The 401(k) Marketing Podcast

Standing out online has never been harder. With endless content competing for attention, how do you make sure your voice is the one people remember? In this episode, Rebecca Hourihan welcomes back Laura Garfield, Founder of Idea Decanter, to talk about the growing “visibility war” and why video has become increasingly important for many advisors. They explore how AI-generated content is flooding the market, why authentic storytelling still wins, and how advisors can measure ROI beyond vanity metrics. Laura also shares her 3-2-1 Countdown framework for creating effective video and practical ways to start without becoming a full-time content creator. Laura shares key insights: Why AI-generated “slop” is crowding digital platforms and raising the bar for authentic content How personal stories and lived experiences help advisors stand out from automated marketing The 3-2-1 Countdown framework: Prepare, Record, Convert for an effective video strategy Hard vs soft metrics to evaluate ROI, from engagement data to client feedback Why starting with one strong homepage video can anchor an entire marketing plan And more! Resources: Find Your #Finfluence: A Financial Advisor’s Guide to Stand Out & Succeed with Video by Laura Garfield Connect With Laura Garfield: LinkedIn: Laura Garfield [email protected] Idea Decanter Connect With Rebecca Hourihan: [email protected] (619) 230 – 5464 401(k) Marketing LinkedIn: Rebecca Hourihan LinkedIn: 401(k) Marketing Facebook: 401(k) Marketing YouTube: 401(k) Marketing Schedule a meeting with 401(k) Marketing About Our Guest: Laura Garfield spent her teenage years idolizing Jane Pauley and Katie Couric. A thirst for learning and a love of writing had her hooked on broadcast journalism – where you didn’t have to know everything except how to ask the right questions. After graduation, Laura landed her first news gig at a tiny TV station in Hastings, Nebraska. Over the span of more than a decade, she worked her way up through stations in Omaha and New Orleans to a position at CBS News in New York and then CNN in Atlanta. Along the way, she has written a book, worked as a foreign correspondent, and has lately been drawn to the emerging possibilities of digital storytelling. Instead of a company relying on a big ad spend, with the Internet, you can be a broadcaster of your own brand. Laura believes that all you need to pull it off is a talented content marketing team (like Idea Decanter!) to help you craft your message.

Confidence alone won’t make you a better communicator. What if the key to connecting with others lies in understanding them first? How do you shift from speaking at people to truly engaging with them? What role does listening play in building trust and deepening relationships? In this episode, Rebecca Hourihan interviews Matt Mosich, a communications expert who has helped hundreds of professionals speak with enhanced clarity and confidence. He shares why the best communicators prioritize awareness over confidence, how to become a better listener, and the framework for asking questions that reveal what kind of communicator someone is. Matt also explores how communication shapes company culture and offers practical strategies to stop losing your train of thought during important conversations. Rebeca and Matt discuss: Why awareness matters more than confidence when it comes to effective communication and connection with others How listening serves as a form of love and why great communicators ask questions rooted in genuine curiosity The three Ps framework: prepare, prompt, and pivot to understand who you’re speaking to and adapt in real time How company culture is shaped by collective communication and why leaders must model vulnerability and accountability Building a personal FAQ to practice responses and never lose your train of thought, using the point-reason-point method And more! Connect With Matt Mosich: The Mosich Group LinkedIn: Matt Mosich Connect With Rebecca Hourihan: [email protected] (619) 230 – 5464 401(k) Marketing LinkedIn: Rebecca Hourihan LinkedIn: 401(k) Marketing Facebook: 401(k) Marketing YouTube: 401(k) Marketing Schedule a meeting with 401(k) Marketing About Our Guest: Matt Mosich is the President and Owner of The Mosich Group and a communications coach who helps professionals strengthen how they speak, listen, and connect. His approach is shaped by years in wealth management, leadership development, and deep study of communication frameworks. Matt works with individuals and executive teams to refine message clarity, build awareness, and create more collaborative cultures. He is known for his practical tools, such as the Three Ps framework and the Personal FAQ process, which help clients communicate with intention in any setting.

Some conversations hit closer to home, especially when your guest is your mom. In this refreshingly candid episode, Rebecca Hourihan sits down with her mother for a conversation that moves from garden centers and white minivans to the heart of what it means to lead with confidence in uncertain times. From generational shifts to TikTok finance rabbit holes, and what really happens when advisors go quiet (spoiler: your clients start listening to Reddit, this episode delivers insight with humor, honesty, and just the right amount of sass. Rebecca reminds us that communication isn’t just part of your strategy; it is your strategy—helping advisors stand tall like a lighthouse when the market gets foggy. What to expect from this release: How Gen Z, Millennials, Gen X, and Boomers want to be reached Why silence breeds bad advice and how to stay visible The “Every Day is Saturday” retirement moment Line dancing, confession, and what casinos have to do with client trust And more! Connect With Rebecca Hourihan: [email protected] (619) 230 – 5464 401(k) Marketing LinkedIn: Rebecca Hourihan LinkedIn: 401(k) Marketing Facebook: 401(k) Marketing YouTube: 401(k) Marketing Schedule a meeting with 401(k) Marketing

Most retirement plan advisors spend their days working in their practice, reacting to client emails, putting out fires, and chasing deadlines. But what if you carved out just 2 hours a month to work on your practice instead? In this high-energy episode, Randy Fuss of Fuss Success Builders joins Rebecca Hourihan to unpack the real meaning of practice management. From clarifying the “Big Three” (wins, retention, and efficiency) to using DISC personality profiles and AI tools like Crystal, Randy shares strategies that can transform your client conversations, team dynamics, and sales outcomes. Whether you’re walking into a boardroom full of decision-makers or trying to earn trust across generations, this episode will help you speak your clients’ language, literally. What to expect: The 2-hour rule for practice growth Why DISC and adaptive selling still work in 2025 How AI tools like Crystal can predict buying behavior The power of sales personalization in multi-generational wealth transitions And more! Resources: Kolbe Index CrystalKnows.com Connect With Rebecca Hourihan: [email protected] (619) 230 – 5464 401(k) Marketing LinkedIn: Rebecca Hourihan LinkedIn: 401(k) Marketing Facebook: 401(k) Marketing YouTube: 401(k) Marketing Schedule a meeting with 401(k) Marketing Connect With Randy Fuss: LinkedIn: Randy Fuss Fuss Success Builders [email protected] (707) 480-8932 About Our Guest: Randy Fuss is passionate about presenting, coaching, and consulting with the many professionals who work in the group retirement plan industry, who are seeking ways to take their performance to the next level! After a very productive and lengthy stint at Cuna Mutual Group, he is now excited to bring his skill set and experience in helping others through his own firm, Fuss Success Builders!. As a Registered Corporate Coach and Certified DiSC® Trainer, Randy is most in his element in front of a group conducting trainings, workshops & webinars, sharing actionable ideas that lead to improvement. He’s been a frequent presenter at various industry meetings & conferences, and looks forward to bringing his practice management experience through coaching and speaking engagements to help individuals and companies like yours achieve greater success!

Becoming the go-to expert in your niche isn’t just for influencers; it’s for retirement plan advisors, too. In this episode of the 401(k) Marketing Podcast, Rebecca Hourihan shares how advisors can become micro-influencers through education, storytelling, and strategic content. From quick videos to compliance-friendly guides, she explains how to build trust and credibility before you walk in the door. Rebecca also dives into the shift with AI, the power of planning, and how consistent visibility drives results. No matter your work style, she shows how to harness your team’s strengths for scalable, effective marketing. What to expect from tuning in: Why education, not selling, is the most powerful growth strategy How to use video and content to create “lunch-at-scale” interactions Planning frameworks to avoid overwhelm and ensure follow-through Ideas to stand out: Kolbe Index, financial wellness, SECURE Act 2.0 And more! Resources: Kolbe Index Connect With Rebecca Hourihan: [email protected] (619) 230 – 5464 401(k) Marketing LinkedIn: Rebecca Hourihan LinkedIn: 401(k) Marketing Facebook: 401(k) Marketing YouTube: 401(k) Marketing Schedule a meeting with 401(k) Marketing

What makes startup 401(k) plans the new frontier for retirement savings? Join Rebecca Hourihan as she sits down with Kevin Spaeth from PenChecks to explore the modern twists redefining 401(k) plans. They delve into the impact of auto-enrollment and escalation, the role of safe-harbor rules, state-mandated IRA programs, and the introduction of strategic tax incentives designed to engage more businesses. Rebecca and Kevin discuss: How auto enrollment and escalation are enhancing plan participation and savings (00:05:24) The misconceptions business owners have about retirement plans (00:07:15) The influence of state mandates on advisor involvement in micro plans (00:10:53) The significance of government tax credits for startup plans (00:13:17) The potential for auto portability to improve participant outcomes (00:19:23) And more Connect With Kevin Spaeth: LinkedIn: Kevin Spaeth PenChecks [email protected] 949-306-4367 Connect With Rebecca Hourihan: [email protected] (619) 230 – 5464 401(k) Marketing LinkedIn: Rebecca Hourihan LinkedIn: 401(k) Marketing Facebook: 401(k) Marketing YouTube: 401(k) Marketing Schedule a meeting with 401(k) Marketing About Our Guest: As part of the Clean Up Crew, Kevin Spaeth helps TPAs support their clients in keeping retirement plans clean, compliant, and running smoothly. The goal: to help clients increase average account balances while reducing fiduciary risk. Since 1997, Kevin has dedicated his professional career to working with ERISA plans, with a focus on helping small businesses empower their employees to prepare for retirement. His background spans recordkeeping, investment management, and the administration of qualified retirement plans. Today, at PenChecks Trust, Kevin is passionate about reuniting Americans with their hard-earned retirement savings, ensuring no one leaves behind what they’ve worked so hard to earn.

