Philosophy for Investment Managers

“The fundamental things apply as time goes by.”―Sam the pianist in Casablanca The CIO of one of our client companies recently asked the following question: “Do we have to include an investment philosophy exhibit in our book?” “Yes,” I told her,...

The Seven Deadly Sins of Investment Marketing

I sometimes wonder whether our work with investment managers will lose its impact as our strategies for building assets become more widely known. How can we get results if all investment companies start implementing our advice on a consistent basis? Will the Alpha...

Research Can Impart 20/30 Vision

“Every battle is won before it is ever fought.”―From Sun Tzu, The Art of War Hot Dot Company entered an important finals presentation feeling confident. The firm’s numbers were not merely first-quartile but literally off the charts: a series of dots well above...

Q&A Success Strategies

Investment firms spend a lot of time, money and energy on their new business and client presentations. But business is mainly won or lost—and client confidence reinforced or compromised—during the Q&A after (or during) the formal presentation. To assess if you and...

Research Builds Blueprint for Winning Finals

Alpha-Beta Company hired a veteran research firm to conduct win/loss interviews. Unlike many such research initiatives, Alpha-Beta wisely chose to focus on both wins and losses. (Some investment firms incorrectly believe that one learns primarily from failure. At...