Outkreate https://outkreate.com/ Best Digital Marketing, SEO Agency Washington DC - Outkreate Thu, 21 Mar 2024 10:43:21 +0000 en-US hourly 1 https://wordpress.org/?v=6.4.3 https://outkreate.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/favicon-150x150.png Outkreate https://outkreate.com/ 32 32 CMA | SIMA Conference 2024 – Key insights that you can apply in your business https://outkreate.com/cma-sima-conference-2024-what-we-learned/ https://outkreate.com/cma-sima-conference-2024-what-we-learned/#respond Fri, 08 Mar 2024 12:06:31 +0000 https://outkreate.com/?p=7682 We recently attended the CMA | SIMA Annual Conference in Dallas, TX and came back with valuable insights into the world of Category Management and Shopper Insights. Over three days, experts delved into diverse topics, from consumer behavior to retail experiences and effective storytelling. Among the sessions we attended, we’ve singled out our top four favorites […]

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We recently attended the CMA | SIMA Annual Conference in Dallas, TX and came back with valuable insights into the world of Category Management and Shopper Insights. Over three days, experts delved into diverse topics, from consumer behavior to retail experiences and effective storytelling.

Among the sessions we attended, we’ve singled out our top four favorites that resonated with us the most.

Economic Outlook 2024

How Taylor Swift's concerts boosted restaurant revenue; Source: Michelle Meyer's presentation

Michelle Meyer (Chief Economist, Mastercard) spoke about the Economic Outlook for 2024, and we found it very interesting. Instead of using regular slides, she used an interactive dashboard-of-sorts to dive into all kinds of numbers – from inflation to GDP, and consumer spending to jobs. She even talked about how big events, like Taylor Swift concerts, affect local economies.

Key takeaways: The big takeaway for me was that even though US inflation today (CPI) is at ~3%, consumers are still in control due to stronger wage growth (~5%) driven by a tight labor market. This has created an “empowered consumer” that is deciding where to cut back (discretionary purchases) and where to splurge (e.g., on Taylor Swift concerts and experiences).

For CPGs and business leaders, what this means is…We’re entering a new “new normal”. As we make business decisions, e.g., around pricing, promotions, new packtypes, we need to ditch our old playbooks, and take into account new realities. Also, while big-picture data is useful, it’s essential to recognize that trends differ across regions, income levels, and other factors. This presents an opportunity to delve into the nuances and create strategies specific to your unique shopper or consumer.

WHAT IF? Two Simple Words That Have the Power to Change Everything!

Russ Onish and Andy McKeon delivered an inspiring session urging us to adopt a “What If” mindset. Their central idea was why not reimagine new avenues of value creation rather than solely relying on historical data for incremental changes.

“What if” in action…Andy and Russ recently paired up to rethink the Mexican food aisle shopping experience in mainstream supermarkets. Andy had asked, what if Mexican food shopping could be reimagined…could the navigation be similar to how we order food at Chipotle? They have come up with a prototype that’s currently being tested.

Takeaway for CPGs and business leaders: Real progress comes from bold innovation. Yes, reinvention carries risks. But, the lessons gained are usually worth it. While we typically advise on optimal assortment and best POG principles, sometimes we must step out of our comfort zone to pursue bigger ideas that move the needle for shoppers, for customers.

Just Tell Me What I Need to Know: Real-Life Examples of Death by PowerPoint

Death by PowerPoint example, source: Benjamin James

Benjamin James (Shopper Insights @ Nestle Purina) delivered a funny session on how (in his previous life obviously) he engaged in “death by PowerPoint” by inundating his audiences with too much data and too less insights.

Key takeaways: While Category Management relies heavily on data, our role as strategists isn’t merely to present data but to extract meaningful insights. Decision-makers crave concise, actionable information rather than drowning in raw data.

For CPG leaders influencing retail customers, Ben’s message was essentially, “we need to tell them what they need to know”, without making it too complicated.

The Bonfire Effect: How to Create Stores That Survive & Thrive in a Digitally Dominant Era

One of Kevin's many retail transformations; source: Shook Kelley

Lastly, a highlight was Kevin Ervin Kelley, AIA captivating keynote.

Kevin, an exceptional architect, has a profound understanding of creating “happy places”. By blending human psychology with architecture, he crafts immersive retail experiences that shoppers love.

Kevin showcased how he injected soul into retail spaces like Freson Bros. and Northgate Market. He prompted owners to dig deep to define their purpose and express it through design, resulting in truly unique and enjoyable shopping environments.

