Business Building Basics – CLS Investments, LLC

The Third P: Process

Cropped shot of four designers in a business meetinghttp://195.154.178.81/DATA/i_collage/pi/shoots/784296.jpg

Content provided by Rusty Vanneman CFA, CMT, CLS Chief Investment Officer In previous commentary, I wrote about the “Five Ps” of the money manager’s due diligence process: People, Philosophy, Process, Positioning, and Performance — in that order. Each of the Five Ps should be addressed by the person selecting an investment advisor. Ultimately, it’s about… Continue reading The Third P: Process

Story Telling

Open book

Content provided by Brian Towner, CLS Separate Account Product Manager In the financial industry there are three key components or phases in the client/advisor relationship: Proposal: Define the client’s financial goals and how the advisor can help achieve them. Client Review: How has the advisor helped the client progress toward his or her goals? What… Continue reading Story Telling

CLS: Who We Are & What We Believe

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9LND-2Ss1P8

Move Over Buck, Bartering Is Back!

Content provided by Nate Wattier, Client Services Manager In Spain, where the European financial crisis is hitting hardest, unemployment is at a staggeringly high level: 26% overall, and nearly double that figure for young persons. Spaniards are getting creative in order to meet their daily needs. With the euro scarce, alternatives to currency are popping… Continue reading Move Over Buck, Bartering Is Back!

Is Your Business Model at Risk of Extinction?

Content provided by Scott Kubie, CLS Chief Strategist Lately I’ve read a bevy of articles regarding businesses and organizations whose business models are “at risk.” These organizations have been under pressure for years, but making changes has been very hard to do. One of the biggest challenges is to realize that the pace of change is… Continue reading Is Your Business Model at Risk of Extinction?

Best.Service.Ever

Back in 2004 I was fortunate to take a tour of various cities and countries throughout the Asian continent. The trip included visits to the Tokyo tower, temples of Bangkok, night markets of Hong Kong, Forbidden City of Beijing, and the Great Wall of China. In all, our group of two dozen or so Master’s… Continue reading Best.Service.Ever

Communication Key to Client Retention

Ever wondered why clients fire their advisors? A recent study conducted by Spectrem Group laid out the top five reasons: Not returning phone calls in a timely manner Not providing good ideas or advice Not being proactive in contacting clients Not returning emails Long-term losses Interestingly, while returns play a part in this list, it’s… Continue reading Communication Key to Client Retention