NEXT Financial Group Inc. Thrives Amidst Changes in Investor Habits and Behavior

HOUSTON, April 24, 2012 /PRNewswire/ -- There was a time when being educated about current investment trends and market realities meant carefully studying key newspapers, or perhaps reaching out to a skilled financial planner. In this day and age, however, that has largely changed. Thanks to the Internet, investors now have more access to current financial news and data than ever before. In light of this change, financial planners are finding it necessary to improve their own standards of communication with clients. According to representatives from the nationwide broker-dealer NEXT Financial Group Inc. (NEXT) however, these changes in investor behaviors are ultimately good things, and should be encouraged.

The Wall Street Journal reports that investors who may never have expressed interest or knowledge in current financial issues are suddenly surprising their financial planners with timely questions. To a large extent, the resources on the Internet are responsible for this sudden shift. The Wall Street Journal also notes that market data is readily accessible on the Web, and that online investment classes are increasingly easy to find.

As a consequence, financial advisors are fine-tuning their communications strategies. The Journal says this means greater customization for client relations. Both the level of detail given to clients, as well as the frequency of contact with clients, are being reevaluated on a client-by-client basis, as advisors seek to keep up with changing client habits and expectations.

But this is business as usual for the representatives who work under the NEXT umbrella. "NEXT is on the forefront of implementing strategies to help better inform our representatives about how they can, in turn, better inform their customers," says Barry Knight, company president. "As in any business, regardless of industry, communication is essential."

Knight goes on to say that a heightened level of communication, and of education, is vital not only for the clients, but for the NEXT representatives themselves. "We want our representatives to not only be informed, but also educated on current events that could both positively or negatively affect their business."

According to the Wall Street Journal, this level of continual education is essential. Advisors can often be "tripped up" by the changing moods, whims or decisions of their clients, but they can also be swayed by emotions themselves, the article states. Ensuring constant, continual education about current financial issues is a good way of minimizing potential issues, while offering the highest level of service to clients.

ABOUT:

NEXT Financial Group Inc. Member FINRA/SIPC is a broker-dealer based in Houston, Texas, serving the needs of business owners and entrepreneurs throughout the country. The company prides itself in helping business owners enjoy success and financial independence through the role of smart, visionary financial planning and wealth management. The company was founded in 1999, and is currently led by President Barry Knight. More information about the company can be found online at www.nextfinancial.com. NEXT Financial Group Inc. is located at 2500 Wilcrest Drive, Houston, TX 77042. For more information call 888-876-6398.

SOURCE NEXT Financial Group Inc.