This month’s FA Magazine On-Line Extras features a column by Cliff Campeau, Partner at Evolutionize, LLC on “How you can jump start your firm’s efforts to get referrals”

The Investment Adviser Association (IAA) and their leadership should be congratulated for their progressive perspective regarding social networking. At the organization’s recent conference in San Francisco, the IAA encouraged their members to embrace social media as part of their practice development efforts.

Since 2004 the financial services industry has seen a decline in the number of financial advisors, dropping from 334,919 advisors to 320,378 in 2011 according to Cerulli Associates’ 2011 survey.  Ironically, demand for advice givers is growing.  In fact, the Bureau of Labor Statistics is reporting a 32% increase in the number of positions available.  The challenge for the industry is clearly centered on how to fill those positions.