Shearwater will look carefully at how you have positioned your organization. How do you tell your story? What differentiates you from your competitors? We will assess your competitive advantages and how you have communicated them, whether electronically, in marketing literature or face-to-face.

Assess competitors' positioning

Understanding your competitors' positioning strategies and developing a marketing plan that effectively differentiates your firm will be a key component in increasing assets under management.

Conduct market research

Are your firm's self-perceptions consistent with external perceptions of the firm? Do your clients and prospects understand your investment philosophy and strategies? Shearwater will determine how closely internal and external perceptions are aligned. We also will conduct research in your target markets to gauge the level of interest in your firm and the product(s) you offer.

Develop a marketing plan

Drawing on your successful experiences from the past and our own research and contacts, Shearwater will develop a marketing plan that reflects the accomplishments and strengths of your firm. We will include analysis of the current situation, definition of target market(s), proposed marketing and sales activities for the year ahead and resources required to meet your new business goals.

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Execute the marketing plan

Shearwater will identify and cultivate the appropriate consultants and prospective clients, combining your existing relationships with our network of contacts to increase assets under management. Acting as your offsite marketing department, we will work closely with your investment professionals and marketing support staff to ensure that a concise, consistent message is delivered effectively to your target markets.

Provide input on marketing literature

As marketing activity increases, we may encourage you to rework existing marketing literature or develop new pieces. If you wish, we will recommend a marketing communications firm and remain involved in the editorial and design process. For RFP's we will conduct background research on the prospects, work with you to write complete, concise responses, and develop a proposal that consistently reinforces your firm's competitive advantages.

Rehearse final presentations

Shearwater will help your firm make compelling, succinct final presentations, rehearsing a 20-minute version as well as a more extensive presentation. We also will work with you to handle Q&A sessions with clear, to-the-point responses.

Maintain new client relationships

Shearwater will share client service responsibilities with you to help build and maintain long-term relationships with your clients.