For an advisor, building a strong reputation within a community is one of the best ways to develop and grow your practice.
We've talked to advisors across the country and many are integrating community work as part of their overall plan.
"Community involvement is a large portion of what our professional marketing plan is," says Andrew Frazier, an advisor located in Portland, Ore.
Frazier says he does many of the other, more traditional marketing strategies as well, but that "nothing has a bigger return than the charitable activities."
He adds that as he and his firm has "gained roles in nonprofits, it has opened doors to other circles and that has opened doors to tons of referrals to other circles that extend beyond the organization."
One thing, however, has become clear in our conversations with advisors who are involved in community and non-profit work -- get involved in something that you're passionate about.
Steve Braun, a Chicago-based advisor says to "only take part in those causes that are genuine to you."
According to Braun and the other advisors we spoke to, finding a cause or organization that you have a passion for will develop into a win-win -- you will put energy and creativity into the organization, and will develop relationships and a networking tree that will be a boon to your business.
Please share your stories of community involvement by using the form below.
