Rating: Highly Recommended

Presenters: Charles Schwab Institutional

Location: Mandalay Bay Resort & Casino – Las Vegas, NV

Dates: October 28th-31st, 2007

Next conference: September 23rd – 26th, 2008 – Atlanta, GA

Snapshot (more…)

Alcoa is once again on the clock. What were their “whisper numbers” this quarter? Did you hear ABC, Inc. missed by a penny? Were there any non-recurring charges that impacted profits? How was managements’ forecast for the full-fiscal year? Comments like these can only mean one thing…It must be earnings season again! (more…)

Regulatory Notice 07-51
Amendments to NASD IM-9216 to include certain NYSE Rules under the Minor Rule Violation Plan; Effective Date: 09,24, 2007 (more…)

BOOK: The Path to Million-Dollar Production

AUTHOR: Patti Branco Insight Publishing 2007

The Path to Million-Dollar Production spells out in vivid detail what a financial advisor needs to do to make it in this highly competitive business. Loaded with best practice ideas, this book is a must read for new or struggling brokers as well as any seasoned pro looking to move to the next level. (more…)

Why do so many managers and supervisors complain about their supervisory duties? How many times have you heard a supervisor grumble and complain about attorneys who file arbitration claims against “innocent” stockbrokers? How innocent was Frank Gruttadauria, who allegedly defrauded his clients over a 15-year period? Face it, supervision starts at the top. (more…)

During a recent conversation with a client of mine, a broker/dealer president, the issue of the firm’s recruiting market came up. On the one hand, the firm was frustrated by a lack of recruiting success. On the other hand, the client was generally comfortable with his firm’s recruiting market because they were top producers with little if any compliance issues. Specifically, the firm’s reps are institutional traders specializing in stock-and-bond trading for clients who are money managers, insurance companies and municipalities – a market for which there are decided pros and cons. (more…)

The term “outsourcing” means different things to different people. To young MBA students, it represents one of primary buzzwords (along with “networking”, “synergies”, and “economies of scale”) that will help guide them on their roads to business (and hopefully financial) successes. To average non-technologically savvy consumers, it represents those lengthy phone calls with friendly tech support professionals at call centers half a world away. To manufacturing employees, it represents the ongoing fears that they may one day be downsized in a cost-cutting measure by their global corporations. To management execs, it represents hours of insightful discussions in the boardrooms as their companies weigh the advantages and disadvantages of using strategic partners in certain areas of their businesses. (more…)

We recently engaged in a tête-à-tête with James Zimbardi, co-founder of Allgen Financial Services, and discussed how they conquered challenges faced when starting their firm. With over 10 years experience as an entrepreneur and business executive, and holding an MBA from MIT, Zimbardi’s endeavors have impacted several multi-national corporations such as American Express, Smith Barney, Merrill Lynch and Morgan Stanley. By focusing on retirement and estate assets, and strategically joining forces with financial firms that offer other financial related products, Zimbardi and the team at Allgen make a positive difference for the middle market. He also offers tidbits of advice for those thinking of setting up their own firm. (more…)

In the 1860s, the New York Stock Exchange only represented 10% of the total number of shares traded. If you bought Erie Railroad on the NYSE, you may have been able to buy it cheaper at one of the other trading areas around the city. These other exchanges cropped up all over the city. (more…)

Each year brings new excitement for football fans. “Maybe this year we will win it all!” Enthusiasm and spirits are running high – just like the beginning of a new year for a sales team. “This year will be the year everything comes together and we beat our competition and move up the market share rankings!” (more…)