Archive for the ‘My two cents’ worth’ Category

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Giving thanks

November 27, 2008

Those of us in the US celebrate today as Thanksgiving Day. Translated for people from other cultures, this means a day of getting together and eating way too much turkey, old family recipes for every other kind of food under the sun, and pie. Let’s not forget the pie.

Oh, yes … Actually, this day also has to do with giving thanks.

Today, I’m giving thanks for many things. God’s grace and a precious family come to mind. So does a calling to work that I enjoy. Laboring in this realm where ideas and numbers combine to convey a message of value for investors is very satisfying, even in a tough market. And I’m thankful for the great people with whom I am privileged to work.

Happy Thanksgiving!

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Thanks for reading

November 12, 2008

Today makes six months that I’ve been scribbling in this blog. More than 2,800 times, people have come by IR Cafe to read something about the practice of investor relations. As you can tell if you check regularly, I devote more energy to my day job than to blogging – even in a new media age, the paycheck takes priority. But I’ll try to keep coming up with ideas and tips on the nitty-gritty business of IR.

I deeply appreciate your stopping by. Send me your reactions or ideas, if you’d like to address something special here. Thanks!

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Those were the days, my friend …

October 8, 2008

All in all, I liked it better when Merrill Lynch was “bullish on America” … and vice versa. Then, again, maybe these are the days when we really earn our paychecks as investor relations people.

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Bailout idea: Regulate Washington compensation

September 25, 2008

I’m all for taking action to add liquidity to markets that seize up – not to mention rescuing venerable financial firms if that’s the best way to keep the economy from going utterly in the tank for the rest of us.

But I’d like to offer an amendment, adding to the tweaks coming from Congress: How about a proviso that members of the Senate and House … as well as occupants of the White House, SEC and Federal Reserve chairmen, past or present … draw their pay or pensions in the form of mortgage-backed securities for the next few years ?

This might give the officials in Washington some incentive to deliver on that wishful thought, voiced by some, that taxpayers actually could come out ahead – rather than losing $700 billion – in the Treasury Department’s proposed big investment in illiquid assets.

(OK, this has nothing to do with investor relations. Good luck to all.)

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Coffee, tea & investor relations

July 17, 2008

Is there something about IR people and coffee? My interactions with investor relations folks over the years suggest an organic connection between the profession and our caffeine. Most IR people – OK, this is a bit unscientific – imbibe cup after cup of coffee. Morning, afternoon, sometimes evening. In the heat of summer. The more genteel among us sip their tea instead. But isn’t that a variation on the theme?

Maybe the habit flows from, and supports, the daily intensity of practicing investor relations. Maybe it addresses the fatigue of people who often work as road warriors.

So how do you like your caffeine, and why? Any decaf IROs out there?

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Why IR Café?

June 12, 2008

Inspired by some folks at the National Investor Relations Institute annual conference this week, I’m taking a few steps into Web 2.0.

Why start a blog now? And why call it IR Café?

… Because after 30-plus years as a communicator with a passion for financial markets and information, I have a few ideas to share.

… Because IR matters to shareholders, executives and employees.

… Because anyone engaged in the adventure of telling a company’s story knows that investor relations is hard work. It demands constant learning and attention to detail. The high-energy staff role can get frustrating or lonely at times, even in the nerve center of a company.

So inviting colleagues into a café to join a conversation and sip a little caffeine for the mind should be fun. I hope you enjoy it with me.

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