A new open, a new close

This is where the greatest similarity exists between my former and current positions. SMA has a very strong sales and marketing focus, bringing readers the best content that advisors can use immediately in sales development. And 2007 looks stronger than ever, as we have some great new ideas for compelling, must-read content we are working on for upcoming issues.

At the back of the book this month we are proud to introduce Dean Zayed as the new columnist for "The Close," appearing on page 144. Zayed, JD, LLM, CFP, is the president of Prizm Financial Advisors Inc., a very successful boutique practice in Wheaton, Ill. He will be sharing practice-building pointers and industry insights on a monthly basis.

And don't worry – Amy Cosper, the previous face of this space and the group editorial director for Wiesner Publishing's Financial Media division, remains very involved in content planning, and you'll still see plenty from former managing editor turned independent freelance writer Mike Werling, including two excellent feature articles in this issue.