Key takeaways: Humans are “an experience-seeking species”. If shopping feels draining, it suggests the space isn’t designed optimally. As we innovate with merchandising vehicles and aisle-to-store transformations, incorporating insights from human psychology and good design can greatly enhance the shopping experience. Happy place = happier and more profitable shoppers.

In closing

So, there you have it—our top sessions from the conference. Reflecting on these experiences, I realize that they all revolved around a central theme: the importance of understanding the consumer and shopper in everything we do as CPG professionals.

With this principle in mind, let’s push boundaries—whether by innovating new experiences or daring to challenge the status quo. (without killing anyone with PPT in the process :))

Learn more about OUTKREATE’s  Category Management Solutions

OUTKREATE developes retailer-facing presentations for top CPG Cat Man & Insights teams, equipping them for success — be it Top to Tops, Innovation Selling Stories, Line Reviews & JBPs, and more.

Thinking of UPGRADING your Retailer-facing Presentation? 
Start by scheduling a no-obligation assessment today

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NIRI Virtual – Harnessing Best Practices and Current Trends for Impactful Investor Relations Present https://outkreate.com/niri-virtual-harnessing-best-practices-and-current-trends-for-impactful-investor-relations-present/ https://outkreate.com/niri-virtual-harnessing-best-practices-and-current-trends-for-impactful-investor-relations-present/#respond Wed, 13 Dec 2023 14:44:54 +0000 https://outkreate.com/?p=7718 Date: 12/13/2023Event start time: 12:00 PMEvent end time: 1:00 PMCategory: ChapterPrice: NIRI Virtual Chapter Members, Partner Program Chapter Members, Virtual Chapter Sponsors – Complimentary; Non-Members – $35 Perhaps one of the most important communications tools that Investor Relations professionals rely on is the investor presentation.  Whether it is a company overview, quarterly earnings supplement, or […]

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Date: 12/13/2023
Event start time: 12:00 PM
Event end time: 1:00 PM
Category: Chapter
Price: NIRI Virtual Chapter Members, Partner Program Chapter Members, Virtual Chapter Sponsors – Complimentary; Non-Members – $35

Perhaps one of the most important communications tools that Investor Relations professionals rely on is the investor presentation.  Whether it is a company overview, quarterly earnings supplement, or an entire Investor Day deck, the critical value of this messaging platform cannot be underestimated.  Please join our panel of experts, including Michelle Foster, COO of Small Potatoes Communications, and Harry Shah, CEO of Outkreate, as they discuss some of the best practices they see today, the trends underway, and the recent developments shaping future approaches. Learning Objectives:  At the conclusion of this program, participants will be able to:
  • Describe the key design principles to consider for investor relations presentations
  • Identify best practices used currently in investor relations presentations
  • Describe and apply emerging best practices to improve existing investor relations presentations

Speakers:
Michelle Foster, Chief Operating Officer, Small Potatoes Communications
Harry Shah, Founder & CEO, Outkreate
Davin Lincoln, IRC

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An IRO asked us, “What Should My Earnings Presentation Cover? https://outkreate.com/an-iro-asked-us-what-should-my-earnings-presentation-cover/ https://outkreate.com/an-iro-asked-us-what-should-my-earnings-presentation-cover/#respond Wed, 08 Nov 2023 15:08:17 +0000 https://outkreate.com/?p=6904 We got this question from an IRO recently right after their earnings release. Looking to streamline her presentation, she asked, “What should my Earnings Deck cover? Any advice on general flow? What are the must-haves? Our deck has bloated over time, and I feel like we’re not communicating well.” I see a lot (a lot!) […]

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We got this question from an IRO recently right after their earnings release. Looking to streamline her presentation, she asked, “What should my Earnings Deck cover? Any advice on general flow? What are the must-haves? Our deck has bloated over time, and I feel like we’re not communicating well.”

I see a lot (a lot!) of earnings decks, and I get it. In spite of best intentions, many of these presentations don’t deliver a clear message succinctly. Some decks grow so unwieldy over time that they lose their original essence. Plus, it’s time-consuming to create these each time.

Let’s optimize your earnings deck outline

Earnings storytelling and deck-building can be simple and yet very effective. In this blog post, let’s dive into the outline (or flow of contents) for your deck as any improvements here will give you the most bang for the buck. A strong outline will help elevate messaging, and streamline your content and efforts.

1. Start with the Quarterly Highlights

Your very first slide should give an executive summary of your latest quarter.

A ‘Quarterly Highlights’ slide provides a quick overview for your audience, setting the stage for the rest of the presentation.

