[quote=doberman]One way to trim mailing expenses is to use MF mailers.
But first, determine what “theme” you want to use for your mailers,
i.e., “tax-exempt bond” funds, “target-date” funds, etc. Then select
your favorite fund and call the wholesaler to have them print the
mailers for you - FREE OF CHARGE, of course. The wholesaler may even help with the postage, but don’t get your hopes up. [/quote]

This could be a very good idea. I like American Centuries Livestrong funds, cause of the nice hook with Lance Armstrong. Although to get more perfomance, buy a few shares of RAI/UST to bring the portfolio up to snuff.

(The LiveStrong funds are based on no-tobacco versions of the underlying AmCen funds.)

[QUOTE]However, be forewarned, that the response rate is slim and none. Calling the mailing list, a few days after the mailers have been sent out, might improve your response rate.[/quote]

So how did this idea go when you tried it What funds/themes were you hitching your star too?

Did these mailers things look like they came from the M/F or are they mailers that look like they came from you. How are you/your office connected to the mailers?

[quote]Also, one cheap way to market yourself is to visit the library and bookstores, placing your business card in those books that might be checked-out by your target market. Or even better, hang around the investment section of the library/bookstore handing out your card to anyone who looks for those kinds of books.[/quote]

Like Amway people.

"Hello, do you need soap? No. How about a muni bond?"

BTW Doberman, you've been a real help.

AllREIT:

So how did this idea go when you tried it

I stopped using the mailers because they didn't work for me. But that doesn't mean that they wouldn't work for you. Again, I would recommend trying most any marketing idea, at least once. But never commit to that idea long term or go into significant debt trying it, until it has shown to work for you.

Did these mailers things look like they came from the M/F or are they mailers that look like they came from you. How are you/your office connected to the mailers?

The mailers are professional looking and will have your name, firm, and phone number already printed on them. Ask your wholesaler for a "marketing kit" and they'll have examples, as well as, other types of materials.

What funds/themes were you hitching your star too?

The funds I like, or that anyone else likes, are irrelevant to you. Unless you're comfortable with the fund, you'll never sell it. Many of the funds I like, don't beat the market most of the time. (Believe it or not, that's a positive selling point with many HNW prospects.) If you're puzzled by that statement, buy some books on marketing to HNW prospects and you'll understand the reasoning behind it.

BTW Doberman, you've been a real help.

You're welcome.