Posted by Dave Wendland One challenge facing organizations who have added social media to their marketing mix is how to measure return on investment and gauge the medium’s effectiveness. I’ve spoken to too many companies – large and small – who feel the success of social media (e.g., Facebook; Twitter; blog; Pinterest; etc.) is how many … Read More
Brandvocates can promote your brand at retail
Posted by Jen Johnston What’s a brandvocate? Quite simply, it’s a brand advocate – a consumer who is passionate about your product’s efficacy and eager to share your brand message with others. Savvy suppliers are relying on their brandvocates to share their brand messages with their peers. That’s a great idea, but if consumers can’t find … Read More
Collaboration is the key to success with independents — part three
Posted by Megan Moyer My previous posts inspired by the supply chain collaboration white paper sponsored by HDMA and CHPA covered the first two action items for healthcare distributors: program development and SKU rationalization. Today I’m elaborating on the last action item, making the most of your primary interface to both suppliers and pharmacies. As a … Read More
Retailiation
by Dave Wendland It seems that virtually every retail format is gunning for independent and regional chain pharmacies. Dollar stores (Family Dollar, Dollar General, etc.) have broadened their assortment of health, beauty, and wellness products significantly. Mass merchandisers (Target, Wal-mart) continue to build new promotions and programs around their wellness and personal care initiatives. Convenience stores … Read More
What not to Tweet
Posted by Jen Johnston I want to offer you some advice about what not to tweet. My message is simple: If you are a brand, do not tweet the exact same message day after day for four years. Yes, I actually know of a CPG brand that has been doing this since at least 2009. They … Read More
Collaboration is the key to success with independents — part two
Posted by Megan Moyer As I mentioned in my last post, a couple of years ago we authored a white paper that was sponsored by HDMA and CHPA about supply chain collaboration and how it could help all involved improve their success in independent pharmacy. I previously wrote about an action item for wholesalers from that … Read More
Blurred lines
posted by Dave Wendland Robin Thicke’s mega-hit skyrocketed to the top of the music charts. With a pulsating beat and lyrics that literally get stuck in your head, “Blurred Lines” hypnotically takes listeners to new heights. It offers a juxtaposition of reality with fantasy and begs the question “what if?” What does a pop song … Read More
New category? Debut at independents first.
by Megan Moyer Independent pharmacy is a unique retail channel that, outside of being a drug store, defies classification. Each independent is different. There is no global floor plan, product assortment, pricing model or marketing plan. Independent pharmacies have a flexibility that corporate stores don’t. That’s why they are a great trial ground for new … Read More
Five reasons data matters
Posted by Dave Wendland Imagine the accuracy of item look-up and the ease of consistent reporting if the source data was in better condition. If information is indeed the “new” currency, then drug wholesalers need to take measures to ensure their item files are comprehensive and current. As more and more organizations have migrated toward … Read More
Collaboration is the key to success with independents — part one
posted by Megan Moyer A couple of years ago we authored a white paper that was sponsored by HDMA and CHPA about supply chain collaboration and how it could help all involved improve their success in independent pharmacy. As it relates to wholesalers, there were some recommended action items that I wanted to revisit. First … Read More