Real example – here is an effective way to show your co’s quarterly highlights
Quarterly highlights should generally include:
  • 1-2 key business updates (e.g., key launches, customer wins, M&A)
  • Total company revenue and EBITDA performance
  • Other important numbers your audience cares for (e.g., orders, cash flow, net leverage)
  • Outlook for the rest of the financial year (this is a must-have to include here if your company provides guidance)

Consider this scenario as you prioritize what goes into your quarterly highlights: If an analyst can only spare a moment to review this particular slide and nothing else, it should still provide them with a robust understanding of your previous quarter’s performance and your outlook.

2. Provide Major Business Updates

Next, consider having a ‘Business Updates’ section in your earnings deck. Here, you should seek to show all the BIG things you are accomplishing on your business.

Business updates can include:
  • M&A related news

  • Key product launches or customer wins

  • Accomplishments along your long-term strategy execution

Real examples: Business updates showing M&A news, key launches and customer wins

Your goal should be to stick to only the most important business updates, and limit yourself to 2-3 slides at the max.

3. Dive into the Financials

Now, dive into the key numbers. Frankly, this is the section that your audience is eager for, and that’s why they are here. 

As you get into the financials, don’t just state the numbers. Explain if they are better or worse, and provide color on the whys. Write clear headlines, and provide brief commentary along with your data charts to say what you want your audience to hear. 

Financial updates typically include:
  • Consolidated financials (revenue, EBITDA)

  • Segment financials (revenue, EBITDA and commentary)

  • Higher priority Balance Sheet and Cash Flow Metrics

  • Non-GAAP Business KPIs that provide meaningful insights into your business

Real examples: Financial updates showing total company P&L, segment financials, and key cash flow and balance sheet metrics

Many companies with 2-3 segments are able to convey the “numbers story” in 3-6 slides in this section. If you want to go in the weeds, or if there is data that only a small portion of your audience cares for, consider putting that in the Appendix.

4. End with Guidance

By this point, you’ve shared about your last quarter’s performance. As you close, your audience wants to know your business forecast for the remaining year. Clearly share with them whether you’re increasing, decreasing or reaffirming your guidance. 

Real examples of guidance slides
Earnings decks don’t have to be complicated

So, there you go! If you prioritize your content well, a compelling earnings deck can be achieved in 8-12 money slides upfront (while using your appendix for FYI content). Some of our clients have pretty much the same outline or set of slides over the last 8-12 quarters. Of course, their data and numbers are updated each quarter, and they continue to lean on strong and clear headlines and commentary to tell the right story.

As we approach the Q4 / full-year earnings season, see if you can apply these ideas into your earnings deck. Let me know if you have any questions or want to bounce ideas off of me. You can also drop me a line at outkreate@outkreate.com

Learn more about OUTKREATE’s  Earnings Presentation Solutions

Earnings Presentation isn’t just about getting the numbers right. 
It’s about delivering a story that accurately and compellingly conveys your business performance.

Thinking of UPGRADING your Earnings Presentation? 
Start by scheduling a no-obligation assessment today

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How we empower IROs with impactful presentations https://outkreate.com/how-we-empower-iros-with-impactful-presentations/ https://outkreate.com/how-we-empower-iros-with-impactful-presentations/#respond Mon, 30 Oct 2023 09:21:35 +0000 https://outkreate.com/?p=6809 Our business is built on delivering value to the IR community, knowing that a few of the IROs might hire us when it makes sense. We focus on sharing valuable insights, putting lots of little deposits in the karma bank and making a thoughtful withdrawal at times (like this, hopefully). In this blog post, I’m […]

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Our business is built on delivering value to the IR community, knowing that a few of the IROs might hire us when it makes sense.

We focus on sharing valuable insights, putting lots of little deposits in the karma bank and making a thoughtful withdrawal at times (like this, hopefully). In this blog post, I’m going to write about some of our services.

Even if you don’t have an immediate presentation need, there are two reasons why you might still continue reading. I believe that you can find this useful:

  • Impressions matter: If you think about an Institutional Investor’s journey, they are checking out presentations on your IR site. When you email them, you’re sending them a high-level Company deck. During live conversations, you use slides as tools. Even after they invest, you continue to communicate with them via various presentations (earnings, I-days, ESG). In short, every presentation creates an impression, and these add up…and ultimately matter when acquiring or influencing investors and analysts.
  • Building presentations makes you better: When I have an idea unless I can write it clearly, it’s mostly not a good enough idea. Building an investor story via slides forces you to ask the right questions…forces you to think of investor rebuttals to come up with better answers. When you force yourself to improve your company overview or earnings presentation, you also become smarter at formulating (and telling) your company’s investor value proposition.

