1. How difficult is it to customize InvestorUpdate to the communication needs of my company?
Once you have developed a clear list of topics that you would like to communicate on a regular basis, it is very easy to set up corresponding 'prompts' in the system for each topic contributor. After assigning contributors, selecting a template, and determining the frequency of your communications, you are on your way to achieving a better way to communicate with your investors. Consulting services are also available to help you determine the topics that make the most sense for your communication needs. Update topics may include:
- Latest news – status, timelines, new hires, partnerships, product shipping, new customers, sales
- Competitive Update – what the competition is doing and the company's position
- Marketing Update – trade event participation, coverage in the news or relevant published articles
- Financials – numbers, graphics and/or text and commentary
- Investor Spotlight – meet fellow investors
- Related Links – include links to articles, blogs, etc. that may be of interest
- Crisis communication – send an unscheduled update when you need to communicate news that is not so good or when an unexpected event occurs that your investors would like to know about.
2. How do we make sure that our reports are sent out on time?
Email alerts are sent to contributors as reminders to submit status at a frequency determined during system setup. For example, reminders could be set to go out 15 days prior to the report publication date. When a status submission becomes overdue, a more urgent reminder is sent to the contributor and copied to the report owner or other designated person.
3. What are the different formats available for the reports and who customizes the look and feel?
Informia reports are available in HTML in the StakeholderPortal and PDF formats when sent by email using our Publishing Wizard. Stakeholders can also download a copy of an update in PDF through the portal. The informia update software includes over 20 standard report layouts, both one and two column styles. Within those, you can change header colors and had logos or header graphics to best match your organization's design standards. If you would like a report template completely tailored to your needs, we are happy to do that for you on a consultancy basis for a nominal fee. To get some ideas, visit our sample reports page.
4. Do we have to download or install any software to use Informia products?
Informia products are fully hosted so you don’t need to download or install any software to use them. All you need is a web browser, Chrome, Internet Explorer version 6.0 or Firefox version 2.0 or later. Of course, a reliable internet connection is required as well.
5. How long does it take to get up and running on InvestorUpdate?
Most companies can get their first update set up for input and delivery to stakeholders within 30-45 minutes. After that, unless you want to make changes, there is no setup required for the next update. Of course, you and your team members need to provide input to their responsible areas and you will need to review, edit, and make final tweaks to the Update before it is published to investors. We provide the mechanism to collaborate on the development of your report but we can't write it for you (now that would be a trick!).
6. Can Informia customize a version of the xUpdate products for my company?
The Informia products are highly configurable and designed to be adapted to meet the needs of many different organizations. However, if you have a unique set of requirements, Informia has talented resources who can create a version of InvestorUpdate, DonorUpdate, or AnyUpdate that meets your collaborative status reporting needs. Please contact us to discuss your particular situation.
7. Can I import Excel spreadsheets in to InvestorUpdate?
Currently you cannot import Excel spreadsheets but there are numerous ways to include data that is generated by Excel in your updates. The easiest way is to take a screen shot of the portion of the formatted spreadsheet that you want to include. On a Mac, use Command-Shift-4, and on a Windows computer, use a screen capture program like http://www.techsmith.com/screen-capture.asp. Save the file as a .jpg and then bring it in as a picture. You can also attach files, including Excel spreadsheets, when you publish the update to your investor list.