If you are a financial professional trying to foster business with women investors, a few suggestions and research could help you develop more business.

54% of women do not currently work with a financial professional. But 50% would consider seeking financial advice as they get older. Here are a few suggestions to help you understand your market and surround yourself with the right prospects.

1. Generational differences: the greatest opportunity for growth lies with individuals in the 27-41 age bracket. 66% of women in this age bracket would seek out financial advice. While baby boomer women are more interested in receiving help with income planning in retirement, 67% of Gen-X women feel investment planning is their most important financial objective.

2. Hot button Issues: Women are concerned over managing finances in times of uncertainty. 29% of the women polled would be open to seeking the help of a financial advisor when dealing with a change in family status such as divorce or death of a parent or spouse. 62% of those ages 51-60 cite estate planning as essential.

3. Communication: When selecting a financial professional, 55% consider communication skills a valuable asset. The gender gap on this issue was most notable in the 42-50 age group, where 89% of women cited communication and listening skills as extremely important.

Women are interested in working with a financial professional who understands their need to feel connected to the process, and is willing to take on a more methodical, collaborative approach.

This entry was posted on Tuesday, April 10th, 2007 at 8:14 am and is filed under Professionals. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0 feed. You can leave a response, or trackback from your own site.