Alright, back to the original topic of what we do, and how. Let’s start with our team.

Our Team

My primary role as a principal strategist at OUTKREATE  is to quickly understand IRO’s business needs, and uncover opportunities in their presentations. When we start work, I focus on elevating the overall messaging. Plus, I make sure our team is always zooming out, and focused on our IRO client’s pain points and investor goals.

Our creative design lead combines left and right-brained thinking to ensure the overall story is cohesive, and that the slides are crystal clear. He also makes sure that the headlines are working, and data visualization is on point. Plus, we have an in-house team of multiple specialist presentation designers that bring it all together. 

Who makes a great client for us?

  • IROs and senior IR team members working at public companies (typically mid-cap and larger).
  • They see value in presentations – creating strong impressions matters to them.
  • They have the authority to make budget decisions and act on re– commendations.
  • They value open and candid feedback. They aren’t going to embrace all the recommendations, but they’ll approach them with an open mind.

How the conversation starts

Many IROs usually find us through our regular insights newsletter, just like this one or via our email outreach. Some might have also explored our YouTube channel. 

Usually, the initial conversation kicks off when IROs or their leadership see gaps in their existing presentation or have an important investor event coming up. The world / their business has changed, and the story needs to be retold. In most cases, IROs schedule an IR Presentation Assessment call for our first conversation. This also allows me to do homework prior to the call. 

During the live connect, I learn more about your business, IR goals, and what’s working / not working with your IR decks. Next, we review a specific IR deck, and I candidly share my ideas or 2 cents around how your story, content and design can be enhanced. If there is interest, I can provide a rough estimate for pricing and timelines. 

We may need an additional call (or email exchanges) to finalize “scope of work”. After vendor onboarding, most projects start with a Kickoff meeting where you meet our team, and we re-align on expectations, ways of working, and timelines. Then, we get to work. 

Below are the most common projects that IROs tap us for…

a. Quarterly Earnings Presentations

Earnings Presentation should convey your audiences primarily about your results from the quarter, and your outlook. Balancing KPIs with business actions and long-term strategy progress makes your company look like a champion. When business is not strong, clearly articulating your actions going forward will soften the blow.

What IROs get:

Having enhanced multiple earnings presentations, we have created a reliable framework that simplifies your story and lands your message. Plus, we develop an ‘Earnings Presentation System’ for IROs – this is a flexible, hassle-free system in PPT that makes slide creation easy, quarter after quarter.

Process:

Most earnings presentation projects typically span 4-6 weeks and across 2 phases,

  • Phase 1 (2-3 weeks): Story + Content Enhancement

    Through 2-3 live Zoom workshops, we understand your needs and define your future state.  We’ll suggest gaps in content, ideas to improve your story / flow, and ways to make your slides easier to understand. By the end of Phase 1, we’ll have a deck with finalized story and content. This phase is very collaborative – the IRO’s team and our team work hand in hand in this phase.
  • Phase 2 (2-3 weeks): Design Transformation

    Over the next 2-3 weeks, we design / redesign every slide to pack a punch – both from the ability to land your message, and visually. We work per your brand guidelines but often find ways to push boundaries while following your rules. 

    Phase 2 is design-focused, and plays to our strengths. We involve IROs only during key alignment milestones, and save them time otherwise.

Pricing:

Typically for a quarterly earnings deck we charge $20K to $25K+ depending on your needs. This is a great ROI because 1) your messaging is considerably improved, and 2) you get a presentation system that saves you significant time and stress each quarter. 

Useful Links: Select Projects & Earnings Presentation case study
b. Investor Overview Presentation

When designing Investor Overview decks, our goal is to get you more conversations and “conversions” with large investors. 

What IROs get:

Investors invest in your company because of your leadership team, industry trends, your unique moat (brands, tech, IP), execution track record, financial/business model, and how you allocate capital. We make sure you’re covering these topics in a succinct and compelling way as we transform your investment thesis. 

Process:

It’s very similar to the earnings process we mentioned earlier.

Pricing:

For an Investor Overview Presentation, our pricing falls in the range of $20K to $25K+ based on your needs. Again, the ROI is strong as these slides feed directly into non-deal roadshows, earnings presentations, conferences, and even Investor Day materials.

Useful Links: Select Projects & Investor Overview case study
c. Investor Day Presentation

For IROs, getting your Investor Day presentation design and story right is sometimes even career-defining. Your Investor Day narrative is followed closely by investors, analysts, and the media—potentially impacting stock prices and long-term perceptions.

