Having crossed over from the world of product marketing to the agency side, I’ve had the opportunity to see medical device and diagnostic product launches from a different perspective.  I now have the luxury of focusing on the planning and execution of the communication plan, without the responsibility of getting the product through the product development process.  From this vantage point, I have gained a greater appreciation of the value of having a creative theme. I knew it was helpful to have one – but I never had time to consider why.  Recently I was asked “Why do we need to spend time developing a creative theme?”  To answer, I drew on my experience as a product manager.

You and your team have spent countless hours preparing to launch a new healthcare marketing campaign.  You really like the creative your agency has presented for your medical device or diagnostic.  You aren’t sure which of the options you should move forward with. Or, perhaps you like one idea and your boss likes another.  How do you find out which option is going to connect with your customers and support your objectives?  The answer, of course, is to conduct market research.  But this campaign is too important to you to just check a box.  How do you make sure the results guide you and your team in the direction that’s going to be successful?

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.