Advocis conference wrap-up: The complete report from

(June 2003) The first-ever Advocis national conference was held in St. John’s, Newfoundland, from June 11 to June 14. Advisor.ca was there to file the following reports about the various panel discussions, break-out educational sessions and the annual general meeting (as a bonus, this package includes a brand-new client communications guide for the rest of 2003):

With the “Taking Stock on the Rock” theme of this year’s conference in mind, Advisor.ca caught up with Advocis chair Brian Mallard before the conference to get his take on everything from the new industry association landscape to what challenges advisors are facing today.

Admitting that keeping a client focus is challenging with all the distractions — ranging from market behaviour to new regulations — that advisors continually are forced to deal with, Maritime Life president and CEO Bill Black outlined four rules to help advisors satisfy clients and build their businesses.

To leverage or not to leverage? That’s the question on some clients’ minds as they look to increase their investable assets in a down market. While leveraging is certainly a viable option for clients, advisors need to spell out the good, bad and ugly side of borrowing to invest, according to AIM/Trimark tax guru Jamie Golombek.

Advocis officially installed its national board of directors for 2003-2004 during the association’s first annual general meeting, which took place during this year’s conference. For a complete list of board members and to read about the controversy surrounding this selection, please click here.

Advocis president and CEO Steve Howard outlined the aggressive plan his association has drawn up to fight “predatory regulation,” industry fragmentation and consumer confusion. For full details on this plan and to read what Howard had to say to Advisor.ca after his presentation, please click here.

Buying a book of business isn’t for the faint of heart. It’s a process that could take months to complete and there are some key signs to watch for and elements that must be in place, according to one expert. Here is an overview to help you, whether you are buying or selling a book.

Three renowned economic and business experts were largely upbeat during a lively panel discussion on the outlook for Canada’s economy, although they didn’t quite agree on everything. To find out what these panelists had to say about the economy, Canada’s relationship with the U.S. and many more timely topics that arose during this, please read on.

Top performers in all professions across the country value the client relationship above all, says author, educator and advisor Rod Burylo. He told conference delegates the secrets to planning the type of events that will retain existing clients and bring a deluge of new business.

As Maritime Life chief Bill Black said during his keynote presentation, advisors have to focus intently on the person who “puts the money in your pockets” — the client. To deepen your client relationships (and protect clients from your competition), use this special client communications calendar to set your communications strategies for the second half of 2003.