In Search of the Perfect Model: The Distinctive Business Strategies of Leading Financial Planners

DIVCutting-edge financial advisers go far beyond giving comprehensive client service. They are the profession's theorists and practical pioneers, developing new practice models that attract the kind of clients they want most and that help their business to grow. "In Search of the Perfect Modelprofiles some of the most creative minds in the planning field and explains how they turned their practices into distinctive businesses--offering instructive lessons to their peers. Beginning with an overview of how the profession has evolved in recent years, Mary Rowland analyzes how planners define and structure their enterprises--from big firms to sole proprietors, from national to regional operations, from generalists to niche players, and from those collecting annual retainers or hourly fees to those who charge by assets under management. Rowland concludes with a special focus on important issues related to managing a practice. Financial advisers are perpetually in search of the perfect business model. This fascinating overview will awaken planners to the many unique practice structures available and will help them find one that matches their strengths, personalities, planning philosophies, and lifestyles./div