Showcasing early entrepreneurs offers an added marketing communications or social media element to help promote their businesses. In addition, it provides a forum through which they can guide other aspiring business owners around avoidable obstacles and toward a path of attainable goals. Sharing their insights begins with hearing their stories like the one offered by
Christopher Roberts, Chief Executive Officer
Alchemy Financial Group
www.alchemyfinancialgroup.com
croberts@alchemyfinancialgroup.com
847-852-5000
ABOUT OUR BUSINESS
My partner and I formed Alchemy Financial Group because we wanted to provide comprehensive financial solutions to problems facing people in all walks of life. Some of those concerns include retirement planning, college savings, tax planning, asset protection and asset allocation strategies.
OUR UNIQUENESS
We offer goal-based financial solutions. This means we don’t have blanket recommendations for everyone. We provide unique solutions tailored to each individual. However, what differentiates us the most is our on-going service. We actually make house calls meeting with clients in their homes or offices. If they can’t come to us, we’ll go to them. We also stay in contact with our clients quite often. We’re not just here to invest their money never to be heard from again. We strive to build trusted advisor relationships. We’ve made many friendships among clients because of the extended service we provide.
CLIENT PROFILE
While we don’t have a particular niche market per se, we do a lot of work with teachers and municipal retirees. But, for the most part, we provide services to all people who just want to reach their financial goals and needs. A potential client could have anywhere from $10,000 to $10 million. We have solutions for every size client.
MARKETING OUR SERVICES
We primarily gain new clients through referrals based on the solid reputations that we have among our current clients. We do a little networking and prospecting, but the majority of our business comes from building relationships and the referrals that come from that. We find that Alchemy Financial is perfect for people who have questions about retirement, investments, tax savings, or insurance and need someone who will help them be realistic about their expectations.
SHARED ADVICE
The biggest difference between working for an outside firm and starting Alchemy was that we’re now able to offer solutions based on best available products rather than being tied to those of just one company. We now have many more solutions at our disposal that we can apply to clients’ needs. Looking back, we should have done this years ago. I would tell aspiring entrepreneurs to have confidence in your abilities and to “know what you know.” But, equally important is knowing what you don’t know. Never hesitate to outsource those business functions in which you have no expertise. You need to free up your time to work on more revenue-generating things. In the end, those outsourcing projects will pay for themselves.
Thursday, July 29, 2010
Wednesday, July 21, 2010
Estate planning firm looks to recapture business by renewing relationships
Showcasing experienced entrepreneurs offers an added marketing communications or social media element to help promote their businesses. In addition, it provides a forum through which they can share solutions to unique business challenges that might be the answer to a similar challenge with which yet another entrepreneur is struggling. This openness of information flows with the following story offered by
Kenneth Adam Piercey, attorney
Piercey & Associates, Ltd.
PierceyAssociates.com
K@pierceyassociates.com
847-490-8450
ABOUT OUR BUSINESS
Piercey & Associates, Ltd. specializes in estate planning law. We offer a 100 percent satisfaction guarantee, and our clients do not have to pay our legal bill if they are not satisfied. Our client satisfaction rate is over 99.6 percent. Our approach to estate planning law is to minimize the delays and expenses that occur on an estate after death. Although death is a dreary topic, the importance of planning for it remains. With proper planning, considerably more can be transferred as intended. To that end, we eliminate all estate taxes, minimize capital gains and income tax, and avoid the costly delays and expenses of probate court, which is designed to protect creditors. Even if a person has no creditors, if they own $100,000 in their name alone at death, their estate is required to prove that they do not have any creditors in probate court. This burden is often placed on loved ones at a time when they are dealing with the loss of a family member.
OUR IDEAL CLIENT
A common misconception is that estate planning is only for the wealthy, but this is simply not the case. Our services can benefit every person, whether they are wealthy or whether they already have an existing plan and want a second opinion. Anyone who wants to learn more about estate planning can benefit from meeting with us. We offer free initial consultations.
UNIQUE BUSINESS CHALLENGE
Most of our new clients are referred to us by financial professionals. During the stock market decline earlier this decade, many people felt they no longer had an estate to plan. As with any business, cash flow was an issue and we struggled to grow our business.
RESOLUTION
We began to search for additional connections with new financial professionals, and re-connect with those with whom we had not recently met. Our plan was to meet with them on a regular basis and show them why we would be an excellent resource for them and their clients for the benefit of everyone involved. The process continues, and we continually look for new ways to grow our business as described and strive to do such a good job for our clients that they tell everyone they know about us.
Kenneth Adam Piercey, attorney
Piercey & Associates, Ltd.
PierceyAssociates.com
K@pierceyassociates.com
847-490-8450
ABOUT OUR BUSINESS
Piercey & Associates, Ltd. specializes in estate planning law. We offer a 100 percent satisfaction guarantee, and our clients do not have to pay our legal bill if they are not satisfied. Our client satisfaction rate is over 99.6 percent. Our approach to estate planning law is to minimize the delays and expenses that occur on an estate after death. Although death is a dreary topic, the importance of planning for it remains. With proper planning, considerably more can be transferred as intended. To that end, we eliminate all estate taxes, minimize capital gains and income tax, and avoid the costly delays and expenses of probate court, which is designed to protect creditors. Even if a person has no creditors, if they own $100,000 in their name alone at death, their estate is required to prove that they do not have any creditors in probate court. This burden is often placed on loved ones at a time when they are dealing with the loss of a family member.
