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news aktuell (Schweiz) AG

Adding value to Investor Relations with Social Media

Zurich (ots)

As part of corporate communications, the role of
social media is continually on the rise. If social media are used in 
a targeted way and tailored to the specific needs of a company, they 
can effectively add value to Investor Relations services as further 
communications channels.
To what extent is the use of social media relevant, possible, and 
useful in day-to-day Investor Relations? What do you need to know 
about these instruments and channels, which resources do you need to 
employ - and what are the right strategies? The information event 
"Investor Relations and Social Media - opportunities and limits in 
day-to-day Investor Relations", hosted jointly by Sensus Investor & 
Public Relations and news aktuell, examined these questions from 
different perspectives.
According to Lars Müller, IR Services product manager at news 
aktuell, social media activities in the US have become part and 
parcel of the dialogue with IR target audiences, including current 
and potential investors, analysts or journalists. This makes sense as
nearly all of the relevant tools and channels were developed in the 
US. Europe, including particularly the German speaking region, is 
clearly lagging behind these developments. But despite some 
reservations, IR managers in Switzerland are well advised to examine 
social media sooner rather than later and to develop a strategy that 
reflects the particular needs of their company.
The key question, says Marco Metzler, business editor at NZZ 
Online, is whether social media add value for journalists. So far, he
argues, examples of added value are few and far between and it 
remains unclear, which role social media will play going forward. For
now, the new channels and communications means provide practically 
unfettered opportunity with hardly any boundaries in sight. Social 
media are unlikely to replace other channels of communication, but 
will only act to supplement them with the key being the choice of the
right platform for the specific target audience. In his view, the 
greatest opportunity would be to set up a focused social network that
brings together firms and investors.
Financial analyst at Vontobel Bank, Carla Bänziger, pointed out 
that the traditional ways of disseminating information to 
professional investors and analysts remain unchallenged for now. But 
she expects companies to increasingly turn to social media networks 
in the future, though the focus will be more on informing customers 
rather than private investors. She too confirmed the gap with the US:
Around half the companies on the S&P index use social media for 
Investor Relations, while in Switzerland, even SMI firms only 
occasionally use social media. This provides the opportunity for 
"early adopters" to position themselves as cutting edge while 
benefitting from the advantages of social media.
Peter Kuster, partner at Sensus Investor & Public Relations, was 
pleased that the event initiated positive impulses: "Presenting 
social media in all its facets, both good and bad, seems to have 
inspired many participants to review where their company stands on 
the issue as quickly as possible. This will enable them to develop 
the strategy and tools that deliver a return on their investment."
About sensus
The sensus competence centers Strategy & Consulting, Financial & 
Investor Relations, Corporate Communications as well as Corporate 
Publishing combine comprehensive communications and industry know- 
how for effective and successful communications. sensus advises and 
supports national and international companies of various sizes and 
industries. The team unites experienced communication professionals 
with a strong commitment to quality and professionalism. 
www.sensus.ch
About news aktuell
As a subsidiary of the SDA, news aktuell knows how the media and 
the financial markets work. news aktuell offers maximum coverage, 
innovative distribution technology, and effective tools for public 
relations. The investor relations service euro adhoc ensures optimal 
financial communication. Over 1.000 communications departments from 
Swiss companies, organizations and PR agencies trust in the services 
of news aktuell. www.newsaktuell.ch

Contact:

Peter Kuster
Phone: +41/43/366'55'11
E-Mail: pkuster@sensus.ch