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UnCANNed – Nick’s Pick of the News

UnCANNed is a regular but light-hearted feature brought to you from Nick Cann, CEO, at the IFP. Well known for his forthright views and straight talking, UnCANNed is Nick’s new weekly update bringing you his thoughts on a topical Financial Planning issue in true Nick Cann style.

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Blog #52 It's just a game - 12/02/2010

Apparently there was some rugby played last weekend. I had a load of strange text messages from people I only hear from every 4 years or so when it would appear that England beat Wales at rugby. It’s only a game for goodness sake and I am sure that Wales will be sorting out the Scots this weekend, even with the roof open.

I was delighted to attend the Birmingham branch meeting this week and listen to Dr Maria Nemeth talk about coaching and dealing with people’s views of money etc. Some great practical messages for people to use with their clients without training or importantly without them being too difficult to deliver either. What particularly grabbed me was the positive experience that this would inevitably create within any relationship let alone a Planner/Client. Perhaps the most important message that I took away was to take small steps on the journey to achieve a goal. Very appropriate given my current work in the gym. Realised this week that wasn’t making much progress because was running up a mountain by mistake! Had forgotten to check the gradient! I have worried that people have been giving me that sort of look which suggests that there is a lot of fuss about nothing as I don’t look any slimmer. I have apparently lost the look of Falstaff (Shakespearian character for those not familiar with the name) although this might be down to the fact that I have started to moisturise! I think that’s what you call it anyway. On a related note, branch chairman of the North East and partner of Threesixtyservices is running in this year’s London Marathon. In certain lights, David can make me look like an athlete and has been no stranger to the pint and the pie (probably more pies than pints). Having had more than his own fair share of personal tragedy to deal with he has shed what looks like many stone to prepare for the event. If you are looking for somebody to support this year why not have a look at David’s site http://www.justgiving.com/Ding360LR

Please look out for Dr Maria Nemeth at the forthcoming Art&Science conference (18-19 May). Put the dates in your diary as information will be coming your way soon www.financialplanning.org.uk

Tessa Lee from FinQS gave us another great presentation on using technology effectively to drive the client proposition forward. If anybody wants to see some great stats on the Internet and consumer behaviour, have a look at this YouTube video http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NhPgUcjGQAw

Great feedback from the Manchester region as well. New chairman Steve Martin’s enthusiasm and ambitious programme has ensured that we look to add more centres in the North West. One of the early successes has been the introduction of a series of meetings to work through a case study facilitated by Axa Winterthur. Feedback has been brilliant and we shall be looking to extend this idea further. For those in the Kent & Sussex area Mike McLeod is also doing something similar. The CFP^CM Professional day next Tuesday will do exactly the same thing by devoting an afternoon to work through a case study with peers. Have a look at the programme and there might be room even if you are currently going through the certification process. View CFP^CM Professional Day.

Train journey with a difference this week and one of those experiences that we all dread. Sitting next to the weirdest person in the world with no escape! Having experienced the tremendous customer services of the first great western team in Bristol (not!) I found myself on the train from Temple Meads. I took a seat (kept for people with special needs) and sat next to a seemingly harmless middle aged woman who was staring out of the window. As I settled down, she started talking and didn’t stop until she got off at Swindon (thank god she got off then!). She kept going even though I was on the blackberry and laptop (multi-tasking) and she kept going. I knew all about her 2 husbands, current boyfriend (although it appears that he is on the way out for flirting with the woman from the poundshop!) four daughters, foster children, two children, the son-in law who got killed in Swindon (another good reason not to go there), four ideas for holidays, three breeds of dogs, selling flowers and the challenge of being a nurse! Wow, travel the world and meet interesting people – not!! Have remembered my iPod today and also taken the opportunity to use my complimentary First Class Ticket – a far different class of weirdo today!

I was hoping to pop round and see some of the membership later. Don’t worry though I won’t be stopping because I am in the Toyota. Have a great weekend and for Valentine’s day instead of wasting money on flowers or underwear that will probably end up as expensive dusters, why not treat the love of your life to an experience that they won’t forget: a place at one of the premier IFP events during 2010! – You know it makes sense, have a good weekend and at least remember to buy the ones you love a card.

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