In this post learn three characteristics of the new marketing. Marketing is no longer just in your face like commercials from your local car dealer. Marketing is now about authenticity, generosity, and story-telling.

Do you write them? No?!? Well, you should be. If you want to stand out from the crowd, especially in the digital age, writing a thoughtful handwritten thank you note really matters. Read this for some tips.

Regardless of your business, large or small, your consistent brand image is important to your success. Read this to learn more.

There’s no better way to make a customer service experience great than by asking your clients for feedback, face to face. Read this post for some advice on these face-to-face interactions.

In this post learn how you can host a memorable client event. The post also includes some great event ideas.

In this post you’ll learn five easy tools you can use to help build you personal brand. You may have never thought of your e-mail address and e-mail signature as a branding opportunity. What a simple and inexpensive way to start building your personal brand!

Read Steve Sanduski’s latest article, for Financial Planning magazine’s The Prosperous Advisor, Simple Power Phrases That Turn Prospects Into Clients

Steve Sanduski, the Prosperous Advisor, says advisors should use the English language in inspirational ways to motivate prospects and get them off the fence to become a client. He’s not talking about slick manipulation but about choosing your words carefully so you succinctly impart your message and create a positive feeling and mental picture in your prospect’s mind.

It’s no secret that referrals from clients is key to your success and growth as a financial advisor. Peak Advisor Alliance tells its members that everyday. According to an SEI survey, one in five financial advisors say that seeking a referral is a “regular routine and a key reason for my success” and almost half say they’ve asked just a “small percentage” of their clients for a referral.

Read this for eight ways you can boost client referrals.

“All right, Mr. DeMille, I'm ready for my close-up”
-- Gloria Swanson as Norma Desmond in Sunset Blvd

Are you ready to get in front of the cameras for a media interview? Read this article to get some tips from three communication pros, including Jason Lahita, head of Cognito's Los Angeles office and founder of The Cognito Advisor Program. Cognito is the firm that handles Peak Advisor Alliance PR needs.

We talk about the power of your story and how it can help you communicate complex ideas and increase your sales. Here’s a great example of a company's story that makes you really want this car.

Reading Michael Stelzner’s, the founder of Social Media Examiner, take on the future of marketing and learn his formula for rapid growth.

Are you currently using social media (blogs, Twitter, Facebook, LinkedIn) in your marketing efforts? A recent study from the Social Media Examiner says small business owners are seeing the greatest results from social media.

Debating the importance of the small 3.5” by 2” cardstock in your wallet? Question no more. This article answers the question, “Do you still need a business card?”

Then watch a story from CBS’s Sunday Morning show about the Business of Designing Business Cards.

So many business owners said that social media was a fad. Many are cashing in. Are you? For information please visit the following The Daily Stat – Businesses Get Measurable Benefits from Web 2.0 from the Harvard Business Review.

By Steve Sanduski, CFP®

Brrr. Stuck in traffic this morning while driving to work in Omaha, Nebraska, I noticed an electronic sign for Bradley Clothing. The scrolling message said this, “Bradley Clothing Summer Sale in Progress. Fall Clothing Arriving Daily.” Now, maybe this was a joke to lighten up a cold winter day—but I don’t think so. Their marketing message was stale and by association, I suspect their clothing is stale, too. What’s the likelihood of me shopping at this store? Slim.

How stale is your marketing message?

You know how important first impressions are. Take some time now to revisit your messaging. Does it create the right image? Does it represent you well? Does it encourage people to say to themselves, “Hmm, I gonna give them a call?”

You could be a great financial advisor but if you’re “the best story never told,” then you may be talented but broke. We’d rather see you be a great financial advisor who reaches the right people at the right time with the right message. Do that and your phone will be ringing off the hook.