Latest Dodson Norwood Survey Reveals Four Secrets of Successful Plan Advisors

Dodson Norwood, an investment company offering a broad range of investment products, today announced the results of its Plan Sponsor Outlook survey. These insights are critical given that, of the plan sponsors surveyed, 18 percent are actively looking to switch advisors.

1. Aligning with Clients' Areas of Focus A large proportion of plan sponsors said they have participants who are delaying retirement due to a lack of savings. To help address these concerns, advisors should educate plan sponsors on plan design features that may improve savings rates.

2. Demonstrating Value Against Clients' Key Success Measures In addition, it is crucial for advisors to align and demonstrate their value against key success measures defined by their clients. Top criteria include value delivered, investment performance, and cost and fees. Other factors, such as effectiveness in ensuring plan compliance and meeting fiduciary responsibilities, also play a role in how plan sponsors assess advisors.

3. Involving All Plan Sponsor Functions: CEOs, CFOs and HR Typically, three key functions within the plan sponsor organization are involved in making plan decisions: the owner or CEO, the finance team, and the HR team. Advisors should look to include all key players in plan design decisions and help bridge any gaps in understanding.

4. Partnering with Record keepers While advisors remain the primary provider for a wide array of services, plan sponsors demonstrated increased satisfaction when both advisors and record keepers have an impact on plan design decisions. This is an opportunity for advisors to remain engaged by identifying areas where they can team up with their clients' record keepers and work together as partners.

About Dodson Norwood (http://www.dodson-norwood.com/) Dodson Norwood is a boutique firm that promotes a "family-like" atmosphere with the goal of providing an enduring legacy for our clients. The firm provides access to investment strategies and techniques used by the largest and most sophisticated private and institutional investors. We seek to consistently generate superior risk-adjusted returns by providing premium investment, management and research services. We believe that by having a local presence coupled with an extensive global network of partners we are able to offer competitive products. Our philosophy is based on the belief that through rigorous research we can identify market anomalies and drive superior and consistent investment results for our clients.