As the retirement landscape continues to evolve, understanding how new legislation and emerging technologies impact employers and employees is more important than ever. In this episode, Rebecca chats with Will Hansen, Executive Director of the Plan Sponsor Council of America, to discuss the latest shifts in retirement planning and policy, and what they mean for you. Together, they explore how SECURE Act 2.0 has reshaped the way plan sponsors and employers approach retirement benefits, the growing gap between policymakers and those on the front lines, and how AI might change the future of plan management. Will discusses: [00:02:03] What are the impacts of SECURE Act 2.0 on plan sponsors. [00:05:31] Bridging gaps between policymakers and plan sponsors for effective collaboration. [00:07:51] Some of the biggest disconnects between retirement policy and the practical realities of implementation in real life. [00:13:24] AI’s role in HR’s retirement plan management. [00:16:06] Fundamental changes and future policies to strengthen retirement security for American workers And more Connect With Will Hansen: LinkedIn: Will Hansen American Retirement Association Connect With Rebecca Hourihan: [email protected] (619) 230 – 5464 401(k) Marketing LinkedIn: Rebecca Hourihan LinkedIn: 401(k) Marketing Facebook: 401(k) Marketing YouTube: 401(k) Marketing Schedule a meeting with 401(k) Marketing About Our Guest: Will Hansen joined the American Retirement Association (ARA) in January 2019 in the new role of Chief Government Affairs Officer. In this position, Will oversees all advocacy activities at the federal, state, and local levels on behalf of the five trade organizations within ARA. In addition, Will is the Executive Director of Plan Sponsor Council of America (PSCA) as of January 2020. Founded in 1947, PSCA has been at the forefront of protecting the American retirement system and is committed to improving workers’ retirement security by providing advocacy, insights, and education to plan sponsors.

What if your 401(k) followed you from job to job as effortlessly as your favorite playlist? Join host Rebecca Hourihan as she sits down with industry experts Spencer Williams and Neal Ringquist from the Retirement Clearinghouse to explore this game-changing innovation. Discover how the Portability Services Network is tackling the challenge of maintaining retirement savings as employees change jobs, what it took to bring this idea to life, and why it matters to the evolving mobile workforce. Spencer and Neal discuss: The fascinating journey of auto portability from concept to critical mass and its impact on small account balances (00:01:06) The role of the Portability Services Network and its collaboration with major record keepers like Fidelity and Vanguard (00:05:54) How shifting demographics and technology are reshaping retirement savings behavior (00:08:35) Navigating the mechanical process of auto portability and its implications for advisors (00:12:24) Exploring the significant impact auto portability has on underrepresented communities and reducing cash-out leakage (00:24:56) Vision for the future of Retirement Clearinghouse and upcoming innovations in retirement services (00:27:42) And more Connect With Rebecca Hourihan: [email protected] (619) 230 – 5464 401(k) Marketing LinkedIn: Rebecca Hourihan LinkedIn: 401(k) Marketing Facebook: 401(k) Marketing YouTube: 401(k) Marketing Schedule a meeting with 401(k) Marketing Connect With Spencer Williams and Neal Ringquist: LinkedIn: Spencer Williams LinkedIn: Neal Ringquist Retirement Clearinghouse LinkedIn: Retirement Clearinghouse About Our Guests: Spencer Williams is Retirement Clearinghouse’s Founder, President & CEO and also is the President & CEO of Portability Services Network, LLC. Retirement Clearinghouse is a specialized provider of retirement savings portability and account consolidation services for America’s mobile workforce. Portability Services Network, LLC is a retirement industry-led utility dedicated to the industry-wide adoption of auto portability. Williams is an innovator, including RCH’s singular innovation, Auto Portability, which was specially designed to help low-income and minority workers. Portability Services Network is built on a foundation of Retirement Clearinghouse’s intellectual property, technology, and operations. Neal Ringquist is the Retirement Clearinghouse’s Executive Vice President & Chief Revenue Officer and is a member of RCH’s Executive Leadership Team. Ringquist is responsible for the company’s overall marketing strategy and for all institutional sales activities. Ringquist has been at the forefront of developing and delivering innovative wealth management solutions to the retirement and investment advisory market for more than 25 years. He joined RCH from Advisor Software, Inc. (ASI), where he served as President and Chief Operating Officer for nine years, responsible for the day-to-day operations of this privately held financial technology company. Previously, Ringquist was vice president of sales and marketing for Morningstar Associates, LLC, a registered investment advisor. Earlier, he was executive vice president of sales, marketing, and client service for mPower.com, Inc.(acquired by Morningstar), which established him as one of the early entrants into the online advice movement.

Join Rebecca Hourihan in this engaging episode of the 401(k) Marketing Podcast as she shares insightful strategies to elevate your 401(k) advisory practice from good to great. Explore Rebecca’s five dynamic techniques to stand out on social media, boost your engagement, and solidify your presence in the retirement plan community. Rebecca discusses: The impact of quirky content like cheese and pets on digital engagement. [00:02:00] How to leverage personal interests for relatable content creation. [00:03:27] Tips on using polls to increase interaction and gain insights. [00:05:35] The significance of celebrating milestones for a vibrant company culture. [00:07:15] Optimizing LinkedIn activity to improve visibility and authority. [00:09:58] And more Connect with Rebecca Hourihan: [email protected] (619) 230 – 5464 401(k) Marketing LinkedIn: Rebecca Hourihan LinkedIn: 401(k) Marketing Facebook: 401(k) Marketing YouTube: 401(k) Marketing Schedule a meeting with 401(k) Marketing

Are you keeping up with the AI wave in the financial services industry? Rebecca Hourihan chats with Spencer X. Smith from AmpliPhi Digital about the transformative power of AI in the retirement plan industry. Get ready to explore how AI has quickly evolved from a niche technology to an everyday tool for financial advisors. Spencer and Rebecca discuss the innovative ways AI is being embraced, share insightful case studies, and offer practical advice for integrating AI into your business to enhance efficiency and profitability. Spencer discusses: The rapid adoption of AI since the release of ChatGPT How advisors are leveraging AI for time savings and efficiency Case studies of early AI adopters in the financial sector The upcoming trend of AI agents for task automation Practical tips for using AI to tailor communications and better understand client language And more Resources: Notebook LM ChatGPT Nuance by Dragon Software Apple Intelligence OpenAI releases Sora, its buzzy AI video-generation tool (Article – CNBC) Connect With Rebecca Hourihan: [email protected] (619) 230 – 5464 401(k) Marketing LinkedIn: Rebecca Hourihan LinkedIn: 401(k) Marketing Facebook: 401(k) Marketing YouTube: 401(k) Marketing Schedule a meeting with 401(k) Marketing Connect With Spencer X. Smith: LinkedIn: Spencer X. Smith LinkedIn: AmpliPhi SpencerXSmith.com About Our Guest: After starting his career at IBM during the Y2K days, Spencer X. Smith has always been an early adopter of new technology, with a passion for teaching others what he learns. This dedication to education has led Spencer to deliver over 300 in-person speeches, including at prestigious venues like the New York Stock Exchange, Gillette Stadium in Boston, and the Superdome in New Orleans. From 2008 to 2015, Spencer worked as a 401(k) wholesaler. Since then, he has been a regular presenter at the NAPA 401(k) Summit, the nation’s largest retirement plans conference. The rise of “DeFi Summer” in 2020 sparked Spencer’s deep interest in cryptocurrency and all things Web3, including NFTs, metaverses, and blockchains. Spencer is also among the first graduates of the Economics of Blockchain & Digital Assets program at the University of Pennsylvania’s Wharton School of Business.

