The rapidly growing global economy offers opportunities for investment and market entry and expansion in the former Soviet Union, Europe and the Americas. To realize these opportunities, senior executive decision-makers must consider all potential risks and contingencies, including political and regulatory, market and business climate and reputation issues. Accurate information and insightful analysis, as well as a comprehensive strategy and plan of action, are crucial to success.

Government Policy & Regulations
All private sector companies are subject to legislation and public policies that could influence the profitability and reputation of an organization. When draft legislation in the Russian State Duma, U.S. Congress or European Parliament emerges that could be a threat or opportunity, senior decision-makers need critical information and analysis to understand potential impacts to the company, the positions of key government decision-makers and stakeholders in business, industry and consumers, and what government relations and public affairs options are needed to effectively address possible scenarios.

Crisis Response
A crisis situation can negatively impact a company's profits, but equally important, damage its reputation with consumers, investors, policy-makers, news media and other key audiences, if it is not properly managed. Building a capability to address crises is an essential part of a company's business communications strategy in developed and emerging markets.

Corporate Communications Strategies
Managing crises is but one element of an effective corporate communications capability. Today's world of real-time, instantaneous communications anywhere on the globe makes it crucial for any organization to be able to effectively communicate consistent messages to both internal and external audiences. The perception of an organization to its key audiences and stakeholders can mean the difference between success and failure. Developing a comprehensive and coordinated strategy for government relations, public affairs, media and community relations must become an integral part of any organization's strategy.

Market Entry/Expansion
Emerging developments, such as the signing of the US-Russia Bilateral Agreement on WTO Accession, are creating new business and investment opportunities to explore. A critical element of any decision-making strategy, whether a market entry or expansion plan, is to have research and analysis on the marketplace, industry sector and consumer perceptions.

All of the above should be key considerations of any company operating in the former Soviet Union, Europe and the Americas or seeking to enter these dynamic marketplaces. T. Thomson & Associates assists senior executive decision-makers through research, analysis, strategy and planning to develop the right strategy and plan, to recruit the right team and to effectively manage projects to achieve a client's overarching strategic objectives.

Our Strategic Approach
The T. Thomson & Associates approach to assisting clients starts with developing an in-depth understanding of the client's goals and objectives, as well as studying the client's industry sector, political, economic and business issues affecting the industry, and the marketplace. Once having a complete picture of the client's challenges and opportunities, we develop a mutually agreeable scope of work, budget and timeline.

Putting together first class project teams with the right combination of professional skills is essential to providing clients with high quality service. T. Thomson & Associates is a partner in RST International LLC, an international business strategy consultancy, which specializes in the Russian and US markets. We also maintain several strategic alliances with several highly regarded international business and strategic communications consultancies, law firms, market opinion research companies, investment companies and advertising firms.