OUR IDEAL CLIENT
A common misconception is that estate planning is only for the wealthy, but this is simply not the case. Our services can benefit every person, whether they are wealthy or whether they already have an existing plan and want a second opinion. Anyone who wants to learn more about estate planning can benefit from meeting with us. We offer free initial consultations.
UNIQUE BUSINESS CHALLENGE
Most of our new clients are referred to us by financial professionals. During the stock market decline earlier this decade, many people felt they no longer had an estate to plan. As with any business, cash flow was an issue and we struggled to grow our business.
RESOLUTION
We began to search for additional connections with new financial professionals, and re-connect with those with whom we had not recently met. Our plan was to meet with them on a regular basis and show them why we would be an excellent resource for them and their clients for the benefit of everyone involved. The process continues, and we continually look for new ways to grow our business as described and strive to do such a good job for our clients that they tell everyone they know about us.
Tuesday, July 13, 2010
Relationship building turns tough accounts into friendly clients
Showcasing experienced entrepreneurs offers an added marketing communications or social media element to help promote their businesses. In addition, it provides a forum through which they can share solutions to unique business challenges that might be the answer to a similar challenge with which yet another entrepreneur is struggling. This openness of information flows with the following story offered by
Norwin A. Merens, managing director
NM Marketing Communications, Inc.
http://www.nmmarketingbiz.com
nmerens@nmmarketingbiz.com
847-657-6011
MY BUSINESS
Established in March 1999, NM Marketing Communications, Inc. in Glenview, Illinois, is a boutique B2B marketing services, public relations and special events management agency that develops and implements growth strategies for North American professional services firms, manufacturers, distributors and trade associations. We take a personal interest in working with our diverse client base and are committed to their long-term business success.
OUR UNIQUENESS
Among the attributes that differentiate us from other agencies are the weekly calls we make to key client contacts and arranging in-person visits on a bimonthly basis. It’s simply not enough to send clients a string of emails and hope they know what we’re telling them.
IDEAL CLIENT
Our ideal client is typically a mid-size business or nonprofit group that values the benefits of an ongoing business relationship and encourages “open” communications with a professional marketing services firm. The client recognizes that we’re available to meet and strategize with them, review/evaluate a media calendar for possible business exposure or simply be available by phone to answer questions. We find that an ideal client recognizes what they don’t know and is receptive to recommendations that ultimately can further their business development or market visibility. It’s really wonderful when we’re able to work with an organizational contact that understands and appreciates why they really hired us.
BUSINESS CHALLENGE
Developing strong business relationships with those occasional clients who act very distant at the outset is always a challenge. There have been times when I was ready to discharge such accounts because they were extremely difficult to work with and they didn’t seem to have any interest in cooperating on various business matters no matter how routine or complex.
SOLUTION
With these types of accounts, I worked hard at mapping out a customer relationship plan unique to each client. I got to know the individuals involved not only on a business level, but also strived to know them on a personal level. Establishing a consistent stream of communications, fulfilling their demands, and anticipating their future needs has led to friendly working relationships among these now solid accounts that are flourishing with no obstacles in sight.
Norwin A. Merens, managing director
NM Marketing Communications, Inc.
http://www.nmmarketingbiz.com
nmerens@nmmarketingbiz.com
847-657-6011
MY BUSINESS
Established in March 1999, NM Marketing Communications, Inc. in Glenview, Illinois, is a boutique B2B marketing services, public relations and special events management agency that develops and implements growth strategies for North American professional services firms, manufacturers, distributors and trade associations. We take a personal interest in working with our diverse client base and are committed to their long-term business success.
OUR UNIQUENESS
Among the attributes that differentiate us from other agencies are the weekly calls we make to key client contacts and arranging in-person visits on a bimonthly basis. It’s simply not enough to send clients a string of emails and hope they know what we’re telling them.
IDEAL CLIENT
Our ideal client is typically a mid-size business or nonprofit group that values the benefits of an ongoing business relationship and encourages “open” communications with a professional marketing services firm. The client recognizes that we’re available to meet and strategize with them, review/evaluate a media calendar for possible business exposure or simply be available by phone to answer questions. We find that an ideal client recognizes what they don’t know and is receptive to recommendations that ultimately can further their business development or market visibility. It’s really wonderful when we’re able to work with an organizational contact that understands and appreciates why they really hired us.
BUSINESS CHALLENGE
Developing strong business relationships with those occasional clients who act very distant at the outset is always a challenge. There have been times when I was ready to discharge such accounts because they were extremely difficult to work with and they didn’t seem to have any interest in cooperating on various business matters no matter how routine or complex.
SOLUTION
With these types of accounts, I worked hard at mapping out a customer relationship plan unique to each client. I got to know the individuals involved not only on a business level, but also strived to know them on a personal level. Establishing a consistent stream of communications, fulfilling their demands, and anticipating their future needs has led to friendly working relationships among these now solid accounts that are flourishing with no obstacles in sight.
