Photo Credit: Al Guel Photography on Flickr
As a huge fan of the game of football, I got to thinking recently about how similar things are in my daily life as an investor relations professional to Eli Manning’s life as the star quarterback for the New York Giants (shameless plug for my hometown team – Go Giants!).
In football and in investor relations strategy is key. Eli Manning spends hours strategizing about the best way to win the next big game. I spend hours strategizing about the best way for my clients to win positive attention from the investment community.
In football and in investor relations knowing the competition is paramount. Eli scrutinizes his competition by watching clips, reading scouting reports and analyzing other teams’ histories to gain the upper hand. I scrutinize clients’ peers by reading voraciously, examining financial statements and listening to chatter to make sure I understand industry dynamics, know the analysts who cover the space and recognize what propels investors to buy.
In football and in investor relations communications is vital. On the field, Eli must talk to his players to relay plays, position his players correctly and make sure they are all on the same page. Likewise, I must communicate with clients, investors and analysts to ensure we are all on the same page.
In football and in investor relations, you must play by the rules of the game. There are hundreds of rules that govern the game of football. Coaches, players and referees must follow them and embrace them. There are also hundreds of rules that govern the practice of investor relations from the exchanges to the SEC to employing IR best practices.
In football and in investor relations, the eye is on the long-term prize. For Eli, that prize is a Super Bowl ring. For me, it’s helping clients grow and sustain shareholder value.
While watching me in action is surely less exciting than watching Eli fire the ball down the field, we may just be kindred spirits.
— Laurie Berman, lberman@pondel.com