Rebecca Hourihan sits down with Mike DiCenso, a renowned expert in institutional retirement plans, wealth management, and fintech innovation. Discover Mike’s profound insights on tackling modern challenges in the retirement plan advisory space and how to leverage them for success. Mike discusses: The importance of strategic planning and the pitfalls of abandoning strategies too soon Implementing effective team meetings and reducing inefficiencies The role of process improvement in operational excellence Navigating pricing and differentiation in an evolving market And more Connect With Mike DiCenso: LinkedIn: Mike DiCenso Connect With Rebecca Hourihan: [email protected] (619) 230 – 5464 401(k) Marketing LinkedIn: Rebecca Hourihan LinkedIn: 401(k) Marketing Facebook: 401(k) Marketing YouTube: 401(k) Marketing Schedule a meeting with 401(k) Marketing About Our Guest: Mr. DiCenso is a thought leader in Financial Services, Investment Management, Asset Management, and Wealth Management arenas in the Institutional and individual Markets, both USA and International. Focused in the areas of fiduciary process management, fee transparency, innovation, technology, vision, strategy, sales growth, marketing, client service, operations, practice management, M&A, and capitalizing on industry trends. He has been quoted in numerous retirement and financial publications and media sites including PLANSPONSOR, PLANADVISOR, 401kwire.com, the Chicago Sun Times, Defined Contribution, and more.

In this episode, we talk with Brandon Helms, MarshBerry Vice President on the five key strategies for financial advisors to build more value in their businesses. The conversation covers the importance of organic growth, differentiation strategies, succession planning, M&A opportunities, and understanding client demographics. Brandon emphasizes the need for advisors to think like stewards of their business, focusing on long-term success, and client relationships. Brandon discusses: What is organic growth, why is it important, and how to propel it Key differentiators for retirement plan advisors Distinguishing the finer details of market appreciation versus actual growth Strategies for effective succession planning Services that firms are adding to evolve in the marketplace Transforming from students to stewards of your business And more Connect With Rebecca Hourihan: [email protected] (619) 230 – 5464 401(k) Marketing LinkedIn: Rebecca Hourihan LinkedIn: 401(k) Marketing Facebook: 401(k) Marketing YouTube: 401(k) Marketing Schedule a meeting with 401(k) Marketing Connect With Brandon Helms: LinkedIn: Brandon Helms MarshBerry [email protected] About Our Guest: As a Vice President on MarshBerry’s Financial Advisory team, Brandon’s background in building fast-growing financial advisor teams gives him a unique perspective on consulting with advisors on growth strategy and succession planning. His commitment to using clarity to make more informed decisions when working with clients helps drive retirement and wealth advisors to steward their businesses. Brandon’s core focus is providing financial advisors with ideas & insights specific to their business today that align with their vision for the future. Many times, this includes anticipating any potential challenges advisors face as they grow and ways to overcome them.

Rebecca Hourihan speaks with Blake Allison, founder and CEO of LifeCents, on the evolving concept of financial wellness, its challenges, and how it impacts both employers and employees. He emphasizes the need for personalized financial wellness programs and critiques overly complex, one-size-fits-all programs, advocating instead for tailored approaches that consider each employee’s unique financial situation, stressors, and goals. Blake highlights the importance of measuring success through behavioral changes rather than just numerical outcomes, advocating for a more holistic approach to financial health. Gain insight from today’s conversation as Rebecca and Blake highlight: People are more than numbers–what truly defines financial wellness Serving diverse employee needs–the significance of financial access and inclusion Beyond the bottom line–why every employer should invest in financial wellness How LifeCents is Redefining Financial Wellness Programs The pitfalls of current financial wellness programs and how LifeCents innovates And more Connect With Rebecca Hourihan: [email protected] (619) 230 – 5464 401(k) Marketing LinkedIn: Rebecca Hourihan LinkedIn: 401(k) Marketing Facebook: 401(k) Marketing YouTube: 401(k) Marketing Schedule a meeting with 401(k) Marketing Connect With Blake Allison: LinkedIn: Blake Allison LifeCents About Our Guest: Blake founded LifeCents with a mission to empower individuals by making financial health accessible, personalized, and behaviorally driven. Since 2005, Blake has championed a holistic approach to financial wellness, pioneering LifeCents as an adaptive platform that responds to each user’s unique needs, values, and goals. Under his leadership, LifeCents has set a new standard in the industry by combining technology, behavioral insights, and inclusivity to transform the way people engage with their financial health—changing lives and redefining what it means to be financially well.

Rebecca Hourihan is joined by Laura Garfield, co-founder of Idea Decanter, to discuss the evolution and significance of short-form content and video marketing, particularly for financial advisors. Laura emphasizes the importance of adapting to your audience’s evolving preferences, leveraging video for effective communication, and utilizing AI tools to enhance video production. Gain insight and actionable takeaways surrounding: Short-form video content How to structure compelling video marketing strategies AI’s role in enhancing video creation and engagement Maintaining consistency in content creation And more Connect With Laura Garfield: LinkedIn: Laura Garfield Twitter: Laura Garfield Idea Decanter Connect With Rebecca Hourihan: [email protected] (619) 230 – 5464 401(k) Marketing LinkedIn: Rebecca Hourihan LinkedIn: 401(k) Marketing Facebook: 401(k) Marketing YouTube: 401(k) Marketing Schedule a meeting with 401(k) Marketing About Our Guest: Laura Garfield spent her teenage years idolizing Jane Pauley and Katie Couric. A thirst for learning and a love of writing had her hooked on broadcast journalism – where you didn’t have to know everything except how to ask the right questions. After graduation, Laura landed her first news gig at a tiny TV station in Hastings, Nebraska. Over the span of more than a decade, she worked her way up through stations in Omaha and New Orleans to a position at CBS News in New York and then CNN in Atlanta.

Rebecca Hourihan shares seven practical suggestions designed to smooth out your prospecting pipeline and drive consistent growth for your business. Rebecca discusses innovative ways to enhance communication with AI tools, emphasizes the importance of high-quality design in your marketing materials, and offers invaluable tips for maintaining meaningful connections with prospects and clients. Rebecca touches on: Transitioning from audio to video to stay current in a Zoom-forward world Utilizing AI tools to craft engaging and effective follow-up emails Updating marketing materials to make a strong visual impression Proactively setting meetings with detailed agendas to ensure efficiency And more Connect With Rebecca Hourihan: [email protected] (619) 230 – 5464 401(k) Marketing LinkedIn: Rebecca Hourihan LinkedIn: 401(k) Marketing Facebook: 401(k) Marketing YouTube: 401(k) Marketing Schedule a meeting with 401(k) Marketing

In this episode, Rebecca is honored to welcome Nevin Adams, a legendary figure in the retirement planning industry. With a career spanning nearly five decades, Nevin has played a pivotal role in shaping the landscape of retirement plans. His wealth of experience and knowledge is undeniable as he shares his insights and future projections. Dive into the transformative impact of target date funds, the advent of automatic enrollment, and the challenges with retirement income solutions as Rebecca and Nevin discuss: How target date funds have simplified the investment process for 401(k) participants Why automatic enrollment could change significantly increase participation rates Challenges and missed opportunities regarding retirement income Forecasted growth and changes in the 401(k) industry by 2030. And more Resources: American Retirement Association (ARA) Nevin & Fred podcast Connect With Nevin Adams: LinkedIn: Nevin Adams Connect With Rebecca Hourihan: [email protected] (619) 230 – 5464 401(k) Marketing LinkedIn: Rebecca Hourihan LinkedIn: 401(k) Marketing Facebook: 401(k) Marketing YouTube: 401(k) Marketing Schedule a meeting with 401(k) Marketing About Our Guest: Now “retired” (whatever that means), Nevin is the former Chief Content Officer and Head of Retirement Research for the American Retirement Association. One of the retirement industry’s most prolific writers, these days he’s “retired”, which means he writes less but continues to keep his eye on developments in, and threats to, the nation’s private retirement system. In addition to helping guide the agenda development for the NAPA 401(k) Summit, he’s also the “Nevin” in the Nevin & Fred podcast (along with renowned ERISA attorney Fred Reish), offering irreverent, but relevant perspectives on the critical issues confronting plan sponsors, advisors, and retirement industry professionals.

