Maureen Wolff Sharon Merrill Associates

Video: The Sharon Merrill Approach

What makes Sharon Merrill Associates excel in the world of strategic communications? Trust. Experience. Resilience. Passion. Vision. Perspective. Partnerships. Take a look at our story and see how we leverage these qualities to help you build value.

Sharon Merrill Associates CEO Pay

In Discussing CEO Pay Ratios, Context Is Everything

New disclosure rule presents an “apples and oranges” problem As any communication veteran knows, every corporate “happening” creates a messaging opportunity. That is certainly the case with the impending round of pay-ratio disclosures. Starting this year, under an SEC amendment to Regulation S-K, which stemmed from a provision in the Dodd-Frank Wall Street Reform and Consumer Protection…

Sharon Merrill Associates Investor Relations

The Timing of Negative News: A Lesson from the Boston Bruins

Timing is everything. On Tuesday, one of the “Original Six” hockey teams fired its long-time coach Claude Julien, who in 2011 led the team to a Stanley Cup victory. The Bruins had underperformed in recent years, especially this one, and Julien, who had been the NHL’s longest-tenured coach, was shown the door. The announcement of…

Sharon Merrill Associates Investor Relations

When It’s Time for a Change: CEO Succession

Whether it’s the longtime CEO’s retirement or the recent hire’s sudden exit, communicating the transition of the top executive is one of the most critical messaging tasks a company can undertake. So let’s discuss them both: the transitions that are well-planned, thoughtful and strategic, and those that are likely to catch investors by surprise. Here…

Sharon Merrill Associates Investor Relations

In-N-Out in IR for 2017

It’s once again time for our tongue-in-cheek roadmap of what’s in and what’s out in investor relations, and more, for the upcoming year. We hope you enjoy, and have a happy, healthful and successful 2017. In Out Empathy challenge Mannequin challenge FinTech Traditional banks Tick size program Mosquitos Smart homes Dumbwaiters IRC CFA Passive investing Active…

Sharon Merrill Associates Investor Relations

Holly Jolly Market

(to the tune of “Holly Jolly Christmas”) Have a holly jolly market It’s the best one of the year Dow is up, don’t press your luck Two weeks are left in the year   Have a holly jolly market Take your meetings on the Street Tension’s low, and funds have dough And bears are in…

Sharon Merrill Associates Investor Relations The Podium

In-N-Out in IR For 2016

It’s once again time for our tongue-in-cheek roadmap of what’s in and what’s out in investor relations, and more, for the upcoming year. We hope you enjoy, and have a happy and successful 2016. In Out Elections Debates Mexico, Vietnam, Nigeria BRICs Drones Radio Shack Corporate Social Responsibility Hedge funds Millennials Everyone Else India China Uberization…

Sharon Merrill Associates Presentation Training The Podium

Four Steps to Deliver a Captivating Presentation

The ability to deliver a captivating presentation, whether at meetings, investor conferences or in a more personal one-on-one setting is challenging for most. Even those who are naturally gifted still need to practice to be their best. Don’t make the mistake of spending inordinate amounts of time developing a PowerPoint presentation, and little time preparing…

Sharon Merrill Associates Investor Relations NIRI

A Fireside Chat with NIRI President and CEO Jim Cudahy

I moderated a fireside chat with NIRI’s new President and CEO, Jim Cudahy, as part of NIRI Boston’s 2015-2016 Season Kickoff Event last week. We talked about the state of IR today, and what we can expect from NIRI in the year to come. Here’s what he told us: Time to dust off our books.…