Strive for Service Excellence
What defines a successful entrepreneur? It is the business builder who realizes that he or she is not only selling a product or service to clients, but is also working
The Emotional Side of Client Service
In addition to providing a solution to a client's personal or financial problem, how do you think your company's products and services impact that person? You may think that a
Unify Philanthropic and Marketing Efforts
Philanthropy is traditionally viewed as a selfless pursuit, but that does not preclude your company from taking advantage of the positive publicity or influence generated by charitable efforts. As I
Recognize and Avoid Common Client Service Errors
Client relationship management is a juggling act. Not only must you take care of all the details behind the scenes to ensure they receive their products - by facilitating services
Boost Leads, Reputation with Seminars and Content
When it comes to interacting with companies, it appears that consumers are starting to evolve their preferences and their processes for deciding which organizations to do business with. No longer
A Referral Process Can Expand Your Circles of Influence
Marketing your organization has many interconnected components. In this marketing mix, we sometimes forget about one of the most powerful channels: existing clients. Recommendations, referrals, and introductions from the clients you
Make Your Digital Content Work for You
Content marketing can be likened to the tree that falls in the woods. In both instances, if there's no one around to witness it, it's unclear whether it makes an
Deliver Common Services in an Uncommon Manner
Although they may not realize it, the majority of companies are actually in the industry of client service - in comparison, their product offerings and sectors are minor details. The
Business Philanthropy Comes in Many Forms
Having too narrow a view of what constitutes a commitment to the community can prevent your business from getting involved in corporate philanthropy. Yet it's possible to contribute to nonprofits
Are you the Apple of Financial Services? Part Four
Here at The Covenant Group, we value our client relationships just as our clients do theirs. We spend a lot of time thinking about how we support our clients, and
Before You Market, Build Your Brand
You may have noticed a common theme while reading the posts on The Covenant Group blog - the idea that every aspect of your business is interconnected with all the
Are you the Apple of Financial Services? Part Three
Apple's attention to detail is the stuff of legend. The technology itself is designed to be intuitive, with clean lines and a futuristic look. But the corporate obsession with user
Are you the Apple of Financial Services? Part Two
Today, I'll be discussing the second topic in a series about how financial services organizations can emulate Apple, which boasts high customer loyalty and continually impressive sales. While Apple's retail
Write Tweets That Will Solicit a Response
Using social media as a marketing activity can often feel like you have arrived late and alone to a crowded event: There is no lack of people to talk to,
Are You the Apple of Financial Services? Part One
For its products, for its service, for the customer experience it delivers, Apple and its retail stores have been the subject of countless case studies, articles and blog posts. This
How LinkedIn Can Benefit Financial Advisors
LinkedIn's millions of users leverage the professional social networking site to share their content with business-minded peers and connect with decision-makers of companies they might never get to meet in
Managing and Navigating Client Relationships Via Email
The written word can be a powerful tool, but it also creates plenty of opportunities for misunderstandings. For better or worse, email has become critical to business operations. While it
Should You Specifically Market Your Financial Services to Women?
Recently, there has been an increasing amount of discourse centered around whether it's necessary - and indeed appropriate - to specifically market financial services to women. In my opinion, you
Four Simple Steps Before Meeting a Client
Every interaction you have with a client is a new opportunity to build client capital and earn that person's trust. With that in mind, it is important to always be
Balancing Clients and Friendship
We often discuss the importance of trust and friendliness in creating long-term client relationships. A dynamic relationship exists between financial services professionals and the people they serve. In building trust,
Make Direct Mail a Successful Part of Your Marketing Strategy
We often discuss the fact that social media, email and other web-based technologies are integral to an organization's marketing plan, but it is wise to include more traditional communications in
In Client Relations, Listening is Essential
When you're conversing with a close friend or significant other, it's easy to tell when the other person is not really listening or processing what you are saying. Perhaps they
Repetition is Key in Creating and Maintaining a Strong Small Business Brand
As a business professional, you no doubt know that there is more to business success than simply having a good idea. Branding is paramount, as it allows you to elevate
Make Your Client Feel at Home
Think about all the times that you have stayed at a hotel or dined at a restaurant. Which experiences stand out in your memory? What establishments have you decided to