Rebecca Hourihan reflects on a decade of retirement plan marketing. She emphasizes the challenges of change, the evolution of marketing strategies from cold calling to leveraging social media, and the necessity of maintaining a visible and professional online presence. Rebecca also touches on the importance of creating tailored content, and discusses the critical role of effective communication, highlighting the need to provide relevant and timely information without overwhelming the audience. This episode is packed with insights and best practices for anyone looking to enhance their expertise and authority in the retirement plan community. Key takeaways include: The inception of 401(k) Marketing and the significance of tailored messaging for plan sponsors and participants The role of clear and honest communication in building trust and avoiding surprises The necessity of adapting to changing marketing trends and leveraging social media for greater visibility Insights into the ongoing convergence of wealth management and retirement plans And more Connect With Rebecca Hourihan: [email protected] (619) 230 – 5464 401(k) Marketing LinkedIn: Rebecca Hourihan LinkedIn: 401(k) Marketing Schedule a meeting with 401(k) Marketing

Did you know that approximately 10-12% of plan sponsors actively shop their plan every year? Tune in to Rebecca Hourihan’s conversation with Eric Ryles, Vice President, of Customer Solutions at ALM Media, LLC (parent company of Judy Diamond Associates). They explore ways to improve prospecting and enhance client retention, as well as telltale signs a plan sponsor might be at risk of leaving. Eric and Rebecca discuss: How advisors can utilize the Form 5500 data to gain actionable insights Crucial metrics that may signal a plan’s performance The importance of benchmarking (and the role of Judy Diamond Associates 2023 Annual 401(k) Benchmark Report) Eric’s guidance to advisors looking to differentiate from their competitors And more Resources: Retirement Plan Marketing Membership 2023 Annual 401(k) Benchmark Report Connect with Eric Ryles: [email protected] LinkedIn: Eric Ryles Judy Diamond Associates Connect with Rebecca Hourihan: [email protected] (619) 230 – 5464 401(k) Marketing LinkedIn: Rebecca Hourihan LinkedIn: 401(k) Marketing Schedule a meeting with 401(k) Marketing

Are you tired of manual payroll processes eating up your time and resources? What if there was an efficient way to streamline payroll integration with your 401(k) recordkeeping? Learn how Payroll Integrations connects you to leading payroll systems and automates data transfer through APIs. Rebecca Hourihan and guest Jeff Kayajanian, principal and chief revenue officer at Payroll Integrations, have an insightful conversation about the revolution of retirement plan management. Jeff and Rebecca discuss: The importance of 360 integration in the retirement plan industry Costs and benefits of API integration for employers in a fee-sensitive world Payroll Integration’s partnerships with record keepers and TPAs The future of integrated benefits solutions and simplified participant experiences And more Resources: Retirement Plan Marketing Membership ADP Paychex Connect with Jeff Kayajanian: LinkedIn: Jeff Kayajanian Payroll Integrations Connect with Rebecca Hourihan: [email protected] (619) 230 – 5464 401(k) Marketing LinkedIn: Rebecca Hourihan LinkedIn: 401(k) Marketing Schedule a meeting with 401(k) Marketing

As advisors continue to seek innovative ways to connect with their audience and establish trust, the challenge of standing out in a crowded market is ever-present. In this episode, Rebecca Hourihan speaks with Matt Halloran, co-founder of ProudMouth, about the power of podcasting to rise above the noise and establish yourself as the go-to expert. Whether it’s starting a new podcast or honing your interviewing skills as a host, they cover it all. Matt and Rebecca discuss: What Matt has learned from conducting nearly 3,000 podcast interviews Five questions you can ask someone to earn trust and credibility almost immediately Sneak peek into Matt’s upcoming book, “Shut the F Up and Listen: How to Solve All of the World’s Problems” What separates the most successful advisors from the rest And more Resources: Retirement Plan Marketing Membership Top Advisor Marketing Podcast Connect with Matt Halloran: [email protected] ProudMouth LinkedIn: Matt Halloran X (Twitter): Matt Halloran Connect with Rebecca Hourihan: [email protected] (619) 230 – 5464 401(k) Marketing LinkedIn: Rebecca Hourihan LinkedIn: 401(k) Marketing Schedule a meeting with 401(k) Marketing About Our Guest: Matt Halloran is a co-founder of ProudMouth, the world’s leading influence accelerator for financial advisors. An in-demand speaker, he’s appeared on over 1,000 podcasts. As well, Matt is the host of ProudMouth’s Top Advisor Marketing Podcast, where he and industry leaders empower advisors to become trusted, recognized authorities. Matt is the author of “The Social Media Handbook for Financial Advisors,” the first social media book for financial services.

Can the convergence of wealth, retirement, and workplace benefits pressurize 401(k) plan fees to fall to zero? And are you prepared if it does? In this episode, Rebecca Hourihan speaks with Fred Barstein, the founder & CEO of The Plan Sponsor University (TPSU), The Retirement Advisor University (TRAU), and 401kTV and they discuss an alternative universe where 401(k) fees no longer exist. Fred and Rebecca discuss: Major factors contributing to the convergence of wealth and retirement Challenges and opportunities arising from such convergence What happens when recordkeepers work directly with participants and, possibly, compete with advisors The potential impact of blockchain technology in revolutionizing the industry How fee compression may affect new entrants And more Resources: Retirement Plan Marketing Membership Can 401(k) Plan Fees Fall to Zero? “The Innovator’s Dilemma: When New Technologies Cause Great Firms to Fail” by Clayton M. Christensen Connect with Fred Barstein: LinkedIn: Fred Barstein 401kTV The Plan Sponsor University (TPSU) The Retirement Advisor University (TRAU) Connect with Rebecca Hourihan: [email protected] (619) 230 – 5464 401(k) Marketing LinkedIn: Rebecca Hourihan LinkedIn: 401(k) Marketing Schedule a meeting with 401(k) Marketing About Our Guest: Fred Barstein is the Founder and CEO of The Retirement Advisor University (TRAU), a collaboration with UCLA Anderson School of Management Executive Education, and The Plan Sponsor University (TPSU). Founded in 2010, TRAU has quickly become the industry’s leading training and designation program for focused Defined Contribution (DC) advisors and professionals dedicated to helping them build a sound and sustainable practice while improving plan outcomes for clients. TPSU trains and certifies employers managing their retirement plans leveraging a standardized curriculum and highly qualified local advisors to deliver on-site programs. In addition, Fred is the Founder of NAPA Net, the Daily newsletter, and NAPA Net – The Magazine, all part of the National Association of Plan Advisors (NAPA) for which he serves as an Industry Ambassador.

You never get the chance to redo a first introduction, so make sure you can control as much of it as you can! In this episode of the 401(k) Marketing Podcast, Rebecca Hourihan shares her recent encounter with a local attorney, which highlighted the profound impact of seemingly minor details during a first meeting. The episode explores key lessons for advisors to build and maintain client trust. Rebecca discusses: How micro-interactions can make or break the trust of a client or prospect Incremental adjustments to improve your onboarding process The escalating need for robust cybersecurity measures Her views on regaining trust after a mistake And more Resources: Retirement Plan Marketing Membership OnceHub (formerly ScheduleOnce) Calendly Cybersecurity Program Best Practices by the U.S. Department of Labor (DOL) Connect with Rebecca Hourihan: [email protected] (619) 230 – 5464 401(k) Marketing LinkedIn: Rebecca Hourihan LinkedIn: 401(k) Marketing Schedule a meeting with 401(k) Marketing

Advisors, are you ready to wrap up 2023 with an insightful year-end review and kick off 2024 with a SMART action plan? In this episode of the 401(k) Marketing Podcast, Rebecca Hourihan shares ideas and suggestions for a productive year-end evaluation of your business. Rebecca discusses: The first step for a comprehensive year-end review The importance of SMART goals (with examples for retirement plan advisors) Actionable ideas to improve accountability and avoid running off-track Why you should incorporate client feedback in your evaluation process And more Resources: Retirement Plan Marketing Membership Connect With Rebecca Hourihan: [email protected] (619) 230 – 5464 401(k) Marketing LinkedIn: Rebecca Hourihan LinkedIn: 401(k) Marketing Schedule a meeting with 401(k) Marketing

