Keeping Resolutions
Welcome to 2008. As mentioned in the last issue, PLANADVISER’s second year will see changes: more issues, more features, more columnists, and more adviser-oriented research. One of the most significant changes is that of more issues. In response to increased demand from our audience, this year, PLANADVISER will move from being quarterly to being published eight times per year. The 2008 issues will be as follows: January/February, March/April; May/June; July/August, September, October, November, and December.
Although we know we can’t be all things to all people—we also know that our readership base is extremely diverse. Therefore, this year we will be introducing new sections, designed to better address our readers.
In the same way that Intro gives you a preview of what’s in store for you in the current issue, the new section Note Worthy (page 8) will keep you apprised of our upcoming events: previewing agendas and noted speakers. It also will tell you about planned changes and features going on at PLANADVISER.com.
One section that will become a regular feature is Micro Scope, which focuses on the needs of and issues of plans in the under $5 million space. We know there are many advisers out there who are serving this client group, and sometimes the magazine caters to those with the larger plans. This issue, we focus how such plans differ from all defined contribution plans overall in “Room To Grow” (page 56).
As seen in our section Hot Off the Presses, providers are full of innovations. Each day we receive product releases and it’s hard to know what the products offer until you see them. The section Road Test (page 24) will give you a chance to read an opinion of a product or service.
In the next issue, we will continue to introduce new sections, including one called Guest Lecturer. Since inception, our columnists have focused on fiduciary and compliance issues, designations, and sales/business practices— but, what do you have to say about the marketplace? Guest Lecturer can be your sounding board; it is an opportunity to submit a short article and have your voice heard.
In This Issue
The finalists for PLANSPONSOR’s Retirement Plan Adviser and Adviser Team of the Year awards are profiled in this issue (page 42). For the first time, we will be handing out those awards at the annual PLANSPONSOR/PLANADVISER Awards for Excellence Dinner in New York on April 3 (more information about the dinner can be found in Note Worthy, page 8). Find out who won those awards in the next issue.
How do you want to be known in your community? Are you presenting yourself in the right way to accomplish that? In “Singing Your Praises” (page 26), experts talk about the importance of marketing and the right steps to take to build your brand. Once your marketing works and your business grows, you must prove your value to your plans. Last year, our survey showing the empirical value advisers add to their client’s plan was considerable. However, this year the gap between plans with adviser and without advisers is shrinking. See how in “Added Value” (page 32).
With retirement income as the latest industry buzzword, many advisers are considering adding that specialty as part of their practices. When considering whether to add that capability, there are many criteria to consider. Advisers discuss their thoughts about the topic in “Service Model” (page 52).
Undoubtedly, the new disclosure rules and 2009 Form 5500 will require work on the part of retirement plan advisers to make sure that both plan sponsors and providers are playing by the rules. If you want to brush up on the Department of Labor’s proposal, “Second Cite” (page 54) and “Hidden in Plain Sight?” (page 63) will help you do that.
Enjoy the issue and stay tuned for changes to come. For us to keep our resolution, we need to be addressing your needs with respect to maintaining a successful practice with satisfied clients. We look forward to continuing to hear from you about how we are doing. Feel free to contact us at fwright@plansponsor.com and acooke@plansponsor.com. Thanks for reading and good luck with your resolutions!
Foster Wright, Publisher
Alison Cooke, Managing Editor