Phase 2: Gather

Step 1: Individual Insight

As you prepare for your meeting with Jennifer Matthews, and based on your initial research, begin to collect key information from Jennifer’s LinkedIn profile, shown to the right. Here, you’ll obtain essential information that can help you as you continue through the Audience Assessment and eventually tailor your message. 

Investigate Jennifer’s professional journey. Look for any recent news, updates, and any personal insights Jennifer may have shared about her role and experiences. Explore her…

  • current and previous roles

  • achievements

  • trajectory

The insights gained from each of these areas will help you uncover what led her to the CFO position at XYZ Corporation, and paint a picture of her values.

What did you learn?

Click on the tabs below to see what we uncovered.

  • As CFO of XYZ Corporation, Jennifer has showcased expertise in:

    • financial planning

    • analysis

    • strategic leadership

  • Her tenure as the Director of Finance at ABC Enterprises reflected a knack for enhancing financial efficiency, boosting profitability, and orchestrating successful mergers.

  • With an MBA from NYU and a BS from UPenn, along with CPA and CFA certifications, Jennifer brings a strong educational foundation to her CFO role.

Download Profile as a PDF

Step 2: Industry Analysis

During the research phase, you identified what industry Jennifer is in. Now it’s time to go further. Perform a Google search to investigate the financial landscape. Remember, this search can be as broad or narrow as you need it to be, based on the context of your communication. Some examples of topics you may want to research relate to…

  • recent performance of XYZ Corporation

  • key financial strategies implemented by Jennifer

  • notable financial achievements

  • current trends

  • challenges

  • opportunities in the broader financial sector 

Open a preferred browser in a new window. Enter your query and take some time to gather information. Once you have the results, consider how these external factors may influence Jennifer’s decision-making.

Step 3: Company Exploration

Analyze XYZ Corporation’s culture. Look for information on its recent financial performance, initiatives, mission, and values. What insights can you glean to align your conversation with the company’s ethos? This information has likely influenced Jennifer’s priorities.

Take a moment to look through XYZ Corporation’s website. What information stands out to you?

Click on the orange arrows (< >) to the left and right of the image to navigate.

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  • As CFO of XYZ Corporation, Jennifer has showcased expertise in:

    • financial planning

    • analysis

    • strategic leadership

  • Her tenure as the Director of Finance at ABC Enterprises reflected a knack for enhancing financial efficiency, boosting profitability, and orchestrating successful mergers.

  • Their core values of innovation, excellence, integrity, and collaboration underscore a commitment to continuous creativity, high standards, ethical conduct, and teamwork.

  • Recent News highlights groundbreaking products like the QuantumLeap series, integrating quantum computing, and strategic partnerships for sustainability.

By analyzing their website, you might have uncovered a few of the following key insights. Click on the tabs below to see them.

Aligning the conversation with these aspects would emphasize technology innovation, commitment to excellence, ethical conduct, and collaboration as integral elements within your meeting and discussion of XYZ Corporation with Jennifer.