Fighting a Better Fight – Proxy Contest Websites That Work for You

Fighting a Better Fight – Proxy Contest Websites That Work for You

This proxy season has shown that proxy contest websites can be effective weapons for activist investors who know how to use them. Proxy contest websites may become even more relevant next season if the SEC’s May 20th, 2009 proposed rule amendments to facilitate the rights of shareholders to nominate directors on corporate boards goes into effect. When another SEC rule, Notice and Access, went into full effect in January 2009 electronic distribution of proxy material officially replaced traditional paper mailings as the default method of distribution. As investors and corporations adjust to the change and realize the effectiveness of communicating with shareholders online the quality of online investor materials, including the rapidly evolving proxy contest website, is improving. Whether published by shareholders fighting for improvements at a company or company management defending itself from a shareholder looking for changes, the more effective the proxy contest website the more influence it will have on shareholder votes.

If you’re an investor preparing to wage a proxy battle how can you stay ahead of the curve and make your proxy contest website work for you?

Here are a few tips to get you started.

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10 Tips for Getting More Out of Your Investment Firm’s Websites

A key strategy for retaining current clients and adding new assets in this competitive market is more frequent and focused client communication, combined with superior product distribution. There are so many ‘look alike’ financial services products that the spoils often go to the firm with the best ‘distribution’, not the best product. One of the most powerful, cost effective tools for keeping communication relevant and differentiating a firm and it’s products — the website — is often underutilized.

Here are ten tips to help you build an effective online strategy. Incorporate two or three items into your plan each quarter and you’ll end the year with an online strategy that puts your firm and fund websites to work for you.

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