Tech Check

Today’s evolving technology allows agency leaders to bridge communication gaps and offer great service to clients near and far. As new apps, devices and flexible work options continue to blur the lines between personal life and business, keeping up with the latest technologies is the only way to add a human touch to agency management.

Technology can help you better manage a successful practice and maximize your productivity by keeping you virtually connected with clients, 24/7. Lead your agency by example—use these tools in your daily work life to make the virtual office a reality.

Tablet: Web-enabled tablets have made it easy to conduct business on the go by offering a suite of computer capabilities that fit right in a briefcase. A tablet can help you easily manage client accounts, produce marketing materials and provide exceptional service anywhere, anytime. And it can increase your productivity thanks to an array of useful apps like Skype, which allows you to hold virtual “face-to-face” meetings; and Dropbox, which you can use to access files regardless of your physical location.

Voice-over IP (VOIP) phones: Telephones with VOIP capability that function via Ethernet connections allow clients, colleagues and media to call you at a normal practice extension over an Internet connection. This allows you to save significantly on cost from traditional landline services—vitally important if you are consistently working with clients who don’t have the means or the time to stop by your agency storefront. This low-budget, high-quality service can help you stay in constant communication.

Conferencing software: Using applications like GoToMeeting provides the opportunity to conduct meetings with clients across the globe. With webcams, clients can see your desktop on their computer and easily follow along as you update their wealth management plans, discuss important transactions and more.

Improving your agency practice requires that you provide greater transparency, faster information and improved service. Successfully integrating more technology into your management strategy can appeal to the convenience and responsiveness that clients have come to expect in this digital age—which will create more opportunities and strengthen your existing relationships.

J. Leland Davis and Jeremy Davis operate Denver-based wealth management practice J. L Davis Financial Corporation, which does business in 30 states.

SIDEBAR: Where to Turn

These days, you don’t have to be your own technology guru. A myriad of resources are available to help you thrive as a successful virtual adviser. If you are looking to find expert help to implement technology in your agency, here’s where to start:

• Contact your local college’s computer science department
• Ask another agent about their own systems
• Find a competent IT professional —J.D.