The Better IR Process Model Investor relations is a proactive and interactive process in which important information is continually disseminated, not only to the financial community but also to a company’s other key constituencies, to ensure that the company will be accurately valued in the marketplace. If you want Better IR, you need to think of it as a continuous cycle model with inputs, outputs and feedback. The initial inputs for the company are research and analysis which become the basis for developing an IR plan. The output by the company is action, usually communication targeted at the investment community. Feedback from the investment community is evaluated and becomes a new input. Results are measured against goals and objectives. If necessary, these lead to adjustments in the plan, or changes in strategy and tactics. Research & Analysis Perception Studies The most effective communication programs begin with an understanding of the attitudes, concerns and perceptions held by your key constituencies. You need to understand what current and prospective investors actually think of your company, your industry and your sector. We conduct interviews with targeted members of the investment community to find out what they think of your company’s business strategy and valuation. The information and insights gained from this can be very valuable and improve your likelihood of success. Communications Audits We can review a company’s communications materials, including annual reports, news releases, fact sheets, investor kits, etc. to evaluate their effectiveness in communicating clear and consistent key messages to the investment community as well as other important constituencies. If necessary, we make recommendations and can assist in the creation of new materials. Planning This is the step in the process that answers "What should we do and why?" Our Investor Relations Plans are maps to get from where you are, to where you need to be. They are built on the intelligence and insights gained from the research phase. We work with you to define goals and objectives and then recommend appropriate strategies and tactics. We also include metrics to evaluate success. Communicating This is where the plan is put into action. It is vital that all of your audiences, from customers to shareholders, receive consistent core messages. All of your messages need to be integrated and unified because they will influence how your company is perceived. We work with you to develop and communicate messages that: - Speak to the investment community’s concerns - Support your goals - Are clear and easy to understand - Are consistent whether presented orally, projected in a PowerPoint presentation, posted on your web site, or printed in your annual report Measurement and Evaluation The Better IR process model is based on the understanding that to be effective over the long term, Investor Relations must be both proactive and interactive. That involves creating mechanisms for getting feedback from the investment community. It also involves metrics to measure the success of the plan’s strategies and tactics against the defined goals and objectives. The feedback and metrics allow for timely adjustment, if needed, in the plan.