In financial services, trust is paramount. Certification programs are a great way to strengthen your client’s trust and stand out to plan sponsors! In this episode of the 401(k) Marketing Podcast, Missy Schoedel speaks with Carlos Panksep, Vice President at Broadridge and General Manager at the Centre for Fiduciary Excellence (CEFEX). They highlight the benefits of CEFEX certification for retirement plan advisors. Carlos Panksep discusses: The significance of getting certified CEFEX’s rigorous assessment process (and how it helps improve the internal processes in your practice) How to effectively incorporate your certification into your marketing CEFEX’s new DOL cybersecurity verification And more Resources: Fi360 U.S. Department of Labor: Cybersecurity Program Best Practices Connect With Carlos Panksep: Centre for Fiduciary Excellence (CEFEX) Broadridge LinkedIn: Carlos Panksep Connect With Missy Schoedel: [email protected] (619) 230 – 5464 401(k) Marketing LinkedIn: Missy Schoedel LinkedIn: 401(k) Marketing Schedule a meeting with 401(k) Marketing About Our Guest: Carlos Panksep is VP, CEFEX at Broadridge Financial Solutions. He is responsible for operations for CEFEX’s global assessment and certification programs, including a network of analysts. Carlos ensures the integrity of the CEFEX brand and the adherence to the principles of the international standard for performing certification assessments: ISO/IEC 17021. Carlos is from QMI, a division of the Canadian Standards Association, where he was responsible for Corporate Operations, including registration, certification, continual improvement, information technology and international operations. Carlos brings to CEFEX the management skills required to run an independent third-party registration program, similar in design to ISO 9001. This includes the assurance of audit quality control, audit consistency, customer satisfaction monitoring and information transparency. Carlos also has over 20 years of high-tech management experience. He held senior product management, sales and marketing positions at Bell Canada, Canada’s largest telecommunications company. He has also managed a very small high-tech start-up during the dot-com boom. Carlos has a Bachelor of Science in Engineering from the University of Waterloo in Ontario, Canada. He is active in sports, music, and photography. He lives in Toronto, is married and has 2 sons.

A consistent brand that resonates with clients translates into greater influence, business opportunities, and profitability. But how do you build one? In this episode of the 401(k) Marketing Podcast, Rebecca Hourihan shares actionable strategies to build a strong brand presence in a competitive marketplace. She also talks about creating and implementing a long-term marketing strategy to scale your business. Rebecca discusses: What it takes to rise above the noise (on average, we’re exposed to 10,000 ads daily!) How to align your personal and corporate brand with authenticity Key elements of an effective marketing strategy Two questions to kickstart marketing strategy conversations in your firm (some of 401(k) Marketing’s secret sauce!) Creating a 360-degree influence And more Resources: How Fiduciary Works Helps Advisors Work Smarter with Josh Itzoe, CFP®, AIF® (Ep. 30) Connect With Rebecca Hourihan: [email protected] (619) 230 – 5464 401(k) Marketing LinkedIn: Rebecca Hourihan LinkedIn: 401(k) Marketing Schedule a meeting with 401(k) Marketing

The way people seek financial advice and consume information has changed tremendously. Are you keeping up? In this episode of the 401(k) Marketing Podcast, Rebecca Hourihan talks about the evolution of financial advice preferences across different generations — and why an advisor’s digital presence matters more now than ever. Rebecca discusses: The generational divide in financial advice preferences How the 401(k) industry can collectively tackle misinformation online Why it’s crucial to maintain an “up-to-date” online presence The current state of payroll integration in 401(k) plans (and where we are headed) And more Resources: Mastering Your Money: The Importance of Financial Wellness in Today’s World with Peter Dunn aka Pete the Planner (Ep. 28) Your Money Line Enrich Intellicents SmartDollar Connect With Rebecca Hourihan: [email protected] (619) 230 – 5464 401(k) Marketing LinkedIn: Rebecca Hourihan LinkedIn: 401(k) Marketing Schedule a meeting with 401(k) Marketing

Are you struggling to keep up with the ever-changing landscape of the retirement plan industry? In this episode of the 401(k) Marketing Podcast, Rebecca Hourihan interviews Justin Witz, co-founder of PlanTools, LLC and Catapult HQ, Inc. Justin shares his insights on where the 401(k) industry is headed and how technology can help advisors stay ahead of the curve. Justin Witz discusses: The importance of building trust with clients How PlanTools helps advisors streamline their retirement plan reporting How Catapult, as an RFX platform, helps bring automation into your practice Why you should take a “consistently good, occasionally great” approach And more Connect With Justin Witz: (704) 699-7031 PlanTools, LLC Catapult HQ, Inc. LinkedIn: Justin Witz Connect With Rebecca Hourihan: [email protected] (619) 230 – 5464 401(k) Marketing LinkedIn: Rebecca Hourihan LinkedIn: 401(k) Marketing Schedule a meeting with 401(k) Marketing About Our Guest: A Veteran of the U.S. Air Force, Operation Iraqi Freedom and Enduring Freedom, Justin is the Co-Founder and CEO of Catapult HQ, Inc., a universal Request for Proposal (“RFP”) platform which caters to every industry and project type to include RFP’s, RFI’s, RFQ’s, DDQ’s, Cybersecurity, Government and more. Catapult has won a plethora of awards within the local community as a top startup to watch and globally for its innovation, time and cost saving technology across the Fortune 500. Catapult reduces the RFx workflow by over 90% for organizations worldwide while standardizing their internal processes. In addition, Justin has been widely recognized for the technology solutions he has built that brought three Target Date Solutions in the Financial Services – Retirement sector for AllianzGI, Merrill Lynch and the widely successful Principal Financial Groups Target Date Analyzer. In addition, he has built custom solutions for Vanguard, Nationwide and many others alongside publications by Google, Atlassian, Balsamiq, Forbes, ASPPA’s Plan Consultant Magazine, Bloomberg BNA, 401kWire, 401k Help Center, StartCharlotte, Charlotte Stories, Charlotte Business Journal and he has spoken globally on project management, team empowerment, collaboration, entrepreneurship and additional topics at industry related conferences for Google, Atlassian, Startup Grind, NAPA, Excel 401(k), and CFDD.

We’ve all heard it a thousand times: Work smarter, not harder. Discover how to work smarter and become a hero to your clients with FiduciaryWor(k)s. In this episode of the 401k Marketing Podcast, Rebecca Hourihan interviews Josh Itzoe, CFP®, AIF®, founder of FiduciaryWor(k)s and former co-founder of Greenspring Advisors. Josh discusses the challenges that advisors face in their business, including visualizing their value and creating efficiency and repeatability in their practice. Josh Itzoe discusses: The importance of creating a consistent process Why “casting a vision” is important for financial advisors to do with clients How to leverage technology to increase efficiency and profitability Ways you can become a hero to your clients And more Connect With Josh Itzoe: LinkedIn: Josh Itzoe [email protected] Podcast: Fiduciary U FiduciaryWor(k)s FiduciaryRx – Book A Demo Connect With Rebecca Hourihan: [email protected] (619) 230 – 5464 401(k) Marketing LinkedIn: Rebecca Hourihan LinkedIn: 401(k) Marketing Schedule a meeting with 401(k) Marketing About Our Guest: Josh Itzoe is the Founder & CEO of FiduciaryWor(k)s, where he focuses on developing insights, research, technology, fiduciary consulting, and practice management coaching to assist retirement plan advisors and employers in the areas of fiduciary responsibility and workplace retirement. As the creator of FiduciaryRx, a web-based tool, he helps retirement plan advisors diagnose, prescribe, and improve Fiduciary Wellness for corporate retirement plans. An Amazon Best Selling author of two books, “The Fiduciary Formula: 6 Essential Elements to Create the Perfect Corporate Retirement Plan” and “Fixing the 401(k): What Fiduciaries Must Know (And Do) To Help Employees Retire Successfully,” Josh is also the host of the Fiduciary U Podcast and a frequent industry speaker. With a track record of excellence, Josh has been named a Financial Times Top 401 Retirement Advisor three times (2016-2018) and nominated for the Top 100 Most Influential People in Defined Contribution survey by 401kWire. He is a CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER professional and Accredited Investment Fiduciary®.

