T. Thomson & Associates views its clients as partners and builds long-term relationships based on trust, commitment and proven performance. In every project, a principal is the client contact and project manager.

T. Thomson & Associates offers the following services:

Strategic Advice

Sources of objective, added value advice are vital to senior executive decision-makers. T. Thomson & Associates provides strategic advice to help our clients achieve their business objectives, even if it means telling them something that they don't want to hear.

Market Entry Strategy and Implementation

In conjunction with RST International, we prepare strategic plans for managing the political, regulatory, business/investment climate issues involved with entering the Russian or U.S. marketplaces, as well as specific issues involving tax, real estate, legal and brand or services marketing. T. Thomson & Associates also works with other strategic partners to assist American companies with market entry/expansion initiatives in other marketplaces. Developing a strategy is only the first step, and must be followed by effective implementation. We can provide the necessary staffing resources and assemble a team of professionals and consultants to work under our management to implement a plan to meet the client's goals and timeline.

Identify Potential Partners/Investors and Conduct Due Diligence Procedures

Finding the right partner or investor is critical to the success of a market entry strategy or market expansion. In cooperation with RST International, we work closely with clients to develop a profile for potential partners/investors and use this information to identify candidates through our extensive contacts in the US and Russia. The same approach is used to assist non-Russian companies seeking American partners and investors.

Government Relations and Public Affairs

We analyze policy, legislation and regulations to determine the implications for a client's near- and long-term business objectives in their home country or other countries, particularly in the US, Russia and in other countries of the former Soviet Union. Together with our clients, we use these findings to develop a strategy and work-plan to influence the outcome of the political decision-making process through opinion leader outreach, political lobbying, coalition building, news media relations and targeted paid or on-line advertising. We have in-depth experience in a range of policy issues, including intellectual property, energy, investment, banking, customs, to name just a few. The highest ethical and professional standards are maintained in all interactions with public officials and journalists.

News Media Relations and Spokesperson Preparation

To effectively communicate with its key audiences and stakeholders, private sector companies, non-profits or governments must take into consideration that these important people use diverse news media sources to access information. We assist clients to develop news media relations programs that targets mainstream and trade outlets in electronic, Internet-base and paper formats that are consumed by its key audiences and stakeholders. We use a variety of tools, including news conferences and briefings, interviews, opinion editorials, editorial boards, talk show appearances. To sharpen message delivery, we prepare media spokespersons through seminars to introduce media interview strategy, to develop messages, and techniques for handling tough questions. Live on-camera mock interviews are used to give attendees immediate feedback on their performance.

Corporate Communications Strategy and Planning

A key factor in the success of any organization is the ability to communicate a consistent and coordinated message to its primary external and internal audiences. Building an effective corporate communications strategy and plan is a senior executive and Board function, and should involve both the organization's communications professionals and operational staff. A strategy and plan that has the support of the organization's Board, senior executives and line staff will increase understanding of the organization's mission, products and services, as well as enhance and protect its reputation. We develop strategies and communications plans for companies, government bodies and NGOs that act as short and long-term roadmaps to reach this important goal. We work closely with the client's executive and operational team to assess the organization's challenges, current external and internal communication policies, possible exposures, and business strategy and objectives. The final strategy and plan will include recommended messages, programs and a timeline for implementation.

Market Opinion Research

Timely and accurate information is vital to developing a business strategy. We prepare and implement both quantitative and qualitative market opinion research to better understand perceptions held by a client's key audiences on products, services, policy issues, reputation, etc. T. Thomson & Associates collaborates with highly regarded research companies in the U.S. and abroad to assist with data collection and analysis.