Month: July 2020

Miracle Mile Advisors named to 2020 Financial Times 300 Top Registered Investment Advisers

Posted on July 30, 2020 by - Client News

Miracle Mile Advisors is pleased to announce it has been named to the 2020 edition of the Financial Times 300 Top Registered Investment Advisers. The list recognizes top independent RIA firms from across the U.S.

This is the seventh annual FT 300 list, produced independently by Ignites Research, a division of Money-Media, Inc., on behalf of the Financial Times. Ignites Research provides business intelligence on investment management.

RIA firms applied for consideration, having met a minimum set of criteria. Applicants were then graded on six factors: assets under management (AUM); AUM growth rate; years in existence; advanced industry credentials of the firm’s advisers; online accessibility; and compliance records. There are no fees or other considerations required of RIAs that apply for the FT 300.

For more information: Financial Times 300 Top RIA List (Financial Times)

Miracle Mile Advisors gives Forbes insight on building a personal advisory board

Posted on July 22, 2020 by - Client News

COVID-19 is making people take a hard look at their investment strategies, estate planning, insurance and their real estate. Market volatility has given rise to “experts” who are coming out of the woodwork with spam emails and ads that offer assistance with stocks or investment opportunities in hard assets like gold coins. Bad decisions are made in hard times, so it’s the perfect time to create an ad hoc personal advisory board for finances. People who are looking at the overall assets of your business and family. Businesses have Advisory Boards who take a hard look at the strengths and weaknesses of sales and revenue, receivables, expenses, debt and cash management to ensure the financial health of the organization. Who is doing the same thing for you to ensure a strong “Return on Life” (ROL).

Read the full article: Building a Personal Advisory Board for Finances (Forbes)

Miracle Mile Adviors speaks with Los Angeles Business Journal on the merger with Aequitas Wealth Management

Posted on July 20, 2020 by - Client News

Miracle Mile Advisors has merged with Playa Vista-based Aequitas Wealth Management, creating a company with assets under management of nearly $2 billion. According to the two firms, Aequitas principals Joe Alexopoulous and Sarah Lewis, will be joining Miracle Mile as managing directors.

“We don’t have an acquisition strategy,” said Miracle Mile Advisors founding partner Brock Moseley. “We’ve talked to a lot of people over the years, but it’s very rare for us to find people that share a value system and similar approach to us.”

Read the full article: Money Manager Miracle Mile Merges With Aequitas (Los Angeles Business Journal)

Lights, Camera…Zoom! | eNews from OWC

Posted on July 15, 2020 by - eNewsletter

Gone are the days when a company spokesperson would be grilled in the hot seat under the bright lights of television cameras in the studio. Today’s media interview hot seat is at home, with almost all of them being done via Zoom or similar video conferencing. In some ways, it is more convenient to conduct interviews, but there are new hurdles because much more depends on you. Preparation is as important as ever.

Becoming a sought-after Zoom interviewee requires virtual media training to equip company leaders and spokespeople with the tools to tackle the new format. What do you need to know?

  • Media 101 – The media landscape has drastically changed due to COVID-19. There are fewer reporters on staff and they are wearing multiple hats, so they have limited time for deep-dive interviews. What reporters need from your screen to theirs is someone who looks and sounds credible and is well-prepared for questions. Media do not want someone who drones on about how great their company is. They need a thought leader who can provide insight into an issue or trend — be it work-from-home, back-to-work, diversity and inclusion or current economic issues. Even on Zoom, you have less than a minute to solidify that first impression with the reporter and their audience. A spokesperson needs to think about what the reporter wants and how to deliver your Single Overriding Communications Objective — your SOCO.
  • Bridging Techniques – The number-one question we answer is: “How do I handle tough questions that I don’t want to answer?” It is as simple as A.T.M. – Answer the question, Transition to a topic you want to cover, and then deliver your key Message or SOCO.
  • Appearances Make a Difference – Don’t be lulled into a casual approach because you aren’t in a studio. Your on-screen visual appearance plays an important role in how you are perceived via Zoom. You need the right lighting, sound, camera framing, background, make-up and clothing to create the executive presence that defines you and your company.
  • Mock Interviews –Virtual media training will run a spokesperson through several simulated interviews that are recorded and reviewed to pinpoint wins and weaknesses. Surviving such tough questions is preparation for any interviewer who might try to take you off track.
  • Messaging, Messaging, Messaging – What is the most important take away from media training? Messaging. You’ve undoubtedly witnessed a business leader who misses opportunities because they can’t concisely communicate the unique key messages in a 10-second sound bite. What are the three things you need to say that represent your company’s brand? These messages also will be valuable for sales materials, news releases, social media posts and website copy.

Nailing the interview could be the difference between being a trusted source and thought leader to a news station, or never being contacted again. Many business leaders think they know how to interview, but strong leaders accept that they will be challenged and practice their responses to control facial expressions and nervous ticks. It’s important to note other’s mistakes.

Business executives can always improve their presentation style. You may be sitting comfortably at home with your dog at your feet, but you must still command the Zoom room with your presence.

Let us know how we can help. We offer a brief 2-hour session for one to three spokespersons, or half or full-day sessions for the entire senior leadership team.

Bluestone Sunshields CEO tells Reader’s Digest the benefits of wearing a face shield

Posted on July 15, 2020 by - Client News

As temperatures and levels of frustration continue to rise during the pandemic, wearing face masks have become a hot topic of discussion. Although wearing a face mask may sound like an inconvenience, especially in the summer months, they’re necessary to help prevent the spread of COVID-19. Jen Podany, CEO of Bluestone Sunshields shares her expert advice on the benefits of wearing a face shield.