Engagement, Updates and Education! Three really compelling tips for success on LinkedIn!! How often are you active on LinkedIn? When was the last time you posted to your network? In this episode, Rebecca Hourihan welcomes social media guru, Bruce Johnston of Two Dogs Social, to the podcast to talk about why social media has a growing impact on lead generation. He shares how you can leverage your LinkedIn to grow your client base. Bruce discusses: How advisors can use LinkedIn for prospecting Why you should ALWAYS check your inbox Who the “Power Users” of LinkedIn *really* are Social media strategies that can help grow your network And more Connect With Bruce Johnston: [email protected] (610) 772-3553 Two Dogs Social LinkedIn: D. Bruce Johnston Connect With Rebecca Hourihan: [email protected] (619) 230 – 5464 401(k) Marketing LinkedIn: Rebecca Hourihan LinkedIn: 401(k) Marketing Schedule a meeting with 401(k) Marketing About Our Guest: Recognizing the impact social media would have on Financial Advisors and RIAs, Bruce has spent the past 14 years perfecting how they can compliantly leverage LinkedIn, Facebook, Twitter, and now Instagram, to acquire and retain clients. Traveling extensively in the field, Bruce has educated over 20,000 financial services professionals on the power of LinkedIn and other social media platforms as efficient brand-building, retention, and acquisition platforms. Additionally, in his role as Social Media Advisor to Two Dogs Social, Bruce has witnessed first-hand how they work closely with Financial Advisors to provide the strategy, planning, management, execution, and training for LinkedIn, Facebook, and Twitter. The Two Dogs Social Team can assist Financial Advisors and businesses of all types in creating an effective social media strategy or fine-tuning and taking their current strategy to the next level. Their main focus is to help business owners develop strategies that allow them to acquire and retain clients. Bruce’s ability for “early trend recognition” was instrumental in being recognized as Institutional Investor’s Fund Marketer of the Year.

Financial success and failures can both boil down to one thing: financial wellness. In this episode, Rebecca Hourihan welcomes Peter Dunn a.k.a Pete the Planner® on the podcast to share with listeners the importance of financial wellness when helping clients. He explains that it’s more than just math and how sometimes, behaviors have just as much impact. Peter discusses: Why he created Your Money Line and how it helped thousands of Americans The direct correlation between behavior and retirement outcomes How advisors can better serve their clients when financial wellness is taken into account Who is accountable for an employee’s ability to retire And more Connect With Peter Dunn: LinkedIn: Peter Dunn Website: Your Money Line Demo: https://www.yourmoneyline.com/demo Connect With Rebecca Hourihan: [email protected] (619) 230 – 5464 401(k) Marketing LinkedIn: Rebecca Hourihan LinkedIn: 401(k) Marketing Schedule a meeting with 401(k) Marketing About Our Guest: Peter Dunn a.k.a. Pete the Planner® is an award-winning comedian and an award-winning financial mind. He’s a USA TODAY columnist and the author of ten books, six of which were featured in a nationwide launch at Barnes & Noble stores in January of 2015. He is the host of the popular radio show The Pete the Planner Show on 93 WIBC FM and is a columnist for the Indy Star. Pete has appeared regularly on CNN Headline News, Fox News, Fox Business as well as numerous nationally syndicated radio programs. Pete is regularly considered one of the top four national financial broadcasters in the nation.

In recent years, you’ve probably heard about how Artificial Intelligence (AI) is taking over different industries – but it can’t fully replace human intelligence… can it? In this episode, Rebecca Hourihan shares some of the exciting benefits and cautionary challenges of using AI-produced content. She talks about Chat GPT and how it can be a useful tool for financial advisors and ways to use it effectively in your practice. Rebecca discusses: The ways AI has been revolutionizing business How large language models work A story about why large language models are never the most reliable source Why certain professions are uncertain about this new development in technology How Chat GPT and other AI models could be used to improve communication between 401(k) advisors and their clients And more Resources: Chat GPT Connect With Rebecca Hourihan: [email protected] (619) 230 – 5464 401(k) Marketing LinkedIn: Rebecca Hourihan LinkedIn: 401(k) Marketing Schedule a meeting with 401(k) Marketing

In this episode, we speak with Alex Wright-Gladstein, the founder of Sphere, an asset management company that offers a climate-friendly mutual fund and index option for retirement plans. She shares her journey of discovering the lack of sustainable investment options in 2017 and her mission to provide a low-fee, planet-voting alternative to the traditional S&P 500. Alex discusses: The holistic approach to corporate governance and retirement plans Where the $1.5 trillion invested in the fossil fuel industry from 401(k)s are going The risk of climate change is not just an advisor opportunity but a global mission How young people are driving progress through initiatives like the Green New Deal What her company Sphere is doing as a climate-friendly alternative to the S&P 500 And more Resources: Sphere LinkedIn: Sphere Schedule a meeting with Sphere Connect With Alex Wright-Gladstein : [email protected] LinkedIn: Alex Wright-Gladstein Connect With Rebecca Hourihan: [email protected] (619) 230 – 5464 401(k) Marketing LinkedIn: Rebecca Hourihan LinkedIn: 401(k) Marketing Schedule a meeting with 401(k) Marketing About Alex Wright-Gladstein: Alex Wright-Gladstein is the founder and CEO of Sphere. Over 80% of Americans are worried about climate change, but 99% of Americans with retirement savings don’t have the option to make climate-friendly investments. Sphere makes climate-friendly investing available to those who would not otherwise have that option, by making it easy to offer climate-friendly options in 401(k) retirement plans. Prior to founding Sphere, Alex was founding CEO of Ayar Labs, an MIT technology spinout company that has raised over $200M in venture funding and makes data centers and supercomputers faster and more energy efficient by using light to move data between chips. She has also been the energy entrepreneurship practice leader at MIT and an energy efficiency program manager and energy markets specialist at smart grid company EnerNOC (now Enel X). She received an MBA from MIT and a BA in Political Science and Economics from Tufts University.

Have you ever spent time with a prospective client only to find out after you’ve sunken who knows how much time with, that they’re not a good fit? In this episode, Rebecca Hourihan invites Rob Cook of The Elements Financial Monitoring System to share how their technology can help solve this very common problem faced by financial advisors by implementing a system and a process in place that would enable them to provide planning at scale. Rob discusses: How the Elements® software solution came to be created The problems commonly faced by financial advisors and how their product remedies these issues Why enegagement and adaptation is so important for financial advisors to implement Why Elements® chose to do mobile first user experience And more Connect With Rob: LinkedIn: Rob Cook GetElements.com Email: [email protected] Book a Demo Connect With Rebecca Hourihan: [email protected] (619) 230 – 5464 401(k) Marketing LinkedIn: Rebecca Hourihan LinkedIn: 401(k) Marketing Schedule a meeting with 401(k) Marketing About Rob Cook: Podcasting, personal finance, college sports, and family are Rob’s passions. Rob is a CPA, CFP®, and former finanical advisor. By night he runs and operates his personal business, Contenders Wanted, and by day he is an account executive and shareholder of a FinTech company (Elements®) that’s trying to change the way advisors serve their clients so they can provide advice anyone, and so more people can get access to high quality financial advice and create wealth. Then by night I am the host of the Contenders Wanted podcast and use Elements® to serve our audience.

Creating financial peace of mind is a lifelong goal. As a result, finding innovative ways to talk about money in the workplace is crucial because there has been a wave of employee resignations across many industries due to financial stress. In this episode, Rebecca Hourihan sits down with Dr. Emily Koochel, Senior Financial Planning Education Consultant at eMoney Advisor. Dr. Koochel is an experienced financial professional, academic and researcher. Prior to FinTech, she served as an assistant professor where she taught courses in personal financial planning and working in the financial planning field. Here, Dr. Koochel explains what financial well-being is and how it can help individuals have a positive relationship with money. Dr. Koochel discusses: Why she transitioned from academia to the eMoney team The concept of financial wellness and how it benefits employees, businesses, and retirement plan advisors The high importance of financial education What does eMoney do to help financial advisors And more! Resources: Heart of Advice – Blog Connect With Dr. Emily Koochel: LinkedIn: Dr. Emily Koochel eMoney Advisor – Website LinkedIn: eMoney Advisor Connect With Rebecca Hourihan: [email protected] (619) 230 – 5464 401(k) Marketing LinkedIn: Rebecca Hourihan LinkedIn: 401(k) Marketing Schedule a meeting with 401(k) Marketing About Our Guest: Dr. Emily Koochel is an experienced financial professional, academic, and researcher. She currently serves as a leader for eMoney Advisor’s Financial Education and Wellness initiatives in her role as the Senior Financial Planning Education Consultant. Dr. Koochel’s PhD in Applied Family Science and Master’s in Financial Planning provide a multidisciplinary lens to inform her work where she focuses on understanding the effect of financial behaviors and financial decision-making on personal and financial wellness. She serves as a subject matter expert in the field, reviewing and authoring peer-reviewed journal articles, book chapters, and contributing to public scholarship. Most notably she served as a co-author for the CFP Board’s book The Psychology of Financial Planning and was awarded 2020 Outstanding Research Journal Article of the Year by the Association for Financial Counseling and Planning Education. She holds the Certified Financial Therapist I designation and is an Accredited Financial Counselor.

