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On this week's broadcast, a peek at Junxure's new cloud CRM for advisers, a custom built
workflow system is coming to MoneyGuide Pro, why it's time you should stop asking clients
for referrals, and more. So get ready, Bits and Bytes begins now.
This week's episode is brought to you by Shareholders Service Group, offering custodial services,
advanced technology, and superior client service to nearly 1,100 independent RIAs nationwide.
Access leading technology from Black Diamond, MoneyGuide Pro, Redtail, TRX and Envestnet
through the SSG open architecture platform. You personally handle your clients' financial
needs, so let SSG be the custodian that personally serves you. For more information, visit fppad.com/ssg
Leading off is an update on Junxure CRM, as their long-awaited transition to the cloud
is just about ready for prime time. Financial Planning magazine technology editor Joel Bruckenstein
recently reviewed Junxure Cloud, but hesitated to issue a resounding endorsement of the product.
Bruckenstein praised Junxure Cloud's modern design, reminiscent of tiles found in Windows
8, but cited a lack of functional widgets and live integrations as reasons to wait before
fully embracing Junxure Cloud. Those issues, combined with minimum retail pricing of $2,700/year
for 3 users, will likely put advisers in a wait-and-see mode to determine if Junxure
Cloud eventually lives up to its potential. To read Bruckenstein's full review, visit
fppad.com/105 for the show notes.
Next up is news from MoneyGuide Pro, the most popular web-based financial planning software
program used by advisers today. This week, MoneyGuide Pro announced that it selected
the Fox Financial Planning Network to develop a custom workflow system to streamline the
financial plan creation process. The Fox Financial Planning Network already provides pre-built
workflow templates for popular CRMs like Redtail and Grendel, but this development marks the
first time a workflow system addresses the steps unique to financial planning software.
With over 300 adviser members to date, the Fox Financial Planning Network has clearly
positioned itself as one of the go-to providers as advisers seek comprehensive workflow systems
for their business.
Now Fox Financial Planning Network is a great example of a company that uses video conferencing
and webinars to share information and build their profile. So you've probably considered
using video conferencing yourself for similar activity with clients and prospects, but have
yet to find the right platform. Webex and GoToMeeting might be too cumbersome for some
clients use, and Google+ Hangouts might just be a little too informal for your tastes.
One new service attempting to bridge the gap is called Business Hangouts, which claims
to be the enterprise-friendly app for Google+ Hangouts. Users get all the useful features
of Google+ Hangouts video chats, but also a number of add-ons like event registration,
email reminders, virtual 3D rooms, and more that are attractive to enterprise users. Paid
versions start at just $9 a month for up to 50 attendees, which is a very steep discount
from many of the other online video conference services. For more information and the link
to Business Hangouts, visit fppad.com/105
Finally, you are well aware how important referrals are in the organic growth of your
business. But one industry consultant insists that it's time advisers stop asking their
clients for referrals. Stephen Wershing, president of The Client Driven Practice and author of
book Stop Asking For Referrals, recently sat down with me to talk about the things advisers
*should* do to create an effective referral strategy, which includes a few technology
tips as well. To watch my interview with Stephen, as well
as follow up on all of this weeks' stories, visit fppad.com/105 for the links.
Remember, Bits and Bytes wouldn't exist without the support of our partners, so visit Shareholders
Service Group for their institutional-caliber custodial services offered with a personal
touch. Visit fppad.com/ssg to get more information.
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For FPPad.com, I'm Bill Winterberg, see you next time.