Guidelines for Selecting an IR Partner
The Key to Finding a Trusted IR Partner for Your Small Cap Company
Navigating the investor relations (IR) landscape can be a daunting task for small to mid-cap companies. Selecting the right IR agency involves understanding your company's specific needs and ensuring the agency can meet these requirements both now and in future scenarios. Josh Wilson and Jordan Darrow provide valuable insights into selecting the ideal IR partner.
Understanding Expectations for an IR Agency
When you're at the helm of a small to mid-cap company, it's crucial to set clear expectations for what you need from an IR agency. Josh Wilson emphasizes starting with trust. Choose someone who is highly recommended, not just by a single source but by multiple respected voices within the industry. This approach helps establish a baseline of reliable service, as it's more effective to gauge the agency's reputation by consulting several parties rather than relying on a sole reference.
Identifying Common Denominators
Jordan Darrow offers practical advice to streamline your selection process, highlighting the importance of identifying common denominators across recommendations. Engage with multiple professionals to discover which agency is frequently endorsed by credible sources. A collective recommendation can often point you in the right direction.
Assessing Broad Spectrum Skills
Once you have shortlisted potential IR partners, delve deeper into their expertise. A comprehensive understanding of the investment community is crucial. Darrow stresses the necessity of an agency possessing a wide range of capabilities. Ensure they are equipped to handle not only networking and investment community outreach but also internal corporate governance and the articulation of your investment thesis with appropriate valuation skills.
Continuity and Growth
One of the key considerations in selecting an IR agency is their ability to grow with your company. Switching agencies can be disruptive; therefore, choosing a partner that can satisfy both current and future requirements is essential. Darrow suggests verifying their competency in areas beyond immediate needs to avoid potential gaps in knowledge or skills that could hinder your company's growth.
Conclusion
For small to mid-cap companies, selecting the right IR agency is a decision that requires careful thought and consultation. By following the guidance of professionals like Josh Wilson and Jordan Darrow, companies can find an IR partner that not only fits their current criteria but also adapts to future demands. Ultimately, the right partner will be a trusted ally in navigating the complexities of investor relations.
Disclaimer: Joshua Wilson is a registered investment banking representative and a licensed real estate broker. The content of this podcast is for informational purposes only and should not be considered legal, financial, or compliance advice. This podcast is not a substitute for professional advice. All views and opinions expressed by the host and guests are their own and do not necessarily reflect the policies or positions of any regulatory agency, organization, or employer. Listeners are encouraged to consult their own compliance teams, legal counsel, or financial advisors to ensure adherence to applicable regulations, including SEC, FINRA, and other industry-specific requirements. This podcast does not constitute a solicitation or recommendation for any financial products or services.
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Jordan Darrow
IR
Jordan M. Darrow is a career investor relations practitioner with over 25 years of experience. Drawing on his career in counseling and as a corporate executive, Mr. Darrow assists publicly-traded companies with their efforts to increase awareness among investment community, media and trade industry constituencies, as well as developing and implementing productive communications strategies among the Company’s workforce and customer base.
Prior to founding Darrow Associates in 2005, Mr. Darrow served for nearly five years as the Vice President of Investor Relations and Corporate Communications for PRIMUS Telecommunications Group, Incorporated. He had previously served as a consultant to PRIMUS. While at PRIMUS and among his professional accomplishments, Mr. Darrow contributed to the global telecommunications company’s 2003 award for Best Business Turnaround presented in the first American Business Awards (“Stevies”) competition.
Mr. Darrow began his investor relations career with Taylor Rafferty Associates, Inc. (TRA), the leading cross-border IR firm at that time. Based in New York, the firm assisted a clientele of blue chip foreign corporations in their efforts to access the US capital markets. Following TRA, Mr. Darrow rounded out his professional skills by joining The Financial Relations Board, Inc. (FRB), then the largest independent IR firm in the country. At FRB, later known as FRB/Weber Shandwick, he provided IR counsel to small- and medium-sized domestic companies, as well as led the firm’s East Coast Telecommunications and Multi-industry Market I… Read More