How to Break Through in Telehealth with Marketing and PR
Merritt Group
Contact Details Katie Pesek +1 703-390-1505 pesek@merrittgrp.com Company Website https://www.merrittgrp.com/
September 15, 2020 10:10 AM Eastern Daylight Time
VideoMerritt Group
Contact Details Katie Pesek +1 703-390-1505 pesek@merrittgrp.com Company Website https://www.merrittgrp.com/
September 15, 2020 10:10 AM Eastern Daylight Time
VideoMerritt Group
Sporadic tweets, the occasional blog post, or distributing a one-off press release and believing that, “if you write it, they will come,” simply does not work when it comes to establishing industry thought leadership. For a company to be seen as an innovator in telehealth, it’s vital that you have a holistic strategy for positioning your CEO (or other execs) in the public eye. But building credibility and clout is not as easy as just “being there.” He or she must demonstrate a willingness to take a stand on critical (and sometimes controversial) telehealth issues and be a sentinel for where telehealth delivery is headed. Here are five tips for helping your company stand out in the crowded market by positioning your CEO as a true thought leader. Define Your Thought Leader’s Brand CEOs (and their personalities) come in all shapes and sizes. Before doing anything else, the CEO and communications team must work together to understand and define the executive’s brand and tone of voice. Research shows that 90 percent of consumers view authenticity as an important factor when choosing brands to support. Your CEO’s personal brand should be true to their own personality, strengths and vision—both personally and professionally. At Merritt Group, we do custom persona building to help build an executive’s persona, as well as the channels that will be most effective to communicate with audiences through. For example, is the CEO a medical provider? An academic? A technical innovator? What are they passionate about? What is their vision? Are they casual or formal? Pragmatic or idealistic? The answers to these questions determine the topics, channels and opportunities most appropriate to deliver the thought leadership platform and your CEO’s message. Have a Compelling and Consistent Point of View Nobody wants to hear more of the same. Help your CEO flip norms on their head, take a counter-intuitive approach and be edgy . Audiences want a fresh take, so position your CEO as the leading authority to listen to. To develop a unique voice and point of view (POV), use tools such as BuzzSumo and Google Trends to search for trending topics and identify ones that are most important to your target audiences — such as providers, medical professionals and insurers. From there, develop a solid message platform (value proposition, elevator pitch, positioning statements, proof points, etc.) to determine how those topics are discussed externally—from industry or customer challenges to competitive differentiators—and the unique perspective the CEO adds to the discussion. Where possible, infuse new data and research into your messaging to back your POV to add something new to the conversation and lend credibility. Update and refine the CEO platform as needed, but the key messages should always be clear and consistent with supporting talking points or soundbites to match. Whether it’s a virtual webinar, an op-ed, a media interview or LinkedIn post, any public remarks from the CEO should reflect the central message of his or her key POV. CEO thought leadership is most effective when it’s consistent across all channels. Master the Art of the Soundbite Thought leadership isn’t just about what you say, it’s also about how you say it. With the CEO’s personal brand, tone of voice and unique perspective defined, it’s time to focus on their delivery. As much as your CEO wants to pontificate on their favorite topics, media train your CEO to talk in short, punchy phrases that have a greater likelihood of being picked up by media—and understood by customers. Work out those quotes in advance alongside your messaging platform and put your executives in the “hot seat” to practice. Conducting mock interviews can help refine their delivery skills, but also get executives comfortable with key message points so delivery is more natural and powerful. Keep practicing the key messages and soundbites until it becomes second nature. Drive Home Thought Leadership via Earned, Paid and Owned Channels Your perfect soundbites mean nothing if no one can hear or see them. Whether your buyer is reading an online article, listening to a podcast or watching a publication video, your CEO/execs need to be front and center. Develop PR platforms for your executives around key telehealth issues and trends and bring those to market in leading healthcare publications your buyers are reading, such as Healthcare Innovation , Modern Healthcare and others. Focus your thought leadership campaign on multiple strategies, including proactive media pitches, bylines, rapid response, paid content, (virtual) events and social media platforms. For example: Leverage breaking news stories, data and timely hooks to connect to develop media pitches, op-eds and bylines that showcase your CEO’s fresh perspective. Use your company’s owned channels to create thought leadership-driven assets like blog posts, LinkedIn content and videos that use the CEO’s platform to deliver the company’s vision and approach to the market. Have your CEO meet your prospects and peers where they are online, from landing a keynote at now virtual conferences like ATA2020 and HIMSS21 to hosting an intimate remote roundtable discussion with press and/or analysts on the latest telehealth trends. Use paid promotion via social, SEM and programmatic media buying as a complementary tool to amplify the CEO content you create. Stay Engaged A proper thought leadership campaign takes time and effort—building credibility and visibility doesn’t happen overnight. To achieve the ultimate goal of reporters coming to your CEO for comment and perspective (versus you pitching them ), you’ll need to keep your foot on the gas. This includes reading news headlines and social media feeds to proactively develop commentary that showcases the CEO’s perspective on important issues through some of the tactics above. Above all else, make sure you’re regularly checking in with your CEO and adjusting your efforts as the business evolves. Your campaign will lack authenticity if it doesn’t reflect their current thinking, and key audiences can tell when thought leaders are truly knowledgeable and passionate about a topic (or not). Want more information developing a thought leadership strategy for your CEO? Download our Telehealth Marketing & PR Guide or contact Alisa Valudes Whyte to discuss more. Contact Details Katie Pesek +1 703-390-1505 pesek@merrittgrp.com Company Website https://www.merrittgrp.com/
