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Showing posts from August, 2009

Social Media Guidelines

I've posted a couple of blogs recently about the rise of the social media function and how BtoB companies can best leverage social media. A common theme has been the need for marketing to provide guidance, guidelines and infrastructure without stifling the power of this new channel to reach customers, prospects and influencers. To help with your journey, I've included below a list of social media guidelines that several companies have published: Adobe Acrobat Users: http://www.acrobatusers.com/blog_guidelines Cisco: http://blogs.cisco.com/news/comments/ciscos_internet_postings_policy/ Dell: http://www.dell.com/content/topics/global.aspx/policy/en/policy?c=us&1=en&s+corp&~section=019 Mayo Clinic: http://sharing.mayoclinic.org/guidelines/for-mayo-clinic-employees/ BT: http://richarddennison.files.wordpress.com/2009/04/bt-social-media-guidelines-mar09.pdf eBay: http://ebayinkblog.com/2009/03/06/new-social-media-guidelines-for-reporting-company-information/ HP: http://w

Comparing Healthcare Service Advertising Back-to-School Physicals

Its back-to-school time again, so everyone in their brother is touting those specials for school and sports physicals in various ads or direct mail pieces. Same day, next day, comprehensive, call for an appointment or just walk in. Multi-specialty group practices, hospital ambulatory centers, solo practitioners and retail clinics are all offering the same essential service. What caught my attention were three ads in the local paper from three different channels for these services in the market. It raised the question is anyone paying attention to their advertising message and how it compares to what can be viewed as competitors? The multi-specialty ad - same day but you had to call for an appointment and gave no price but mentioned pediatricians implying a doctor will see you. The hospital ad - call first for a next day appointment, take advantage of our discounts, offer ends soon and gave a price. The retail clinic ad - same day, just stop by and gave a lower price. Thankfully, thr