As we wrap up the end of 2022 and look forward to 2023, what do you hope to accomplish? Growth? Profitability? Building a great team? In this episode, Rebecca Hourihan breaks down three goals that many retirement plan advisors share and then she provides helpful tips and strategies to bring each one to fruition. Rebecca discusses: The marketing funnel and the ways you can make the most of each stage How to manage your time to achieve your short and long-term goals Activities you can implement to achieve success for your business And more! Connect With Rebecca Hourihan: [email protected] (619) 230 – 5464 401(k) Marketing LinkedIn: Rebecca Hourihan LinkedIn: 401(k) Marketing Schedule a meeting with 401(k) Marketing  

In the aftermath of the pandemic, we are seeing a rise in video content – from Zoom calls to social media. If the last five years have taught us anything, it’s that we can’t always meet with our clients in person. So, the next best thing to connect in an easy and authentic way is through video. In this episode, Rebecca Hourihan has guest Katie Braden, CFP®, founder of Innovating Advice, on the podcast to discuss the power of video and ways you can use it to your advantage. Katie discusses: How video has evolved in the last 10 years Simple ways to get started with quality video The different tools you can use to bring your video content up a notch Why the video approach can be better than using traditional media And more Resources: Free eBook: 8 Steps to Get Started With Video Video Emails: BombBomb Noise Cancelling App: krisp.ai Connect With Katie Braden: LinkedIn: Katie Braden Innovating Advice Connect With Rebecca Hourihan: [email protected] (619) 230 – 5464 401(k) Marketing LinkedIn: Rebecca Hourihan LinkedIn: 401(k) Marketing Schedule a meeting with 401(k) Marketing About Our Guest: After 16 years in the profession, Katie Braden, CFP® has combined her passions and expertise to focus on helping financial advisors leverage video to grow their businesses through her company, Innovating Advice. She runs the 3-month Video Creation Masterclass, video workshops and the Innovating Advice Community (IAC) which provides all the tools, support and resources financial advisors need to embrace the power of video. Katie obtained a degree in photography from RMIT University in Melbourne, Australia before returning to the U.S. and joining her mother’s RIA. She left in 2013 to start one of the first completely virtual, subscription-model financial planning businesses and then pivoted to working, speaking and consulting with financial planners in 35 countries, encouraging them to innovate in all areas. Katie is also a Private Pilot and loves the freedom of the skies, whether flying herself or traveling around the world with her husband, who’s a professional pilot.

How do you define success? In our industry, some consider themselves successful if they’ve made a difference in people’s lives and served their communities. In this episode, Rebecca Hourihan is joined by Brian Adcock, President of Adcock Financial Group, to share his keys to success and making customers happy. We talk about how he got started in the 401(k) side of things, the story of how Brian got his nickname, community initiatives, and Adcock Financial group’s focus on delivering a great customer experience. Brian discusses: How community engagement can impact your business The steps you can take to provide an exceptional customer experience What Adcock Financial Group does differently that keeps their clients happy And more Connect With Brian Adcock: LinkedIn: Brian Adcock [email protected] LinkedIn: Adcock Financial Group Adcock Financial Group (813) 935-4091 Connect With Rebecca Hourihan: [email protected] (619) 230 – 5464 401(k) Marketing LinkedIn: Rebecca Hourihan LinkedIn: 401(k) Marketing Facebook: 401(k) Marketing Twitter: 401(k) Marketing Schedule a meeting with 401(k) Marketing About Our Guest: Brian Adcock graduated from Auburn University in 1996 with a BS in Marketing Education and joined Adcock Financial Group. He runs two divisions of Adcock Financial. Brian directs the Wealth & Income Planning Division, which works to create customized financial and investment planning for high net worth individuals centered around their core beliefs and goals. Brian also leads the Retirement Plan Division, where he works with small to mid-size businesses in implementing and monitoring retirement plans. He and his team work as an extension of the HR department to provide some of the fiduciary oversight requirements and, equally as important, work to provide the education of individual participants to help them make informed decisions around their retirement plan experiences.

What makes a conference stand out to you? Is it the agenda? The keynote speakers? Making meaningful connections? Or maybe the refreshments and food? Attendees often feel like they have to abandon one for the other. In this episode, Rebecca Hourihan has Ross Marino, CFP®, CeFT®, Financial Planner, Social Entrepreneur, Author, CEO, and Founder of Transitus Wealth Partners and Advisor2X on the podcast to share his experience. He is the founder of numerous workshops and conferences such as Wealth@Work, which is just around the corner, and even shares some information about his newest project, SHIFT Human First Financial Guidance. Ross shares: A sneak peek of what to expect in the upcoming Wealth@Work conference The Hive and how this new idea enhances the experience for attendees Ways your health is impacting your wealth And more Resources: Shaping Change: How to Respond When Life Disrupts Your Retirement Plan Shaping Change Podcast Wealth@Work Conference Connect With Rebecca Hourihan: [email protected] (619) 230 – 5464 401(k) Marketing LinkedIn: Rebecca Hourihan LinkedIn: 401(k) Marketing Schedule a meeting with 401(k) Marketing Connect With Ross Marino: LinkedIn: Ross Marino Advisor2X.com TransitusWealth.com Register for Wealth@Work Conference About Our Guest: Ross Marino’s fascination with business and investments started in the 9th grade, when he received a copy of Money Magazine as a birthday gift. Since business was a common topic in his home, this wasn’t a huge surprise. His father owned a small business, and his mother was an executive for a “Big 4” accounting firm. That fascination led to a career as a financial planner, beginning in 1988. Giving back to make the world a better place is more than just a responsibility. Specifically, Ross believes business owners have an incredible opportunity to leverage their resources and find creative ways to impact the world. To this end, he founded Mission Made Jewelry to fight global poverty, which is funded and staffed by volunteers from his companies.

To grow your advisory firm, you need initiatives and strategies that can help you reach a broader clientele. In this episode, Sasha Cibrian shares her knowledge on how to design the necessary activities to expand your firm. She covers topics like client acquisition, retention, reputation, brand awareness and why having niche retirement plan content enhances your trust. Additionally, she provides useful tips to help businesses expand their network through email campaigns and social selling with LinkedIn. Sasha discusses: The concept of business development How the sales funnel can be useful to develop business strategies Tips on how to advance an advisor’s business The value of outsourcing when getting into business development And more! Connect With Sasha Cibrian: LinkedIn: Sasha Cibrian (619) 230 – 5464 [email protected] 401(k) Marketing Retirement Plan Marketing LinkedIn: 401(k) Marketing Schedule a meeting with 401(k) Marketing

As an advisor, you may feel limited when it comes to ways that you can market yourself to your ideal client. What if you could change that? In this episode, Rebecca Hourihan shares with listeners the top three newest trends she sees in the ways financial advisors are marketing themselves. While she discusses what is working right now, she also covers past trends and future outlooks. Rebecca discusses: The newest trends that advisors are using right now to market themselves What trends may not be worth your investment The digital tools available to increase advisor marketing efficiency Her opinion on hashtag usage And more! Resources: Schedule Once Connect With Rebecca Hourihan: [email protected] (619) 230 – 5464 401(k) Marketing LinkedIn: Rebecca Hourihan LinkedIn: 401(k) Marketing Facebook: 401(k) Marketing Twitter: 401(k) Marketing Schedule a meeting with 401(k) Marketing

When was the last time you took a step back to assess your business? Reviewing your brand, mission, goals and marketing initiatives will help know if you’re on (or off) track. In this podcast, we’re going to show you how to do a company assessment with your team. So you can write and formalize a Marketing Strategy to align your brand, mission, team and goals into a unified client service standard and build an action plan for business growth. Rebecca and Sasha discuss: What marketing strategy is and why 401(k) advisors need it The 6 different stages of marketing strategy How you can develop an action plan Where to get started and what to tackle first And more Connect With Rebecca Hourihan and Sasha Cibrian: [email protected] (619) 230 – 5464 401(k) Marketing LinkedIn: Rebecca Hourihan LinkedIn: Sasha Cibrian LinkedIn: 401(k) Marketing Twitter: 401(k) Marketing Schedule a meeting with 401(k) Marketing  

