In a perfect world, your existing and prospective clients would hang on your every word, whether it be via blog, letter or Morse code. In reality, it’s hard to make your voice of reason heard out there among those who have far more time to blog, tweet and grunt their way to Internet prominence. But [...]
Only a few years ago, most corporate communication plans included a Web site, but print brochures were typically the shining stars. Today, our communication resources have realigned. As new Web-based solutions have emerged, your firm’s Web site can now become so much more than simply an electronic brochure. Think of your firm’s Web site as [...]
How do you say a lot, if you’ve only got a little space? Have you ever noticed, it can be easier to write a 12-page discourse than to come up with the four most perfect words for a company tagline? (“This Bud’s for you,” for example.) Not that either extreme comes easily, but sometimes [...]
Where in the world is your website? No matter how simple or elaborate your site is, if it’s out there in cyberspace all by itself, it’s going to get lonesome. How do you switch on that virtual neon sign with the flashing arrow? It’s called “Search Engine Optimization (SEO),” to help people find you when [...]
So, covered in Part I, you’ve found your reliable sources and you’re ready to share what you’ve learned with the world. How do you properly do so? As a professional communicator, I’m fascinated by the many nuances of citing and sourcing. But as an investment advisor, you may find that fussing over these sorts of [...]
Before we discuss how to cite and source materials found (in Part II), the first order of business is to find them. Key to that search is recognizing that it matters a great deal whom you are citing. People are savvy. They may not be able to state an exact reason, but they’ll know whether [...]
When the late Merton Miller was co-recipient of the 1990 Nobel Prize in Economics for his work in corporate finance, the media asked him for a layperson’s explanation of his work. He replied: “If you take money out of your left pocket and put it in your right pocket, you’re no richer,” In a subsequent [...]
Who says good guys finish last? During a recent visit to Austin, Texas, I was privileged to tour Dimensional Fund Advisors’ corporate headquarters on Bee Cave Road — an apt location, given the energetic buzz of creative thinking going on. If you’re ever in Austin, I recommend scheduling a visit. The firm’s approach to office [...]
Many passive investment advisor firms recognize the benefit of establishing themselves as voices of authority within their local media or in trade publications of interest to their specific client community. Whether you are invited to write your own material or you are quoted as a subject matter expert, few techniques can boost your professional reputation [...]
If you’re like me, you’re a little dazed by all these new “social media” resources that have been popping up in recent discussions, a little like crabgrass taking over your lawn in late spring. LinkedIn, Twitter, Facebook, Slideshare … It can quickly become overwhelming. Assessing the advantages and disadvantages of electronic networking opportunities could readily [...]
