Today is my birthday and as I write this article maybe it's the heat in the room but I am feeling rather philosophical, thinking about clients, planning, the meaning of life and so on, writes IFP President Rebecca Taylor FIFP, CFP^CM.

Coincidentally, I have recently had two meetings with clients who have previously had rather aggressive attempts from IFAs to push them into using their services. One of them is a trustee for her uncle, and the IFA who manages the trust fund is being extremely aggressive in his approach for her to appoint them to look after her money; to the extent that she's taking her husband with her to the next meeting in order to fend off his unwanted propositions.

The second situation was a client who attended a meeting with his accountant, only to be joined by the in-house IFAs. What was interesting about both of these IFAs is the approach that they took in order to 'persuade' my clients that they would be better served by them. In both cases it was based on investment performance.

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Both IFAs went on to our website and did a comparison based on the fact that we are planners and not wealth managers, and that they could get better returns based on them reviewing investments daily and so on. I was astounded that this approach still takes place.
To reassure my clients, I put together a table comparing Financial Planning and generic financial advice which I think in some ways did us all good, especially me I might add. It is so easy to forget that planning is still not the normal service that everyone receives, and some of our clients don't know any different either, so perhaps assume that everyone is a Financial Planner. At least I now have a document that I can use in the future to better articulate Financial Planning.
So, where else could this story lead, but to Financial Planning Week. I know it is months away yet, but the more we plan in advance, the more successful it will be.

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My request to you this month is to consider opening your doors during Financial Planning Week to allow people to walk in and benefit from your expertise for half an hour or so. I really enjoy this sort of thing, off the cuff and armed with my financial calculator, it really is interesting. You may not attract people that you would want as long term clients, but equally you just might. Those firms which got involved in 2013 had a pretty good experience overall. Excellent media coverage in papers like the Telegraph and Express meant that the public proved keen to visit the IFP website and find firms in their area who were taking part.

 In many cases it was the opportunity they were looking for to do something they'd been meaning to do for ages – consult a professional planner. You'll certainly make a difference, even in this short time.

If you need any help or would like to talk through your ideas, give Sue Whitbread a call at the IFP and she would love to
As the sun sizzles this summer get on board with the big vote

This summer IFP members will be asked to vote for which individuals they believe will best represent their interests on the IFP board, and we're asking for your views on your IFP membership.
The IFP welcomed the great interest shown by CFPCM professionals in standing for the three board positions that become available this year. The process is well underway. The
board is currently reviewing the candidates and once approved the member voting process will be completed early in September. The successful candidates will then be announced at the October AGM at Celtic Manor. Taking just five minutes of your time this year, the IFP membership survey closes on 21 July. It's really valuable for us to know what members really want – it's your professional body after all.

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What does the future hold for you? Branch out and decide for yourself
What do you want to see on the programme at your IFP branch next year? 2015 might seem a long way away but now is the time to get thinking.
On 4 September, the IFP's hard working branch chairmen meet for their annual review of what's worked well at branch meetings as well as what didn't in 2014. Central to their agenda is that chairmen will be making the all important decisions about what to include in their 2015 branch programme. They'd be delighted to hear from members with any
ideas you have for speakers, sessions, topics that you'd find valuable.
The chances are if you'd find them valuable, other members would too. Members should contact their current branch chairman during August with any ideas or suggestions for branch meetings. Some IFP branch chairmen will be stepping down this year, handing over the baton to others. The IFP thanks all members who put themselves forward. Details of the new chairmen will be sent to branch members by the end of July.
Financial Planning Week 2014 will focus on value of advice
Make a note in your diary that the IFP's 2014 Financial Planning Week consumer awareness campaign takes place from 23-29 November.
This year's key message will be to actively promote the value of professional Financial Planning advice to members of the public, with IFP members leading the way. Now is the time to consider what you and your firm can do. Accredited Financial Planning FirmsTM and CFPCM professionals are again expected to play a central role in this initiative again this year. Last year, more than half of all the Accredited Firms plus numerous CFP professionals got involved, doing a great job by offering free financial surgeries to the public – some even gained new clients as a result.
Sue Whitbread, IFP communications director, said: "We'd love to extend the initiative this year, to see even more IFP members opening their doors to offer people the chance to come in and talk. It's the best way of spreading the message to the general
public as to the value of getting professional Financial Planning advice, by showing them first hand how powerful it can be. With the media spotlight on our profession it's the ideal opportunity for IFP members to develop their brand and showcase the fantastic work that they do in transforming people's lives."
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