Dob

Wow! That was  awesome!

Indyone:

Man, I didn't know Jeff Foxworthy was a moonlight rep...

Dob, you crack me up...I take it you drive an old Lincoln with a couple of hubcaps missing and the headliner hangin' down and flappin' in the breeze...

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Nah, that's my wife's car. She's got a rust stain on the driver's side door that looks like Elvis. Considerin' puttin' it on Ebay and seein' what I can get for it.

I drive the company vehicle, a 1972 4-wheel drive Ford pick-up with balloon tires. No matter how far back in the woods my clients live, I can get to them. I giv'em service with a snaggle tooth smile. 

Ooooh.. I think we have the same clients.  I just bought a '72 k5 Blazer to impress the guys.**

Actually, I did buy one last week.  And I am really excited! No rust, 148K original miles, the top has never even been off. I'm the 2nd owner. I'm going to restore it and upgrade the interior, fix the A/C, add a good sound system. Probably need to install some stepsides because I'm short and its hard to climb in wearing a skirt.   Then, I'm taking it to the show and shine next year, that our hot rod club hosts.

Here's a little advertising tip that got me out of a single-wide home and into a double-wide "El Presidente" model in 18 months:

Make up a 3-page flyer about your business, what you do, how you help people, copy of your GED, etc. Be sure to have tear-off tabs at the bottom of the flyers giving your phone number and CB handle. Stick it on the inside door of a bathroom stall. They might as well read while they're taking care of business, right? (I got Lorene, my wife, to post them in the ladies bathroom.)

I also stuck a 1-page flyer above the urinals. No one's going to stand there for 3 pages. Besides they won't have any hands free to turn the page; at least, not anyone born here in the South.

Then just sit by the phone and wait for it to ring.

doberman

what a great marketing idea.  Im going to produce a ton of those flyers with the local EDJ rep's infor on it.  He will love the extra calls

[quote=doberman]

Here's my overhead in Southwest Georgia:

Bought an acre of land out in the middle of nowhere: $1,500. I figure anyone who drives this far to see me is going to open an account!

Bought a used, single-wide trailer and parked it on the acre of land: $5,000. (I use this for an office.) Don't want to let-on how much money I make. A double-wide would've been puttin' on airs.

Three mounted deer heads for the office: $450. Gotta let my clients know I share their interests.

Framed GED to hang on the wall: $25. Academic accomplishments are important to my clients.

Five different colored clip-on ties: $15. Gotta look professional!

Hank Williams songs playing in the background, stereo, & speakers: $150. Settin' the mood.

King-size bed sheet to cover my used sofa, in the reception area: $25. Nothin's too good for my clients!

Throw rug to cover the hole in the floor: $25. I was showin' off my new huntin' rifle and it fired.

Case of beer: $15. For when clients get thirsty.

My cousin's old Apple II computer: $10. Nah, it doesn't run. I just keep it on my desk to look state of the art.

Three graphite fly swatters: $15. If you lived here, you'd know why.

Used tv, used vcr, and a tape of CNBC from June 6, 2003: $75. I can't get cable out here and the local stations are fuzzy, using my antenna. So, I replay the CNBC tape (muted) when clients are here.

Yep, I got a pretty sweet deal out here. My clients? They love it! Why, I wish you could see this big wad of money orders I took in just today! And it's all going in a mutual fund with front-end & back-end charges! Sure beats sellin' used cars!     Eat your heart out!!

[/quote]

So yer' with Primerica then?  How's the recruitin' goin' out thar?

ok lets get serious again!  I have finally made it through the legal/arbitration process.  Man was it an up hill battle.  The only real winner in this whole thing are the attorneys. 

LpL was the cornerstone of my defense.  With out there help I would have been sunk.  Keep that in mind if you are looking at both firms (LPL & RJ).  I know during my research LPL was willing to help on the legal front whereas RJ would only offer advice. 

If you do have an employment agreement have a atty look at it way before you leave.  They can save your a_s! 

For those of you  looking to make the move to indy do not hesitate.  I was scared to death of making the the jump.  However in the end this was the best leap of faith I have ever made.  IF you have the drive to be your own boss and make the big $$$$ go for it!

Sounds like it was rough…what would you have done different re legal/arb?

[quote=doberman]

Here's my overhead in Southwest Georgia:

Bought an acre of land out in the middle of nowhere: $1,500. I figure anyone who drives this far to see me is going to open an account!

