When I say BRANDING
and HEDGE FUND in the same sentence,
what are your first impressions?
Poll:
Brand is the sum of all information
about a product, service, or
company that is conveyed through
communications and experience…
…creating an associative and
emotional relationship between
that entity and its stakeholders
Brand is the cohesive story
of the smart decisions
you make to maximize
value for stakeholders
Strategy
Track record
Brand Vision
Philosophy
Personality
Values
Reputation
+
+
+
+
+
+
Brand is rational
and emotional
“Brand can drive future sales
growth, pricing power and profit
margins - strong brand translates
into solid future EPS growth
“I’ve always
just been
a Nike person”
“Brand is an intangible asset, but
it does have value and can be
measured even though it’s not on
the balance sheet”
“I would rather feel
bad in Maine then
good anywhere else
in the world”
“Wherever you go, there
are three icons that
everyone knows: Jesus
Christ, Pele and Coca-
Cola”
“Companies that have a brand,
and are able to monetize that
brand, are tremendously
profitable”
RATIONAL EMOTIONAL
Having a brand matters to
your firm because you
need to be trusted
It is hard to sell trust directly;
your brand can be that container to
build the components of trust
Trust
/trəst/
Noun
Firm belief in the capability, reliability, and truth
in someone or something
Synonyms: confidence, belief, faith, certainty, assurance,
conviction, credence, reliance
Strong brands generate
greater demand
Share
Price
share
$
Unbranded
curve
Branded
curve
In 2011,
35% of U.S.
consumers polled
said they would
pre-order the
iPhone 5…
sight and price
unseen
BRAND
EQUITY
MODEL OUTCOME
Funds at any stage, are
chasing demand so they can
execute their strategy
Growing
Proven
Established
Size (AUM) < $500M
Strategic priority:
Sourcing investors
FUND STAGE
Size (AUM) $500M - $1B
Strategic priority:
Closing funds to
new investors
DEMAND
TRUST
Size (AUM) > $1B
Strategic priority:
Seeding additional funds
Brand is the conduit between
trust and demand for funds
at any stage
Growing
Proven
Established
Size (AUM) < $500M
Strategic priority:
Sourcing investors
FUND STAGE
Size (AUM) $500M - $1B
Strategic priority:
Closing funds to
new investors
DEMAND
TRUST
Size (AUM) > $1B
Strategic priority:
Seeding additional funds
Brands tell a compelling story
about a fund’s capabilities,
reliability, and truth
Proving track
record of success
Reaffirming
reliability
Expanding influence
through thought
leadership
Communicating
truth
Establishing credibility
through pedigree and
unique philosophy
Defining
capabilities
STRATEGIC
PRIORITY
ROLE OF
THE BRAND
DEMAND
DRIVING
OUTCOME
Closing funds to
new investors
Seeding
additional funds
Sourcing
investors
Customer Obsessed Pervasive Innovation
Ruthlessly Pragmatic Distinctively Inspired
…and depend on four
primary objectives
Prophet Project Proposal 21Proprietary and confidential. Do not distribute.
First, having the discipline to stay
customer obsessed like none other
in their category. This doesn’t mean
simply conducting research. It
means tirelessly working to
creatively uncover breakthrough
insights that give rise to fresh, new
ideas for how, where, and when to
engage and win with customers.
Customer Obsessed
Prophet Project Proposal 22Proprietary and confidential. Do not distribute.
hgal
Second, continually practicing
pervasive innovation. This is a
philosophy of being nimble and
responsive in creating opportunities
for authentic engagement, and of
delighting customers at every turn.
Whether it is with new offerings,
content, channels, experiences, or
business models, brands that
constantly give customers fresh,
novel, better ways to interact and
engage will win.
Pervasive Innovation
Prophet Project Proposal 23Proprietary and confidential. Do not distribute.
Third, being ruthlessly pragmatic in
how the brand can support the
business strategy, and how it is
brought to life in practice. This
requires clear alignment around the
brand’s role in driving business
growth and a practical approach to
ensure new proof points to activate
the brand positioning.
Ruthlessly Pragmatic
Prophet Project Proposal 24Proprietary and confidential. Do not distribute.
