CFP professionals and those working for IFP Accredited Financial Planning FirmsTM are being urged to make a difference by getting involved with the IFP's Financial Planning Week campaign which starts on 24 November.
Through public relations and media coverage, the IFP will be promoting CFP professionals and Accredited Financial Planning Firms to the media and the public as the leaders in the Financial Planning profession.
While the IFP can promote planners' credentials, it is calling on all planners to show the public and the media the real essence of the service they provide for clients.
The IFP says that there are many ways for planners to get involved. Practices can open their doors to the public to show what they offer, they can review and distribute new marketing materials, including websites, and promote something new such as a new service.
Social media is a great way to promote engagement, says the IFP, as is writing blogs, articles or press releases. Planners can also establish themselves as media commentators and experts.
Sue Whitbread, IFP communications director, said: "This is the time of year when the IFP calls on all those involved across the Financial Planning spectrum to collaborate. The idea is to co-ordinate our marketing initiatives in order to help consumers to understand what Financial Planning is all about and what consumers can do to kick start their own financial plans.
"Financial Planning Week is not about promoting the IFP, it's all about educating and empowering consumers to take more control of their lives as a result of Financial Planning. Through the campaign, the IFP also aims to point consumers to tools where they can find qualified Financial Planning advice from CFPCM Professionals and Accredited Financial Planning Firms should they require it."
{desktop}{/desktop}{mobile}{/mobile}The IFP is working with Holt PR to mount a national PR campaign and will also be using Wayfinder, its new consumer brand, to encourage people at different life stages to take some simple steps to improve their financial "fitness".
The dedicated URL www.FinancialPlanningWeek.org.uk will direct consumers to the IFP's website and the IFP is also working with Liontrust to carry out a survey of consumers' attitudes. Journalists have again proved keen to get involved. For more information go to the 'News and Media' section of the IFP website at www.financialplanning.org.uk.
• Don't miss our two page preview on Financial Planning Week and how planners can make the most of it. It's in the next issue of Financial Planner magazine being published in mid-November.