Views

When meeting with a prospect or client are you clear about what's important to them? Steve Kloyda shares a fly fishing tale in today’s BeAdvised and describes why you not only have to select the right bait but you have to hit the bullseye.

Have you taken a chance to reflect on your adviser practice? With 2011 coming to an end, BeAdvised contributor Robert Arnoff shares four ethical questions to keep in mind for 2012.

Humans are complex and fascinating beings. And, they make decisions based on many factors – including things that aren’t rational. That’s what makes it so challenging to engage people in wellness programs and activities. Most of us want to be healthier and we certainly know why it’s important. So, why aren’t more of us living healthier lives? …

Question: What options are available these days for employers who need to cut back on retiree health spending, but still want to provide health care to their former workers? Long after employees retire with the proverbial gold watch, a company may still be carrying them on the books. Through collective bargaining, contractual obligations, or simply a commitment to doing what is right, the employer often arranges for group retiree coverage. …

What if you could increase your relevancy and be one of the “top 5” advisers that clients call? Read in today’s BeAdvised how remaining relevant to your clients amidst an ever-changing benefits environment will help you get there.

I know of an employer — which shall remain nameless — that began communicating its benefits enrollment period the day enrollment began. No, I’m not kidding. Yes, it’s a real company.

I find Walmart to be a wholly disconcerting place. I just find it very strange that it sells tires, toothpaste, turkeys, tinsel and t-shirts all under the same gigantic roof — and markets this as a good thing. One-stop shopping is one thing, but sheesh. Anyway, Walmart has confused me once more, with two recent developments. Last month, the nation’s largest retailer and private employer announced it would stop providing health benefits to its part-time workforce.…

In the current broker/client business model local relationships are clearly preferred. However, that does not take into account the new health care landscape. Consider the advent of insurance exchanges. If Massachusetts is an example, a state’s exchange could gain a 30% market share in 3-4 years. So the client may purchase a health plan online without a local broker; the broker won’t necessarily be the only access point for products. So the question becomes, what…

We are all in search of the next new client……that’s what hunters do! As we approach 2012, most of us are creating next year’s business plan. Typical items to be in included are: Gross Revenue Expenses Net Profit New Business Revenue And a host of other plans and objectives unique to your business. What is the one activity that will have the greatest impact on all of the above 4 items? …

In today's BeAdvised, we turn to a former contributor of our sister publication, Employee Benefit News, Karrie Andes. Today, she's writing on two topics that never run short on blogworthy material: Form 5500 and the IRS. Enjoy, and be sure to share your thoughts.