What IROs get:

We’ve done 11 Investor Days in the last 2 years. When IROs delegate presentations to us, they get access to our I-day expertise on both content and design fronts. With a dedicated design team assigned to IROs, you can iterate and refine your story at a rapid pace. Plus, you’ll save hundreds of hours of your time which you can direct towards higher-value tasks to make your I-Day successful.

Process:

Investor Day Presentation projects typically span 1.5-4 months of joint efforts. Less time generally equates to more focus on the visual design front. More time allows us to influence all the key ingredients, i.e., agenda, overall story, content and design. Most such projects roughly follow the phases below:

  • Phase 1 (2-6 weeks): Building Main Sections

    In this phase, we typically start with elevating the CEO and CFO sections. Based on your preferences, we can enhance content (better headlines and copy, better data visualization) in addition to designing slides that deliver impact. Via these slides, we are also defining an upgraded design style for your entire I-Day slide content.

    Optionally, and to the extent you need, we can also advise on the main message, agenda, and overall structure – drawing from industry best practices and insights from your peers.

  • Phase 2 (2-4 weeks): Designing and Elevating Business Segments and other Sections

    After phase 1, the design style is locked, and collaboration processes are fine tuned. Next, we design the remaining “sections” (business segments, capabilities).
  • Phase 3 (final 2-4 weeks): Finalizing / Bringing it all together

    1. At this stage, the design process is iterative. Typically, IR teams are performing dry runs, and we’re making changes dynamically.
    2. Often, we’ll play the role of zooming out to ensure the main message is still coherent, and cohesive
    3. Also, we coordinate with your Event and AV partners to ensure the presentation output is perfect

Pricing: For an Investor Day Presentation, our pricing has ranged from $30K to $100K+. A low-end scenario involves us designing fewer sections, and providing money slides or templates to IR teams to build slides on their own. Larger budgets allow full deck design work, continuous iterations, and strategic advisory work, i.e., story + content enhancements. 

Get Investor Day ready with our Jumpstart Package

We know it’s not easy to find the perfect partner for your Investor Day. That’s why we’ve created an Investor Day Jumpstart Package. It’s a great way to test-drive our services before committing a larger budget. Visit the link for more info.

d. Miscellaneous Deliverables

We also help our IR clients with ESG presentations, LinkedIn earnings posts, factsheets, and infographics. Pls see our website for project examples.

Thank you

So, there you go. Thank you for taking interest in our work. As always, if you’re thinking of upgrading any of your investor materials, pls reach out for a no-obligation consultation. Or, simply reach out via email at outkreate@outkreate.com

Learn more about OUTKREATE’s Investor Relations Solutions

Tell your investment story impactfully with IR solutions that drive analysts engagement, build shareholder confidence and showcase your brand.

We will help you make your IR communications more compelling. We can transform your Investor Overview Deck, Quarterly Earnings, Conference Decks, Investor Days and more. 

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QC: Masterclass #1 – Establishing a stress-free system for your earnings presentation https://outkreate.com/qc-masterclass-1-establishing-a-stress-free-system-for-your-earnings-presentation/ https://outkreate.com/qc-masterclass-1-establishing-a-stress-free-system-for-your-earnings-presentation/#respond Fri, 20 Oct 2023 15:32:08 +0000 https://outkreate.com/?p=7716 Is your earnings deck effectively conveying your message, or has it grown unwieldy and complex? Our masterclass will help you simplify your earnings messaging and establish a stress-free system. Date: Wednesday, October 18, 2023Format: Virtual ET (Microsoft Teams) – The Microsoft teams link will be provided to you 1 week in advance.Time: 12:00 – 1:00pm ETCost: Free for CIRI […]

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Is your earnings deck effectively conveying your message, or has it grown unwieldy and complex? Our masterclass will help you simplify your earnings messaging and establish a stress-free system.

Date: Wednesday, October 18, 2023
Format: Virtual ET (Microsoft Teams) – The Microsoft teams link will be provided to you 1 week in advance.
Time: 12:00 – 1:00pm ET
Cost: Free for CIRI members, $25 for non-members (plus taxes)

  • How to simplify your earnings story, elevate your messaging, and create a stress-free system; and
  • Real-world examples (including before-after) will be shared to bring home the learnings.

All CIRI members, as this is an opportunity to learn more about artificial intelligence and network with your peers. Everyone is welcome, members and non-members.