Have you ever tried to search for a business or a person but can’t find anything about them? More importantly, are you and your company easily discoverable on Google and search engines? When plan sponsors look you up, it’s critical that you come up on the first page of google every time, or you run the risk of losing business. In this episode, Rebecca Hourihan is joined by Missy Schoedel to discuss the importance of search engine optimization (SEO) for you and your business. Rebecca and Missy discuss: What is search engine optimization (SEO) and how does it work? Identifying your keywords for SEO and tools that can help Why content marketing is critical for SEO How social media and SEO are related And more Resources: Google Search Console Semrush Google Business Profile Google Analytics Connect With Rebecca Hourihan: [email protected] (619) 230 – 5464 401(k) Marketing LinkedIn: Rebecca Hourihan LinkedIn: 401(k) Marketing Schedule a meeting with 401(k) Marketing  

When marketing your business, it’s important to have a diverse strategy so you can reach as many of the right plan sponsors as possible. In this episode, Rebecca Hourihan speaks with retirement plan advisor legend, Mike Kane of Plan Sponsor Consultants. Mike discusses the importance of advisors using a variety of marketing tactics in their business’ tool kit to reach the largest audience. Mike discusses: The evolution of Plan Sponsor Consultants marketing tactics over the years to get in front of prospective clients The current marketing strategy Mike and his team use to win retirement plan business The three topics plan sponsors are most interested in Advice for financial advisors and ways they could implement marketing strategies into their practices What the retirement plan industry might look like in 10 years And more Resources Plan Sponsor Consultants Pod(k)ast Connect With Mike Kane: Plan Sponsor Consultants LinkedIn: Mike Kane Email Michael Connect With Rebecca Hourihan: Schedule a meeting with 401(k) Marketing (619) 230 – 5464 401(k) Marketing LinkedIn: Rebecca Hourihan LinkedIn: 401(k) Marketing About Our Guest: Michael Kane serves as Managing Director of Plan Sponsor Consultants. He is a member of Retirement Partners Group (RPG), a network of advisors associated with LPL Financial who are among the 401(k) plan distribution leaders in terms of number of retirement plan advisors, plans, participants and assets under advisement. He is also a member of GRP Advisor Alliance, an independent network of retirement plan focused advisors. GRP Advisor Alliance is not affiliated with or endorsed by LPL Financial. Mike is also a member of the prestigious national Retirement Advisor Council (RAC), where he serves on 2 committees. Mike also serves on various committees of the National Association of Plan Advisors (NAPA), a division of the American Retirement Association. Mike also serves on the Retirement Advisor Leadership Committee of LPL Retirement Partners. He is a member of the Centre For Fiduciary Excellence (CEFEX) and the Center for Fiduciary Studies. Mike is an Accredited Investment Fiduciary Analyst (AIFA). AIFA’s have completed a rigorous specialized program on investment fiduciary standards of care at the Center for Fiduciary Studies, in association with the University of Pittsburgh Joseph M. Katz Graduate School of Business. He also is a Certified Plan Fiduciary Advisor through the National Association of Plan Advisors.  

Good design is more than meets the eye. It impacts the way people feel about your company and its potential long-term success. So, it’s crucial for modern advisors to invest in thoughtful branding that tells your authentic story. Branding, website design and content lay the foundation for your client experience and should come together to convey your firm’s story in a way that engages your target market. In this episode, Rebecca Hourihan and Missy Schoedel discuss how quality design can improve your business. They outline the necessary elements 401(k) advisors need and highlight how 401(k) Marketing helps their clients find their authentic brand. Rebecca and Missy discuss: The foundational elements you need for marketing your business Why quality design is necessary to convey your brand’s story The most important components to creating website longevity How 401(k) Marketing can help you design your brand And more Resources: Plan Sponsor Magazine Fiduciary Decisions BlackRock Investor Pulse Survey Don’t Make Me Think by Steve Krug Fi360: Build a Brand Workshop (Password Required) Connect With Missy Schoedel: LinkedIn: Missy Schoedel [email protected] Connect With Rebecca Hourihan: [email protected] (619) 230 – 5464 401(k) Marketing LinkedIn: Rebecca Hourihan LinkedIn: 401(k) Marketing Twitter: 401(k) Marketing About Our Guest: Missy Schoedel joined the 401(k) Marketing team in January of 2015 and as the company’s first employee, has been an integral part of growing the firm to where it is today. Armed with a passion to nurture and connect, she has helped many top advisors craft their unique value propositions, develop strong brand identities and create meaningful connections through a variety of marketing mediums. She brings fresh ideas, a deep understanding of the retirement industry and a curiosity that drives her to explore new ways to enhance client relationships.  

In this episode, Sasha Cibrian welcomes back Rebecca Hourihan , the two dive into a discussion on important updates in the advisory industry as well as marketing trends for 2022. They share their ‘big three’ most important market strategies for advisors to differentiate themselves online and make 2022 their best year yet. Sasha and Rebecca discuss: The importance of content marketing that is high quality, timely and relevant Some of the biggest marketing trends this year within SEO, email marketing and social media The four different types of search intent and the keyword content they’re related to Going viral and how to beat the algorithm on social media, google and email And more Resources: LinkedIn was founded in 2002* Coschedule – Headline analyzer Omnisend – Subject line tester Connect With Sasha Cibrian: [email protected] 401(k) Marketing LinkedIn: Sasha Cibrian LinkedIn: 401(k) Marketing Facebook: 401(k) Marketing Twitter: 401(k) Marketing Connect With Rebecca Hourihan: [email protected] 401(k) Marketing LinkedIn: Rebecca Hourihan LinkedIn: 401(k) Marketing Facebook: 401(k) Marketing Twitter: 401(k) Marketing

Email marketing is becoming a ‘must-have’ in an advisor’s marketing strategy. It can help you inform and educate clients and prospects… plus stay top of mind, all in a timely manner. Whether or not you have an email marketing strategy today, you’ll need one in 2022. In this episode, Sasha Cibrian shares 401(k) Marketing’s best strategies to help you master email marketing in the new year, outlines how to get started and gives tips on how to create the best strategy for your business. Sasha discusses: Tools for email marketing and finding the right strategy for your business Different types of email marketing and when to use them How to write a captivating, educational and entertaining email Looking ahead to trends in 2022 And more Resources: Canva Giphy Calendly Coschedule Grammarly Connect With Sasha Cibrian: [email protected] 401(k) Marketing LinkedIn: Sasha Cibrian LinkedIn: 401(k) Marketing Facebook: 401(k) Marketing Twitter: 401(k) Marketing

Facebook, Instagram and Tiktok have become a platform for personal and professional use, but LinkedIn has become the primary platform for networking and career development In this episode, Sasha Cibrian is joined by her colleague, Emi Weiss, to discuss the primary social media being used by advisors, LinkedIn. They discuss why financial advisors should focus on this platform and how they can optimize their profile in order to increase connections and potential prospects. Sasha and Emi also share marketing pro tips to doing so and increasing engagement within your current and future network. Sasha and Emi discuss: Why professionals should focus on LinkedIn What features financial advisors should use Tips for initial and continued contact with connections How to increase your engagement And more! Connect With 401k Marketing: [email protected] (619) 230 – 5464 401(k) Marketing LinkedIn: Sasha Cibrian LinkedIn: Emi Weiss LinkedIn: 401(k) Marketing Facebook: 401(k) Marketing Twitter: 401(k) Marketing

All retirement plan professionals want to stay top of mind for clients and prospective clients. Efficient and strategic marketing is key to making this a reality. In this episode, 401(k) Marketing’s marketing manager, Sasha Cibrian, discusses how to market yourself and your company efficiently and effectively. She shares tips for marketing automation and tools you can use to increase your presence to get time back in your day. Sasha discusses: How to utilize automated marketing Ways to get around spam filters Digital tools to leverage How to start using the right tools for marketing And more Resources: Authenticate your emails using your own domain: Constant Contact + MailChimp Coschedule: Subject Line Analyzer Canva Connect With 401(k) Marketing: [email protected] (619) 230 – 5464 401(k) Marketing LinkedIn: Sasha Cibrian LinkedIn: 401(k) Marketing Facebook: 401(k) Marketing Twitter: 401(k) Marketing  

Generating business is a struggle for many new retirement plan advisors. Where do you start? How do you prospect? How do you market? In this episode, Rebecca Hourihan shares tips and tricks for creating a prospecting list and reveals how to use that list to generate business opportunities. She discusses hidden strategies and how turning LinkedIn connections into contacts can help you gain more clients. Rebecca discusses: How to create your prospect list How to turn LinkedIn connections into a contact Why you should scrub your list at the end of each year Tips to extend your reach through social media And more Connect With Rebecca Hourihan: [email protected] (619) 230 – 5464 401(k) Marketing LinkedIn: Rebecca Hourihan LinkedIn: 401(k) Marketing Facebook: 401(k) Marketing Twitter: 401(k) Marketing