Monday, July 5, 2010
Elite partnerships and 24/7 customer service builds client trust for independent insurance agency
Showcasing experienced entrepreneurs offers an added marketing communications or social media element to help promote their businesses. In addition, it provides a forum through which they can share solutions to unique business challenges that might be the answer to a similar challenge with which yet another entrepreneur is struggling. This openness of information flows with the following story offered by
Mike Patel, owner/agent
MP Financial Group Insurance Services
http://www.mpfingrp.com/
mike@mpfingrp.com
847-809-6082
MY BUSINESS
MP Financial Group Insurance Services works with individuals, families and businesses throughout the State of Illinois providing quality products at competitive prices with an emphasis on long-term relationships. Our professional staff analyzes our customers' insurance requirements to provide the best coverage and reduce gaps in coverage. We are independent insurance agents.
OUR UNIQUENESS
We prepare a complete analysis of our clients' insurance needs and design a responsible protection program that is custom-tailored to each customer's special needs. What's more, we have access to many insurance companies which allows us to move quickly to prepare instant rate comparisons from among the country's finest insurance companies. In addition, we periodically review the adequacy of our clients' insurance programs looking for ways to save them money.
We do not work for an insurance company, we work for the customer. When a client has a loss, we make every effort to see that the policy holder gets fair and prompt payment.
OUR IDEAL CLIENT
Our ideal client profile includes individuals, families and businesses looking for a long-term relationship with a full-service, independent insurance agency they can trust to be honest and fair - one that treats their needs as if they were our own. We look for clients who are willing to establish a relationship based on mutual trust, letting us work on their side to develop a complete insurance program for their personal, business or financial coverages.
A UNIQUE BUSINESS CHALLENGE
Our biggest challenge is locating new customers who are willing to share their concerns regarding their insurance needs giving us a chance to help them. It takes time to build mutual trust and, since we are not representative of just one insurance company, we need an opportunity to show why that is to the client's advantage. Specifically, we're able to utilize our unique computer program that provides instant rate comparisons from only the finest insurance companies. We are diligent with keeping up with the the changes in insurance coverages currently driven by new rules and regulations.
OUR SOLUTION
When I began the company in 1999, I wanted it to represent a carefully selected group of financially sound, reputable insurance companies. Once I had access to these companies, I began contacting everyone I new - family, friends and friends of friends - to give me a chance to help them meet their insurance needs. I joined many organizations and attended every event I could. I worked long days and nights for the clients I acquired in hopes that they would refer me to their friends, family and business contacts. By always being available to clients in the evening, on weekends and holidays, I have earned their trust. Consequently, many of them now send me referrals which allows me to continue to develop the company into a full-service insurance agency.
Mike Patel, owner/agent
MP Financial Group Insurance Services
http://www.mpfingrp.com/
mike@mpfingrp.com
847-809-6082
MY BUSINESS
MP Financial Group Insurance Services works with individuals, families and businesses throughout the State of Illinois providing quality products at competitive prices with an emphasis on long-term relationships. Our professional staff analyzes our customers' insurance requirements to provide the best coverage and reduce gaps in coverage. We are independent insurance agents.
OUR UNIQUENESS
We prepare a complete analysis of our clients' insurance needs and design a responsible protection program that is custom-tailored to each customer's special needs. What's more, we have access to many insurance companies which allows us to move quickly to prepare instant rate comparisons from among the country's finest insurance companies. In addition, we periodically review the adequacy of our clients' insurance programs looking for ways to save them money.
We do not work for an insurance company, we work for the customer. When a client has a loss, we make every effort to see that the policy holder gets fair and prompt payment.
OUR IDEAL CLIENT
Our ideal client profile includes individuals, families and businesses looking for a long-term relationship with a full-service, independent insurance agency they can trust to be honest and fair - one that treats their needs as if they were our own. We look for clients who are willing to establish a relationship based on mutual trust, letting us work on their side to develop a complete insurance program for their personal, business or financial coverages.
A UNIQUE BUSINESS CHALLENGE
Our biggest challenge is locating new customers who are willing to share their concerns regarding their insurance needs giving us a chance to help them. It takes time to build mutual trust and, since we are not representative of just one insurance company, we need an opportunity to show why that is to the client's advantage. Specifically, we're able to utilize our unique computer program that provides instant rate comparisons from only the finest insurance companies. We are diligent with keeping up with the the changes in insurance coverages currently driven by new rules and regulations.
OUR SOLUTION
When I began the company in 1999, I wanted it to represent a carefully selected group of financially sound, reputable insurance companies. Once I had access to these companies, I began contacting everyone I new - family, friends and friends of friends - to give me a chance to help them meet their insurance needs. I joined many organizations and attended every event I could. I worked long days and nights for the clients I acquired in hopes that they would refer me to their friends, family and business contacts. By always being available to clients in the evening, on weekends and holidays, I have earned their trust. Consequently, many of them now send me referrals which allows me to continue to develop the company into a full-service insurance agency.
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