But all this has to be built on the
brand being distinctively inspired in
its promise and ambition. The brand
has to be supported and pushed by
employees’ energy and talent –
they need to feel that they own it.
Distinctively Inspired
MAKING ROOM
ON THE STRIP...
…in a saturated
market with a
difficult operating
environment
Brand can be the tool that unlocks the
opportunity that lies in the tensions you face
Transparency
vs.
Mystery
Differentiated
vs.
Dependable
Human
vs.
Machine
“Title Slide 2” layout. White background cover page – Option 1 (logo + image). Click the left image placeholder to insert an image, or drag an image into the placeholder. Manually place logo on the slide in the location indicated.
Please update the copy in the bottom right in the placeholders indicated (client or group or intention of meeting and fixed date)
This is the “Section Header 2” slide layout.
The content in the “Section Header” slides is carried through the slides following via the “section name” content placeholders on each slide layout for visual navigation of where users are in the presentation for tracking purposes.
“Statement Reverse” slide layout example. Enter copy in the main placeholder to make a statement or pose a question to kick off with storytelling. Copy can run multiple lines and users can add an extra space between paragraphs to delineate content.
If adding a subsequent point, that copy can be manually changed to any of the approved Prophet Theme colors and 4pt smaller (see above example)
“Statement Reverse” slide layout example. Enter copy in the main placeholder to make a statement or pose a question to kick off with storytelling. Copy can run multiple lines and users can add an extra space between paragraphs to delineate content.
If adding a subsequent point, that copy can be manually changed to any of the approved Prophet Theme colors and 4pt smaller (see above example)
“Statement Reverse” slide layout example. Enter copy in the main placeholder to make a statement or pose a question to kick off with storytelling. Copy can run multiple lines and users can add an extra space between paragraphs to delineate content.
If adding a subsequent point, that copy can be manually changed to any of the approved Prophet Theme colors and 4pt smaller (see above example)
“Statement Reverse” slide layout example. Enter copy in the main placeholder to make a statement or pose a question to kick off with storytelling. Copy can run multiple lines and users can add an extra space between paragraphs to delineate content.
If adding a subsequent point, that copy can be manually changed to any of the approved Prophet Theme colors and 4pt smaller (see above example)
“Statement Reverse” slide layout example. Enter copy in the main placeholder to make a statement or pose a question to kick off with storytelling. Copy can run multiple lines and users can add an extra space between paragraphs to delineate content.
If adding a subsequent point, that copy can be manually changed to any of the approved Prophet Theme colors and 4pt smaller (see above example)
“Statement Reverse” slide layout example. Enter copy in the main placeholder to make a statement or pose a question to kick off with storytelling. Copy can run multiple lines and users can add an extra space between paragraphs to delineate content.
If adding a subsequent point, that copy can be manually changed to any of the approved Prophet Theme colors and 4pt smaller (see above example)
“Statement Reverse” slide layout example. Enter copy in the main placeholder to make a statement or pose a question to kick off with storytelling. Copy can run multiple lines and users can add an extra space between paragraphs to delineate content.
If adding a subsequent point, that copy can be manually changed to any of the approved Prophet Theme colors and 4pt smaller (see above example)
This is the “Section Header 2” slide layout.
The content in the “Section Header” slides is carried through the slides following via the “section name” content placeholders on each slide layout for visual navigation of where users are in the presentation for tracking purposes.
“Statement Reverse” slide layout example. Enter copy in the main placeholder to make a statement or pose a question to kick off with storytelling. Copy can run multiple lines and users can add an extra space between paragraphs to delineate content.
