CHICAGO, July 12, 2000 (PRIMEZONE) -- Ibbotson Associates and PSB Training today announced an alliance to provide training to independent financial services professionals to help them develop, manage and grow their practices. PSB Training uses Ibbotson's Portfolio Strategist(TM) software to demonstrate financial planning techniques and Ibbotson's SalesBuilder(TM) PowerPoint presentation series to show financial services professionals how to convey asset allocation concepts to clients.
"In today's highly competitive environment, professionals in the finance industry need a service that delivers all the tools they need to become a value-added resource to their clients," says Mark Kowalczyk, vice president of sales and marketing. "We're pleased to have our software and presentation materials incorporated in PSB Training's education process."
The specialized training program offers education and tools to help financial professionals achieve success in client retention, business growth, professional development and leadership, time management, technology training and support, and team training. The program incorporates many of these goals into different education levels including:
-- SMART Marketing - Integrates marketing, planning and practice
design
-- SMART Start - Lays the framework for beginning a practice
-- SMART Coach - Customizes curriculum to fit business goals and
skill levels
-- Coaching & Consulting - Profiles practice and allows access to
a full-time C&C coordinator
-- Team Training - Advises on team practice in a complex
organizational structure
"PSBTraining.com allows financial service professionals to learn about marketing, financial planning and practice design `at the speed of light,'" says Bob Payne, co-founder of the program. "This type of training is unique because we rapidly develop and deploy superior content geared to the needs of the client-centered practitioner. Using Ibbotson's software and presentation materials has allowed us to further enhance the training program."
About Ibbotson Associates
Ibbotson Associates, founded by Professor Roger Ibbotson in 1976, is the world's leading authority on asset allocation, providing products and services to help investment professionals make the best asset allocation decisions for their clients.
The company's business lines include consulting and research; investment forecasting, planning and analysis software; educational services ranging from on-site workshops to computer based training; and a widely used line of presentation materials designed to educate clients on asset allocation concepts and investment principles. With offices in Chicago and New York, Ibbotson Associates fills a growing need in the finance and investment industry for an independent, single source provider of investment knowledge, practical application expertise, leading edge technology, educational services and sales presentation tools. Ibbotson markets its integrated product line of investment analytical tools and services to institutional money managers, plan sponsors, and consultants for quantitative analysis, high level decision making and presentations. The company's clients also include financial planners, brokers, mutual fund firms, private bankers and small money managers.
About PSB Training
PSB Training, founded by Bob Payne, Gary Sinderbrand and Larry Biederman, offers financial service professionals a comprehensive training program designed to enhance and grow their consultative practices. Prior to the creation of PSB Training, Mr. Payne and Mr. Sinderbrand practiced as financial consultants for 20 years and oversaw assets in excess of $1 billion. They also designed and implemented their consultative training process, which was delivered to more than 12,000 financial service professionals over 10 years. Mr. Biederman filled a variety of senior field management roles, including director of training and, most recently, district director for the Southern California District of Merrill Lynch. The training web site can be found at www.psbtraining.com.