In the latest Letter from Redcliff Street, Sue Whitbread, Communications Director Institute of Financial Planning, looks at getting the most of IFP membership.

With 2014 almost at the half way stage, what's your plan for the rest of the year?

What areas of your client proposition or your business processes could you improve? How are you going to achieve those changes?
When doing so, don't forget to consider what else you could be getting from your IFP membership. We're here to help, as are more than 2000 IFP members. However, like gym membership, if you're going to get the most out of it, you need to commit, get involved, engage.

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The best Financial Planners and Paraplanners in the UK are members of the IFP. They've worked out a proposition which clients love and which provides incredible job satisfaction by changing people's lives for the better. It's also a highly effective and profitable business model too. These are individuals who care about their clients' lives, and about fellow professionals too. They want to help.

So, is it a surprise that IFP members are well known for their willingness to share their ideas and experiences? Probably not. In a thriving profession there can be no better way of learning than from fellow practitioners; like-minded people who are passionate about Financial Planning and are prepared to share what works and what doesn't. A great of example was how much delegates enjoyed the IFP's Financial Planning conference in April. All the speakers were CFP^CM professionals sharing what they do. We also saw the same sharing of ideas at the fantastic IFP Paraplanner Conference in May.

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It's simple, highly effective and hugely valuable. When reading Financial Planner magazine, do you make a point of reading the "Real Life Case Study" and "My Business" sections just to see what other people are doing and pick up some ideas? You benefit from the sharing of common experiences.
Many IFP members have discovered the benefits of peer to peer learning.

Through engaging face to face at branch meetings, at conferences as well as networking online, they've made great friends. The IFP facilitates this by providing opportunities for members to meet each other and experts too. IFP Corporate Members are an excellent resource, offering skill, knowledge and expertise in so many different areas. As well as networking, the IFP can help you develop knowledge and skills through training, study pathways and qualifications.


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So what's next? That will vary for each member although branch meetings are local, free and an obvious place to start. The IFP Conference in October takes networking to the ultimate level so why not come along?

You could just come for a day if you don't want to commit to the full three day experience. Take a look too at the IFP's popular skills training options like the Building Better Relationships course or Integrated Financial Planning workshops. There a whole lot more that you could be getting from the IFP community.