You are definitely too busy to attend local training and networking events. You're not looking for a job. You don't need any new clients. You certainly don't need any more LinkedIn contacts or Facebook friends... So why should you give up some of your precious time? Although I'd argue that we're always looking for our next job, client or contact - there are 3 big reasons for those of us working in an emerging biotechnology area like NE Ohio.
1. Learn Something New
Many events sponsored by local business development organizations include an educational component like a speaker or panel discussion designed to help further the community knowledge base. An example of this is a recent series of events presented by BioEnterprise on the topic of selling to hospitals. This type of event is obviously an opportunity to learn something. Industry insights, regulatory or economic trends, emerging technologies or best practices for marketing or commercialization are all valuable take-away learning that could come from attending an event.
I recently developed the content for a series of educational events for BioEnterprise. Like most organizers of educational content, I wanted to make sure that my panelists each had something new to offer to even the most veteran marketer, So, even when you think there is nothing more to learn about a topic, there probably is. Ideas from outside industry. New technologies or regulations. New processes or tools. I've been in medical marketing for nearly 20 years but it didn't surprise me that I learned a great deal from my fellow speakers and panelists. In this case I learned a great deal about the rapidly evolving healthcare environment and how it is affecting the purchasing behavior of hospitals.
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Ohio Biotechnology and HealthCare Event Organizers |
2. Validation
Do you ever wonder if you're on the right track? Hearing about what other professionals are doing, or best-practices talks from experts may not always teach you something new. But - wouldn't it give you a boost in confidence to know you're interpreting guidelines correctly, or have implemented the right product development process or better yet that you're ahead of the curve with your social media or content marketing strategy compared to your peers. We all need a little validation once in a while and networking and educational events can give that to you.
Let's face it - Ohio is not a biotechnology hub like Boston or S. California - at least not yet. We don't regularly run into other medical marketing professionals in our social circles so it's important for us to attend local medical industry events in order to find each other. Sharing our experiences, successes and challenges generates that feeling that you're not alone and helps to build community. If you're feeling super smart and validated - perhaps reason #3 is the really big one for you!
3. Share Your Experience
Part of the challenge of developing the educational events for BioEnterprise I mentioned earlier was to identify experienced professionals who could speak on specific topics. Whether you're looking for an expert or looking to be an expert, your personal and professional network are essential. It was through networking events that I made the initial contacts that resulted in speaking and moderating at educational events. By sharing your knowledge and experiences with others at networking events, you help to enrich the local community. In a market that is growing like the Ohio Biotechnology and Healthcare community we all benefit from learning from each other.
I believe the aphorism "a rising tide lifts all boats" is the best description of why you should invest your time and energy in building the medical and biotechnology knowledge base of our area. Whether you work with an established organization or an entrepreneurial start-up, the more resources you're connected to in the community, the better able you are to do your job. The more successful medical businesses there are, the more opportunity there will be for all of us. We have many of the ingredients in Ohio to become a medical hub - great health care institutions, brilliant researchers, and amazing talented people. How can you contribute to making sure that Ohio becomes THE PLACE for biotechnology and healthcare?
Jacqueline Murray is a Marketing Strategist for DardenLentz, a B2B Marketing and Branding Agency focused on healthcare and technology. Jacqueline heads the firm's Ohio office, established to support the region's bioscience industry. She has held senior positions with global marketing responsibilities for both diagnostic and medical device companies.