September 15, 2020 10:10 AM Eastern Daylight Time
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Organyc®, the first feminine care brand to offer Clinically-Proven Protection™, announced today the launch of its line of pads and liners to help women who experience bladder leakage. As a global wellness brand, Organyc is committed to providing women everywhere with authentic benefits, transparent listings of product ingredients, and sustainable practices in packaging and manufacturing that are Kind to the Earth. The brand’s latest innovation expands its portfolio, giving women the opportunity to buy bladder leakage products that are made with 100% organic cotton. Urinary incontinence (bladder leakage), is something that over 20 million women in the United States alone experience. Along with this, many have post-menopausal skin sensitivities and are concerned about odor from the ordinary incontinence pads that are available now. Organyc bladder leakage products are designed to offer women the absorbency and comfort they need, along with odor control, and protection against sensitive skin irritation. These thin and discreet new liners and pads are made with 100% organic cotton on the top to protect sensitive skin, a Cotton-Balanced™ absorbent core to stop leaks, and a unique pH-activated odor control system, that naturally neutralizes odor molecules. “As a brand, respect is at the forefront of all our innovations,” said Rebecca Storrick, Organyc Marketing Manager, North America. “Within the bladder leakage line, you will see that authentic claims, transparent ingredient listing and respect for women and the earth are very apparent. We are excited to continue expanding our line, introducing the Organyc brand to new consumers, and striving to completely address their needs.” The new bladder leakage line includes Ultra-Thin Liners, Moderate Pads, Maximum Pads and Ultimate Pads ranging in price from $6.99 - $11.99. All the products carry the prestigious Seal of Cotton, the hallmark endorsement given to the best brands by Cotton, Incorporated. Organyc’s Bladder Leakage Pads and Liners are available at select CVS and Walgreens stores, all Wegmans stores and on Amazon. To learn more about the Organyc brand’s wide range of products, please visit www.organyc.net . ABOUT ORGANYC Organyc is owned by Corman S.p.A., a family-owned company based in Milan, Italy with 70 years of experience turning cotton into personal care products. The Organyc range is both the effective and ethical choice: the products are biodegradable and kind to the environment, and manufactured in a sustainable facility approaching carbon-neutral. The Organyc brand is committed to respect for all. For women this means using ingredients that respect their body and particularly their sensitive skin. The Organyc brand believes women should Expect Respect®, something we show by the way in which we make and market our products. Contact Details Megan Hollett +1 516-547-6005 Megan.Hollett@finnpartners.com
September 14, 2020 04:00 PM Eastern Daylight Time
Shatterproof
Shatterproof , a national nonprofit organization dedicated to reversing the addiction crisis in the United States, is uniting communities across the country to celebrate, honor, support and remember loved ones who’ve been affected by or died from addiction by creating a virtual event, The Shatterproof Stronger Than Addiction Challenge . On Saturday, September 26th, we are encouraging people to take a bold challenge and share how they are stronger than addiction. The challenge can be any activity, whether physical or creative, and can be done as an individual or as a team. Participants will then be fundraising to support Shatterproof’s mission of transforming addiction treatment and shattering stigma . “While we wish we could meet in-person for our annual 5k walk/runs around the country, we are grateful to be able to include the entire country in this year’s Shatterproof Challenge virtual event. We are honored that Melissa Etheridge will be our special guest on September 26th. She tragically lost her 21-year-old son, Beckett Cypher, in May to substance use disorder. Her willingness to share of herself through her music will be a gift to our participants, many who have also lost loved ones or who are in recovery,” said Kirsten Suto Seckler, Chief Marketing Officer, Shatterproof. The impact of addiction on Americans is growing in the face of COVID-19. In conjunction with state stay-at-home orders, we have seen a 17.5% increase in fatal overdoses over the same time period last year. There is a clear correlation between the pandemic and overdose deaths. The isolation, stress, and economic devastation of COVID-19 is fueling America's addiction crisis. “I look forward to coming together with Shatterproof, an organization dedicated to reversing the addiction crisis in the U.S., and all of the people who been impacted by addiction who are coming together this September to make change. I hope that my music and our collective voices and actions can end the stigma of addiction and help society realize that we need to work together to overcome this horrible disease. I encourage you to register for the event at www.ShatterproofChallenge.org ,” said Melissa Etheridge. Leading up to event day, we have a month of exciting opportunities planned for our community to come together in virtual spaces. These are all coinciding with September being