Bought a used, single-wide trailer and parked it on the acre of land: $5,000. (I use this for an office.) Don't want to let-on how much money I make. A double-wide would've been puttin' on airs.

Three mounted deer heads for the office: $450. Gotta let my clients know I share their interests.

Framed GED to hang on the wall: $25. Academic accomplishments are important to my clients.

Five different colored clip-on ties: $15. Gotta look professional!

Hank Williams songs playing in the background, stereo, & speakers: $150. Settin' the mood.

King-size bed sheet to cover my used sofa, in the reception area: $25. Nothin's too good for my clients!

Throw rug to cover the hole in the floor: $25. I was showin' off my new huntin' rifle and it fired.

Case of beer: $15. For when clients get thirsty.

My cousin's old Apple II computer: $10. Nah, it doesn't run. I just keep it on my desk to look state of the art.

Three graphite fly swatters: $15. If you lived here, you'd know why.

Used tv, used vcr, and a tape of CNBC from June 6, 2003: $75. I can't get cable out here and the local stations are fuzzy, using my antenna. So, I replay the CNBC tape (muted) when clients are here.

Yep, I got a pretty sweet deal out here. My clients? They love it! Why, I wish you could see this big wad of money orders I took in just today! And it's all going in a mutual fund with front-end & back-end charges! Sure beats sellin' used cars!     Eat your heart out!!

Bravo!  I think you might have posted the funniest thing ever said on this board.

Nah, that's my wife's car. She's got a rust stain on the driver's side door that looks like Elvis. Considerin' puttin' it on Ebay and seein' what I can get for it.

I drive the company vehicle, a 1972 4-wheel drive Ford pick-up with balloon tires. No matter how far back in the woods my clients live, I can get to them. I giv'em service with a snaggle tooth smile. 

[/quote]

OMG it's my old boss! Please no more bluegrass music!!

ExNIRSS

Well i wouldn't do to much different.  The only thing i can think of is being ready for the TRO.  Have all of my documents from my previous employer ready to defend myself.  Othe than that the only other I would do is take more time to get organized before i left.  I cant go into more detail for obvious reasons. 

Im sure glad that LPL held my hand through this process and even they were caugth off guard by the TRO. 

Are you looking to make a change?

Looking strongly @ LPL--mentally, I've already checked out...they offered to take me to SD, but from everything I've read here as well as comments from other brokers who have moved, I don't see where I would benefit.  Solid company, good history, good technology.

Did you get the TRO the following Monday or did they just send the nasty-grams for a while beforehand?  I don't have a copy of my noncom, but I do have a copy of one from someone who started the same week I did...

I've met with an LPL recruiter and we reviewed a business projection which included charges for tech/software, but I'm a little fuzzy on the contact management software they have--or do they have any at all?  I've looked at ACT for financial advisors and it looks good.  Should I purchase this, or does the LPL web system already include something like this?  Appreciate your insight....

Ex, you still here? Go already. LPL is a GREAT place for you.

[quote=ExNIRSS]

Looking strongly @ LPL--mentally, I've already checked out...they offered to take me to SD, but from everything I've read here as well as comments from other brokers who have moved, I don't see where I would benefit.  Solid company, good history, good technology.

Did you get the TRO the following Monday or did they just send the nasty-grams for a while beforehand?  I don't have a copy of my noncom, but I do have a copy of one from someone who started the same week I did...

I've met with an LPL recruiter and we reviewed a business projection which included charges for tech/software, but I'm a little fuzzy on the contact management software they have--or do they have any at all?  I've looked at ACT for financial advisors and it looks good.  Should I purchase this, or does the LPL web system already include something like this?  Appreciate your insight....

[/quote]

Go to SD...it will be well worth your time and it's on their dime.  It's hard to describe, but until you see the setup, you don't know what you're missing.  Our posts on these boards don't do it justice...there's so much more to see and learn about.

Use Act for contact mgt...can be bought cheaply (got mine on eBay for less than $50) and it does a very nice job.  If LPL has a contact mgt system, I haven't found it yet, and I doubt if it would be any better than Act.

