HOT SPOTS!

Blog, blog, blog! If you have been living in the civilized world for the past few months, you have heard the term "Blog". A "Blog", just as any other internet name, has been shortened from its original title of "Web Log". A web log, or "blog", is an open forum where people are invited to address issues, interests, or concerns with any number of topics.

It is estimated that in the very near future, blogs will be one of the main ways information is carried across the globe. The reason for this is that blogs are written by "real people", who are giving truthful information, whether good, bad, or indifferent; and people from every corner of the earth are looking for truth, honesty, and itergrity from their information sources.

This is a warning for any and every business on the globe... Treat your customers with respect, because everyone will hear about it sooner or later.

Financial firms spread into multiple sectors

Taking advantage of industry trends over the next few years, a leading financial services research organization predicts that firms will broaden their product offerings to meet the future needs to the industry.

This will in turn mean increased opportunities for financial executives in a broad range of fields.

"Banks and investment houses have recently hired legions of pros to call on (individual investors, money center banks and large investment firms) in an attempt to provide all of their financial needs in exchange for lucrative fees," according to Plunkett Research's Financial Services Industry Almanac.

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Congratulations:
We would like to congratulate the following people who helped in more RSI success stories.
Deirdre Milanes: is the latest addition to the New York Payroll sales team.
Lorenzo Burrus: is the new Eastern Regional Sales Manager with Tissue Science LaboratoriesContinued from 1st column..

"Technology, cost control, consolidation and an increased consumer interest in accessing financial accounts online will drive the financial sector over the next several years. The result will be bigger firms controlling bigger chunks of global market share, driving productivity at every chance," according to the study.

"In an ever-increasing effort to expand market share, major banks and financial firms are diversifying to offer as many financial services as possible, thereby amassing more revenue from existing clients and new clients alike," states Plunkett.

A case in point, according to the study, is Merrill Lynch. Faced with growing competition in the brokerage and investment banking markets, Merrill Lynch has diversified its offerings to include mutual funds, asset management, financial planning, insurance, annuities, trust services, cash management accounts and mortgages.

As a result of the increased growth in the financial industry sector, two of the most competitive services are financial planning and private banking, Plunkett Research predicts.

"Individual investors, disillusioned by the market crash of the early 2000s and suddenly much less confident in their own investment prowess, have been eager to get professional help. At the same time, money center banks and large investment firms have targeted wealthy individuals with increased intensity in hopes of creating private banking relationships," according to the study.

Tips for Success:
Reap the Rewards of Career Diversification..

Career diversification in your field will bring larger rewards, according to the American Association of Finance and Accounting. "When employers look for talent, they typically settle for people with the proficiency to perform certain tasks. But what they really want - especially in today's hyper-competitive market - is an adaptable breed of cat, whose broad-based set of skills crosses over into a variety of disciplines," writes Bill Radin for the AFA. Paxton suggests looking for "areas of weakness" in your own career portfolio and developing those weaknesses into strengths, thus increasing your market value.

The more you can offer a multiple spectrum of knowledge - rather than a single color of skill - the less likely you'll be to paint yourself into a corner," Paxton said. Building on these areas of weakness can be accomplished in several manners:

» Look for new opportunities for growth with your existing skill sets

» Seek out opportunities to broaden your marketable skills

» Attending conferences, seminars and industry events will help you broaden your network, opening new doors to diversify your knowledge base

» Obtaining industry-recognized certifications beyond your own field of expertise, broadens your marketable skill sets to potential new employers

By: Katherine E. Hill