If adding a subsequent point, that copy can be manually changed to any of the approved Prophet Theme colors and 4pt smaller (see above example)
TOP 100 MOST POWERFUL BRANDS IN 20121 OUTPERFORMED THE S&P 500 BY 37 PERCENTAGE POINTS BETWEEN 2006 AND 2011
BRANDS STRONGLY INFLUENCE NON-CUSTOMER STAKEHOLDERS, AND LOWER OPERATION COSTS
BRAND-GUIDED COMPANIES ON AVERAGE, HAVE PROFIT MARGINS NEARLY 2 TIMES THEIR RESPECTIVE INDUSTRY AVERAGE
BENEFITS:
BUILD ”GOOD CITIZENSHIP” WITH BROADER PUBLIC
TRIGGER INVESTOR/ANALYST FANTASY
BOOST TALENT ATTRACTION
FOSTER IDENTIFY AND BOOST EMPLOYEE MOTIVATION
DRIVE COLLABORATION ATTRACTIVENESS FOR PARTNERS
“Statement Reverse” slide layout example. Enter copy in the main placeholder to make a statement or pose a question to kick off with storytelling. Copy can run multiple lines and users can add an extra space between paragraphs to delineate content.
If adding a subsequent point, that copy can be manually changed to any of the approved Prophet Theme colors and 4pt smaller (see above example)
“Statement Reverse” slide layout example. Enter copy in the main placeholder to make a statement or pose a question to kick off with storytelling. Copy can run multiple lines and users can add an extra space between paragraphs to delineate content.
If adding a subsequent point, that copy can be manually changed to any of the approved Prophet Theme colors and 4pt smaller (see above example)
“Statement Reverse” slide layout example. Enter copy in the main placeholder to make a statement or pose a question to kick off with storytelling. Copy can run multiple lines and users can add an extra space between paragraphs to delineate content.
If adding a subsequent point, that copy can be manually changed to any of the approved Prophet Theme colors and 4pt smaller (see above example)
This is the “Section Header 2” slide layout.
The content in the “Section Header” slides is carried through the slides following via the “section name” content placeholders on each slide layout for visual navigation of where users are in the presentation for tracking purposes.
“Statement Reverse” slide layout example. Enter copy in the main placeholder to make a statement or pose a question to kick off with storytelling. Copy can run multiple lines and users can add an extra space between paragraphs to delineate content.
If adding a subsequent point, that copy can be manually changed to any of the approved Prophet Theme colors and 4pt smaller (see above example)
In this era of infinite expectation and persistent change, absolutely nothing is more critical for a brand than to be and remain relevant. Brands that have an unyielding commitment to making smart, bold business moves that amaze customers, push competitors out of consideration, and even define entire categories – all while remaining unwaveringly authentic to who they are – will win. At Prophet, we don’t believe that a brand’s relevance should be confined to a moment in time. We believe a brand needs to stay dynamic, constantly pushing itself to earn and re-earn its position and loyalty in the marketplace. We believe winning brands must be RELENTLESSLY RELEVANT.
First, having the discipline to stay customer obsessed like none other in their category. This doesn’t mean simply conducting research. It means tirelessly working to creatively uncover breakthrough insights that give rise to fresh, new ideas for how, where, and when to engage and win with customers.
Second, continually practicing PERVASIVE INNOVATION This is a philosophy of being nimble and responsive in creating opportunities for authentic engagement, and of delighting customers at every turn. Whether it is with new offerings, content, channels, experiences, or business models, brands that constantly give customers fresh, novel, better ways to interact and engage will win.
Third, being RUTHLESSLY PRAGMATIC in how the brand can support the business strategy, and how it is brought to life in practice. This requires clear alignment around the brand’s role in driving business growth and a practical approach to ensure new proof points to activate the brand positioning.
But all this has to be built on being DISTINCTIVELY INSPIRED in its promise and ambition. The brand has to be supported and pushed by employees’ energy and talent – they need to feel that they own it.
This is the “Section Header 2” slide layout.
The content in the “Section Header” slides is carried through the slides following via the “section name” content placeholders on each slide layout for visual navigation of where users are in the presentation for tracking purposes.
Lagging performance
Downward pressure on fees
Persistent investor distrust in the category and allocation hesitation
Changing regulatory environment driving increase demand for transparency
Overcrowding due to new competitors
Attracting and retaining talent
Establishing industry respected thought leadership
“Statement Reverse” slide layout example. Enter copy in the main placeholder to make a statement or pose a question to kick off with storytelling. Copy can run multiple lines and users can add an extra space between paragraphs to delineate content.
If adding a subsequent point, that copy can be manually changed to any of the approved Prophet Theme colors and 4pt smaller (see above example)