Student Loans Live On After Death
An article getting lots of syndication today from financial advisers on Twitter is When Student Loans Live On After Death in the Weekend Journal of the Wall Street Journal.
Click here to read the article on WSJ.com.
So here’s the procedure-related question from our perspective:
Does your client intake interview process inquire about any loans for which a client has co-signed? If so, do you gather the outstanding amount of the co-signed loan? Then do you consider the loan payment options in the event of the borrower’s death?
This situation is one of those rare occurrences, but when it does strike, the consequences can be significant. This is a perfect example how advisors can add value for clients.
Rebalancing Software Update in Financial Planning Magazine
Yes, FPPad has been very quiet for the month of July. We’re working hard behind the scenes managing consulting projects for clients, caring for my 16-month-old son, and authoring contributions to trade magazines and journals.
On the authoring front, I want to share a column I wrote for the August issue of Financial Planning magazine. Titled Better Balance, I highlight the trend of increased use of rebalancing software programs, but also address how these programs help with a firm’s fiduciary obligation to treat all clients fairly and equitably.
Click here to read Better Balance at Financial-Planning.com.
I hope you enjoy the column, and feel free to leave feedback in the comments below.
The Standard® Webinar Series Replay on Productivity Now Available
The replay for the webinar I did on productivity for The Standard® Webinar Series is now available. I hope you enjoy the replay and take away a few tips on how you can get the most out of each workday.
Click here to visit The Standard® Webinar Series page and view the replay (63 minutes). It’s free!