Harry Shah, Founder & CEO, OUTKREATE, a Premier Presentation Agency

Since founding OUTKREATE in 2016, Harry and his team have partnered with IROs across diverse industries like The Hershey Company, Northrop Grumman, Hasbro, ITT, Belden, Newmark, and Armstrong Worldwide Industries. Renowned for intelligent presentations, OUTKREATE drives meaningful IRO results, whether for high-stakes Investor Days or on-point earnings communication. Harry holds an MS in Industrial and Systems Engineering from Virginia Tech and resides in Washington, DC with his family.  

When:
10/18/2023 12:00 PM – 1:00 PM
Eastern Daylight Time

Where:
Virtual – Eastern Time,
CANADA

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Elevating Newmark’s investor thesis to bridge perception gaps https://outkreate.com/newmark-outkreate-case-study/ https://outkreate.com/newmark-outkreate-case-study/#respond Thu, 19 Oct 2023 10:30:18 +0000 https://outkreate.com/?p=6664 Newmark Group, Inc. (NMRK) is a major player in the commercial real estate (CRE) space, with a history dating back to 1929. They are amongst the top 5 CRE companies in the US, with an ambition to expand globally.  NMRK’s IR team’s goal was to make their investment thesis more relevant, and compelling based on […]

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Newmark Group, Inc. (NMRK) is a major player in the commercial real estate (CRE) space, with a history dating back to 1929. They are amongst the top 5 CRE companies in the US, with an ambition to expand globally. 

NMRK’s IR team’s goal was to make their investment thesis more relevant, and compelling based on the new realities of the global economy and markets. They tapped OUTKREATE to transform their General Investor Presentation.

Challenge

In the post-pandemic landscape, investors and analysts expressed concerns regarding the company’s substantial focus on office real estate in major U.S. cities.

In reality, contrary to perception, the company’s actual business portfolio showed more diversification than what it got credit for. 46% of its revenue was generated from thriving sectors such as multi-family housing and industrial real estate. Surprisingly, this fact and several other positives like growing recurring revenue and global expansion, weren’t clearly conveyed in their existing Investor Overview presentation.

To address this, the IRO saw a need to transform their investor story to close perception gaps with the investors.

Before Version: Lack of a clear narrative. Also, very heavy on numbers, busy text, not engaging visually.

Solution

In the discovery phase, we found a gap between the IRO’s pitch and the messaging in the presentation. To bridge this gap, we asked a lot of questions to the IR team to gather context. We also dove into the company’s existing materials, such as previous earnings presentations, which unearthed the company’s strong business model and strengths in growing sectors of the broader economy. 

We then restructured the presentation, based on our best-in-class practices for Investor Overview presentations. 

We also fine-tuned the headlines, i.e., the main-message on each slide, and simplified content. We applied data-visualization best practices to simplify complex charts, ensuring they are more clear and easy to understand. And that’s not it. We made sure that the entire deck was very visual – giving it a fresh, modern look. We pushed boundaries but also consulted Newmark’s in-house creative team to ensure we’re staying true to their brand guidelines

After Version: Has a clear structure, strong narrative. Data visualization makes it visually engaging

Results

1. The right structure

The transformed deck starts strong with a clear opening slide showcasing a strong company with many accolades, followed by a compelling case of NMRK being a diversified business. Next, the investment thesis slide articulates the four key “whys”, and the rest of the presentation follows this flow. Every slide is easy to follow with strong headlines and clear takeaways.

The new presentation structure is base on the 4 key 'WHYs' reasons, pillars of the investor thesis
2. Visually impactful

To highlight the diversity of the sectors in which the company is involved and a well-rounded portfolio, we used images from various sectors, not just commercial office space. This visual approach strengthens the message

We made the deck more visual to amplify the messaging. Highlighting the diverse sectors of Newmark
3. The Perfect Pitch

The presentation received strong, positive feedback from the C-suite. It was published on the company’s investor relations website. It also made a strong impression at an investor-focused meeting.

In addition, the IR team is now utilizing slides, and inspiration from this deck in all other IR materials (earnings, non-deal roadshows, and more).

The Overview Deck now serves as the foundation for Newmark's other Investor Materials

Here’s what our client has to say:

“We worked with Outkreate to enhance Newmark’s General Investor presentation. They brought an external perspective and uncovered gaps in our story, collaborating with us to improve messaging and visualization. The final presentation was well-received by our leadership and external audiences.”

Jason McGruder,
Head of Investor Relations, Newmark

Learn more about OUTKREATE’s Investor Relations Solutions

Tell your investment story impactfully with IR solutions that drive analysts engagement, build shareholder confidence and showcase your brand.