On the non-compete, I don't think it's a given that you'll get a lot of problems.  I've compared notes and found that I had a similar arrangement to Indytwo and my firm hasn't given me problem one at this point.  In my opinion, the key point is, and they know it, that I signed well after I started with no advance warning, and no additional consideration.  As a result, I don't see them trying to press the issue here, particularly if I stay fairly low profile about things.  I don't send unsolicited letters to former clients, but rather rely on newpaper advertising to get the word across.  I also have several clients who have made the jump across and I know that they are telling other clients about where I went, etc.

The point is, your clients will find you eventually and my opinion is, the ones who won't go to the trouble to move their assets over, probably weren't strong relationships anyway.  Service, service, service your A list before you go, and advertise, advertise, advertise after you leave.  They'll appreciate the service now and will make the effort to find you later.  In between ACAT forms, learn the system well so you will be ready to prospect hard for new clients when the ACATs from your old firm slow up.

...and yes, Guest, if EX wants better product availability, better technology and higher payout, LPL beats the hell out of his current firm...and he should jump.

...and you should go drink some more Koolaid and sell a few more 30-year corporates.

ExNIRSS

Glad to hear your looking @ lpl.  I agree with INDYONE go to SD.  I was unable to go due to the nature of my departure.  I missed a lot by not going to SD. 

Make sure an atty looks at your noncompete.  He/she could give you some thought as to what your up against.  Also ask to speak to lpl legal team.  Dont be affraid to ask for assistance from there  legal team.  They saved my butt that for sure.  Go back on your calendar and get all your dates set.  When did you sign the agreement?  What date did you start with current firm?  Did you get a copy of the agreement before you accepted the job?  Did you have to take a blood test? When?  When did you resign from your previous job?  Do you have a copy of the resignation letter?  Did you get additional consideration for signing the agreement? 

Those are the things you need to know and the docs you need to have before you leave. 

No matter what do not let your current firm back you in the corner.  If they are putting pressure on you because they think your leaving dont give in.   Leave when your ready.  Just remeber this is a war and the want to get the upperhand and you do not want to give that to them.  Go out on your terms you will have a better transition.

Guest1,

At what point do you intend to add value to any of these threads?  Enlighten us with your insights...you must have something worthy to say, or do you sit on your Rams beanbag (purchased with your 38% payout) naked in the dark eating Cheetos scouring the broker forums for an opportunity to spill your koolaid?

Just try it....speak intelligently about a topic....any topic.....start a topic...otherwise, stick to tickling your RL's a*s with your nose.

[quote=ExNIRSS]

Looking strongly @ LPL--mentally, I've already checked out...they offered to take me to SD, but from everything I've read here as well as comments from other brokers who have moved, I don't see where I would benefit.  Solid company, good history, good technology.

Did you get the TRO the following Monday or did they just send the nasty-grams for a while beforehand?  I don't have a copy of my noncom, but I do have a copy of one from someone who started the same week I did...

I've met with an LPL recruiter and we reviewed a business projection which included charges for tech/software, but I'm a little fuzzy on the contact management software they have--or do they have any at all?  I've looked at ACT for financial advisors and it looks good.  Should I purchase this, or does the LPL web system already include something like this?  Appreciate your insight....

[/quote]

They don't have a contact manager.

Make sure you are in contact with their legal team before you pull the trigger.

It's good over here.  Come on in! ;-)

Prepare, prepare, prepare!

ExNIRSS

GO TO SD!  THAT WILL TIE UP A LOT OF LOOSE ENDS FOR YA!

BE VERY CAREFUL ABOUT CHECKING OUT TO EARLY I MADE THAT MISTAKE AND IT COST ME A LITTLE.  TAKE YOUR TIME AND DO THIS RIGHT.  YOU DONT WANT TO BE CAUGHT WITH YOUR PANTS DOWN.  I WAS BLOWN OUT OF THE WATER BY MY OLD FIRM BEFORE I WAS  READY.  I LOST A FEW CLIENTS BECAUSE THEY BEAT ME TO THE PUNCH.  I WAS TO BUSY SETTING UP MY OFFICE WHEN I SHOULD HAVE BEEN IN FRONT OF CLIENTS.

6 weeks in and very busy...millions on the books so far, with more to come.  I understand my old firm has hired my replacement...twenty-something and no series seven.

As Cramer would say...back up the truck...

Three calls this morning from former clients totalling $1.8 million.  All coming over.  Sounds like my old firm sent a letter out extolling the virtues of their new hire.  I should probably put my former 24 on my Christmas card list…