“Although wearing a face shield with a mask is the optimal form of use, face shields are more breathable than cloth masks are,” says Podany. “[For example], our customers in the restaurant industry can quickly move without feeling suffocated while wearing shields.” Plus, Bluestone Sunshields, in particular, can help you avoid strange tan lines from masks.

Read the full article: Face Shield vs. Face Mask: Which Is Better? (Reader’s Digest)

Los Angeles Business Journal names OWC on the list of 75 Largest PR Firms in LA County

Posted on July 14, 2020 by - OWC News

OWC has been on the LABJ list of 75 Largest PR Firms in LA County every year for 11 years since its founding and continues to expand its services to the most innovative companies in healthcare, finance and technology. The company has expanded its offerings during this pandemic to include COVID-19 communications activities, including virtual media training, company statements and messaging, employee communication, social media management, and return to the office protocols and employee handbook updates.

“The need for clear and compelling communication has never been greater. Companies must take positions and quickly,” said Tracy Williams, CEO and founder. “We are all adapting and, in some cases, thriving in this new work-from-home reality, and without a doubt, we are all in this together.”

Read the full article here: Olmstead Williams Communications Named to List of Largest Los Angeles PR Firms for 11th Year (News Direct)

Miracle Mile Advisors gives Forbes examples of company ESG issues

Posted on July 6, 2020 by - Client News

“ESG” (Environmental, Social and Governance) investing refers to a class of investing that is also known as “sustainable investing. Forbes speaks with Miracle Mile Advisors on times when investors might see ESG issues align with stock performance.

“Each ESG circumstance must be analyzed on a case by case basis,” says Frank Lee, Managing Director for the Institutional Division of Miracle Mile Advisors in Los Angeles. “An example of a company’s ESG issues being aligned with the financial performance of the stock is Wells Fargo. Due to poor corporate ‘Governance’ (the ‘G’ in ESG) with fraudulent accounts and overcharging, Wells Fargo stock has suffered and underperformed versus its peers and the broad market.”

Read the full article: When Might You See ESG Issues Align With Stock Performance? (Forbes)

OWC’s Summer Stuck-At-Home Reading

Posted on July 1, 2020 by - eNewsletter

Some of us are finding that this is the best of times for finally tackling that great literary challenge—finishing War and Peace or just pressing on through all 63 novels of Stephen King. At OWC, the book table has been a veritable smorgasbord of high-brows and page-turners. Here are a few favorites of the staff:

Paulo: 

The Alchemist | Paulo Coelho

I realize I share a name with one of the greatest authors of our time. It feels trance-like to follow the protagonist as he embarks on an adventure to find the treasure of his dreams. Along the way, the story makes me reflect on our journeys and how to look forward to forging our own paths. Right now, we see a generation that’s unapologetically themselves – willful, thoughtful and engaged – that are taking to the streets and using their voices. It’s in our interest to build our own destiny by going out into the world and not hold back, to seek peace and wellness for ourselves and others. Throughout the book, I was inspired to never stop, to dream big, to work tirelessly and to always look forward to the next big step.

Wes:

The Miracle Morning: The Not-So-Obvious Secret Guaranteed to Transform Your Life | Hal Elrod

The Miracle Morning was great because it talked about how every small decision you make is an opportunity to become the person you want to be. Every single thought, choice and action we make is determining who we are becoming. The book pointed out that something as simple as hitting snooze on an alarm clock in the morning can have a significant impact on your subconscious mind instructing us not to follow through. The book was promoting us to be more disciplined because it will help us become better people in the long run. It was a powerful book written by a guy that put this methodology into practice to reach the pinnacle of success.

Phyllis:  

Those Who Leave and Those Who Stay | Elena Ferrante

Those Who Leave and Those Who Stay is the third book out of Elena Ferrante’s four-book series. Lately, my favorite reads have been the stories of friendships between women. The Neapolitan Novels series tells the story of a 60-year friendship between two women in a world undergoing radical changes. I highly recommend these books as well as the HBO series, “My Brilliant Friend,” which is based on the series and is a remarkable adaptation.

Sam:

The Woman in the Window | A.J. Finn

One book that sparked my interest for a summer read was The Woman in the Window. After listening to my sister’s recommendation, I thought it was appropriate for my summer read, since we’ve been cooped up in our houses for the last three months. This book centers on someone who is seemingly agoraphobic watching the neighbors as entertainment. Readers learn that things may not always be what they seem. If you enjoy thrillers, this book will leave you feeling anxious from start to finish.

Tracy:

Sapiens | Yuval Harari

Yuval Harari’s book Sapiens was at the top of Bill Gates’ reading list, so I put it on mine. It’s an anthropological dive into how we human beings were shaped, and the historical missteps made in how we’ve treated our fellow Sapiens throughout time. It reads like a novel as it pulls together all the breakthroughs since the beginning of the earth, allowing us to understand the downside to progress. Harari also shines a harsh light on our mastery of the mass killing of animals, pointing to the disease and inhumanity it has brought with it. Harari stops short of proselytizing veganism but I have a renewed admiration for my vegan friends.

Trish: 

Joseph Anton | Salman Rushdie

Part of what I love about Salman Rushdie’s writing is the way he interweaves history, other cultures and languages and even pop culture, although I admit, I often have to stop and look things up on Google. Joseph Anton is Rushdie’s biography and was no exception. The book offers a peek behind the curtain at Rushdie’s life in hiding (after a fatwa was put on him by Ayatollah Khomeini in response to his book The Satanic Verses) and eventual freedom. It was an excellent, informative read, especially now when freedom of speech, protest and oppression are such relevant topics.