We will help you make your IR communications more compelling. We can transform your Investor Overview Deck, Quarterly Earnings, Conference Decks, Investor Days and more. 

Thinking of UPGRADING your Overview Deck?
Start by scheduling a no-obligation assessment today.

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Mastering Your Investor Day’s Main Message https://outkreate.com/mastering-your-investor-days-main-message/ https://outkreate.com/mastering-your-investor-days-main-message/#respond Tue, 05 Sep 2023 07:23:56 +0000 https://outkreate.com/?p=6506 Are you gearing up for your company’s upcoming Investor Day? As an Investor Relations Officer, the success of your I-Day relies heavily on a compelling main message that you want your analyst audience to walk away with. Consider these 3 steps when creating your main message. 01 Be clear on your “Why?” As you craft […]

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Are you gearing up for your company’s upcoming Investor Day? As an Investor Relations Officer, the success of your I-Day relies heavily on a compelling main message that you want your analyst audience to walk away with.

Consider these 3 steps when creating your main message.

01

Be clear on your “Why?”

As you craft your main message, it’s crucial to clearly define the purpose and value of your investor day. Why are you hosting this event? Are you introducing a new CEO or CFO? Announcing a change in strategy? Providing updates on your company’s transformation? Pinpointing the “why” behind your I-day sets the foundation for your main message. Aligning on the “why” with your C-suite upfront will also give you cover to pushback on less relevant ideas or topics as you further facilitate content / slides development. 

02

Address perception gaps

Above – take a look at how this IRO addressed perception gaps head-on within their main message. While this practice isn’t a secret, it’s worth noting common pitfalls:

The Confidence Trap: At times, IROs are so confident about what their audience wants to hear that they skip the key step of conducting a perception study.

Lost in the Shuffle: Alternatively, they might have done the study, but the crucial gaps uncovered fail to find their place in the narrative or get drowned out amid the louder voices of C-suite execs.

A Clever Shortcut: Consider this handy tactic: Create a list of perception gaps or topics that require addressing. Now, picture these gap topics in the spotlight.

Here’s an illustrative example


In this instance, the CEO initiated the presentation with this list of “gap topics”, transforming it into a rallying point. This approach compelled all leaders to align their messages with these gaps. The icing on the cake? By acknowledging these gaps to your analysts, you make them feel “heard.” This is the cornerstone of building genuine buy-in during an I-day. Remember, they’re not attending your event for a one-sided monologue. They’re seeking a meaningful exchange of information.

03

Advance your point of view

Addressing perception gaps is akin to being reactive or playing defense, i.e., you’re giving analysts what they want to hear. Next, it’s only fair that you go on the offense, and make your leadership’s voice heard. Incorporate your “offense” items into your main message, and by virtue, throughout your I-day. 

Take Tesla as an example above. Their analysts aren’t necessarily asking Tesla to “advance the world’s transition to sustainable energy”. But, they have effectively integrated this unique point of view as part of their investor story. This POV sets Tesla apart, helps them continue to grow their addressable market, and makes Tesla’s cause bigger than themselves. 

Whether it’s a bold mission statement, a revolutionary approach, or an innovative strategy, showcasing your distinct viewpoint will show your business savvy, and get your audience excited about your investor thesis. 

04

Keep your main thing the main thing

Apply these 3 steps and your business insights to craft a strong initial ‘main message.’ As you build out each of the I-Day sections (CEO’s, CFO’s, etc.), ensure alignment with your main message, and vice versa. Keep iterating until you achieve a unified narrative. Best of luck!

P.S. Need help with your Investor Day or upgrading your Earnings Presentation? Send us an email on hello@outkreate.com and we’ll share practical ideas to help you meet your Investor goals.

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From “Steak” to “Sizzle”: Maximizing Impact in Investor Day Presentations https://outkreate.com/from-steak-to-sizzle-maximizing-impact-in-investor-day-presentations/ https://outkreate.com/from-steak-to-sizzle-maximizing-impact-in-investor-day-presentations/#respond Fri, 09 Jun 2023 10:26:13 +0000 https://outkreate.com/?p=7856 Wednesday, June 7, 2023 | 11:35AM – 11:55AM | Room: Sheraton Ballroom  |   Express TalkHarry Shah Crafting a winning presentation for Investor Day is crucial for every IRO. The key to success is striking the right balance between ‘steak’ (substance) and ‘sizzle’ (style). In this 20-minute session, you’ll learn to blend compelling messaging and […]

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Wednesday, June 7, 2023 | 11:35AM – 11:55AM | Room: Sheraton Ballroom  |   Express Talk
Harry Shah

Crafting a winning presentation for Investor Day is crucial for every IRO. The key to success is striking the right balance between ‘steak’ (substance) and ‘sizzle’ (style). In this 20-minute session, you’ll learn to blend compelling messaging and bold design for maximum engagement and impact. 

Discover the essential ingredients for ‘steak’: identify your main message, structure your Investor-day agenda and story, and create easy-to-digest slides. Equally important, learn to incorporate ‘sizzle’ via modern, visually appetizing design. Real-world slides will be shared to bring the learnings home.

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From the Webinar: Creating Impactful IR Presentations — Sharing our Aha Moments! https://outkreate.com/from-the-webinar-creating-impactful-ir-presentations-sharing-our-aha-moments/ https://outkreate.com/from-the-webinar-creating-impactful-ir-presentations-sharing-our-aha-moments/#respond Thu, 22 Sep 2022 09:56:05 +0000 https://outkreate.com/?p=2178 We live in the world of presentations 24X7, and yet learned new insights from my fellow panelists, Mark Zindler and Gervais Williams during our webinar on IR Magazine last week.  Here are my few light-bulb moments. 01 Loved Gervais’s idea to add a pinch of surprise to your slides from time to time. Add something […]

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We live in the world of presentations 24X7, and yet learned new insights from my fellow panelists, Mark Zindler and Gervais Williams during our webinar on IR Magazine last week. 

Here are my few light-bulb moments.

01

Loved Gervais’s idea to add a pinch of surprise to your slides from time to time.

Add something unusual about your company/ products or a highlight from the last quarter that surprises your audience.

My take – breaking patterns can be an effective way to inform and engage your audience. This can work well for ongoing communications, e.g., earnings slides, quarterly investor overview updates.

02

Mark shared this great advice, “Don’t fall in the trap of repeating what you’ve done before”.

My take – We have a tendency to go back to past slides and rinse and repeat. Instead, let’s ask, “what’s the purpose?”, “what do you want your audience to do?”, and tailor your message.

03

Based on feedback, our “steak and sizzle” idea resonated well. “Impactful” presentations require both steak and sizzle.

Steak = putting your audience first and creating an on-purpose story.
Sizzle = visually-engaging and crystal-clear slides – to make your message appetizing.

Perhaps, add one more thing? “Deliver with conviction”, as investors like Gervais are noticing. 🙂

We’d love to hear how you create impactful investor presentations. Please leave a comment about what has and hasn’t worked for you while designing an Investor Deck that engages your audiences.

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A how-to guide: Creating impactful investor presentations that help differentiate your story https://outkreate.com/webinar-a-how-to-guide-creating-impactful-investor-presentations-that-help-differentiate-your-story/ https://outkreate.com/webinar-a-how-to-guide-creating-impactful-investor-presentations-that-help-differentiate-your-story/#respond Thu, 15 Sep 2022 14:47:59 +0000 https://outkreate.com/?p=7839 Wednesday, September 14, 20228.00 am PT / 11.00 am ET / 4.00 pm BST / 5.00 pm CETDuration: 45 minutes As investor conferences and capital market days increase, presentations are a critical opportunity to get your message in front of time-pressured investors. With so much at stake, are you confident that your presentations are getting […]

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Wednesday, September 14, 2022
8.00 am PT / 11.00 am ET / 4.00 pm BST / 5.00 pm CET
Duration: 45 minutes

As investor conferences and capital market days increase, presentations are a critical opportunity to get your message in front of time-pressured investors. With so much at stake, are you confident that your presentations are getting the right message across? In this webinar, we look at what investors want from your presentation, what adds value and, more importantly – what doesn’t. What can you do to achieve your presentation goals in a world of time pressures and shrinking attention spans? Whether you are an experienced IR professional or new to IR, this webinar is for you. In this webinar, you’ll hear:
  • What do investors and analysts want from your investor presentations
  • How to tailor your presentation to the various audiences: Investors vs analysts
  • Creating an emotionally engaging story that resonates and leaves a long-lasting impression
  • The dos and don’ts of putting together a visually appealing message
  • Proven tips for structuring and designing your content from start to finish
  • Using metrics to evaluate your performance and improve consistently

Speakers:
Moderator: James Beech, editor-in-chief, IR Magazine
Harry Shah, founder and CEO, OUTKREATE – a presentation design agency
Gervais Williams, head of equities, Premier Miton Investors
Mark Zindler, vice president, investor relations, Verra Mobility

Check out the summary of the Webinar:
Dos and don’ts: Mastering the investor presentation

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