National Recovery Month. Stronger Than Addiction Speaker Series : Every Wednesday in September at 1 p.m. ET, participants and sponsors will be invited to hear directly from influential individuals whose lives have been impacted by addiction. Speakers include professional dancer Corey O’Brien , former NFL and Super Bowl champion Brandon Mitchell , and Jessica Cordova Kramer and Stephanie Wittels Wachs , hosts of the “ Last Day ” podcast. Each of these speakers have a different story to tell about their own journey with addiction and have dedicated their lives to sharing their stories with others. Stronger Than Addiction Challenge Day: On the morning of September 26, participants will put on their registration t-shirt (and mask) and complete their challenge. Celebration Event: At 6 p.m. ET, September 26, after everyone has had time to complete their challenge, we will bring our community together for a virtual gathering to celebrate our collective actions. Melissa Etheridge is our headliner guest and will give an honorary musical performance. Melissa’s life was forever changed by addiction when her beloved son, Beckett Cypher, passed away in May of this year at the age of 21. The event will be emceed by Dr. Nzinga Harrison, a physician, psychiatrist, addiction expert, Chief Medical Officer and Co-Founder of Eleanor Health. She is host of In Recovery , a podcast produced by Lemonada Media, where she breaks down stigma, provides evidence-based guidance, and leads with compassion for those affected by addiction. The Shatterproof Challenge is being presented by: Alkermes, Axial Healthcare, Chubb, County of Los Angeles Public Health, ICG Advisors, JP Morgan Chase, Pacira Biosciences, Pear Therapeutics and Substance Abuse Service Helpline. For more information or to register for the Shatterproof Stronger Than Addiction Challenge please visit, www.shatterproofchallenge.org ### About Shatterproof: Shatterproof is a national nonprofit organization dedicated to reversing the course of the addiction crisis in America. Shatterproof is focused on ensuring that American substance use disorder treatment is based upon proven research and ending the stigma of addiction. The organization advocates for changes to federal and state policy, payer reform, treatment quality assessment, and provides public education through online programs. Contact Details Holly Jespersen +1 646-334-1024 hjespersen@shatterproof.org Company Website https://www.shatterproof.org/
September 14, 2020 09:07 AM Eastern Daylight Time
Fully Promoted
Fully Promoted ®, the world’s largest branded products and marketing services franchise, announced today it will now offer nanoDefense ® products. The product line is comprised of recognizable, replaceable film that has a proprietary coating which activates in the presence of light to create a self-cleaning service. The surface engineered to repel contaminants allowing it to easily be wiped clean with water, but more importantly ingredients are actively involved in destroying organic compounds. The nanoDefense ® products are intended to be used by businesses on high touch surfaces in lighted areas, where the coating can work to remove viruses, bacteria, and contaminants. Fully Promoted recommends using the products on doors, elevator buttons, restrooms, touchscreens, self-service items and on mass transit. “Offering the nanoDefense ® products to our customers is another way that Fully Promoted is helping businesses get back to business,” said Mike Brugger, Fully Promoted brand President. “Businesses will find comfort in knowing that high touch points throughout their facilities are combating the growth and spread of contagions. Employees will be equally comfortable knowing that their work environment is safer.” In addition to offering nanoDefense ® , Fully Promoted offers a vast selection of Personal Protection Equipment (PPE) that will help businesses get back to business. Most recently, Fully Promoted launched social distancing bracelets for networking events. The color-coded wristbands indicate an individuals preferred level of interaction. A member of the United Franchise Group, Fully Promoted can access more than half a million promotional products . For more information about Fully Promoted, the nanoDefense ® products, or to receive a product sample, contact your local Fully Promoted store. About Fully Promoted Fully Promoted has 300 locations across the globe. The brand operates a full-service branded products and marketing service business and is the place to attract customers. From promotional products and embroidery to expert printing services, Fully Promoted can help take businesses to the next level. Fully Promoted also offers an office-based model allowing franchisees to operate their business using a developed network of resources. To find the Fully Promoted nearest you, visit www.FullyPromoted.com , and for franchising opportunities, visit www.FullyPromotedFranchise.com . Contact Details Brittny Fuchs +1 561-812-6032 bfuchs@ufgcorp.com Company Website http://www.fullypromoted.com/
September 09, 2020 10:06 AM Eastern Daylight Time
ImageFlash Public Relations
The fashion industry has been responsible for more carbon emissions than international shipping and flights combined and labor practices can be questionable. Meet Stephanie Wagner , an entrepreneur who is changing all that—beginning with what has become a ‘new fashion essential,’ the facemask. Her company, ForTheFeel , is making great strides in personal and shared safety. What many don't know is that disposable surgical masks are jammed packed with toxic chemicals that studies have shown to be harmful to our environment AND human health. Masks can have ingredients such as: ● Petroleum ● Formaldehyde ● Azo Dyes ● Heavy Metals ● Plastic ● Ammonium Compounds ● Urea Resins ● Formaldehyde ● Phenols ● Quaternary Ammonium Compounds ● Organo-silver ….. and more These chemicals are sitting square over one’s nose and mouth—being breathed in. Unlike the nutrition facts on the back of our favorite foods, clothing and face masks don’t come with a conveniently itemized list of ingredients. Add to that that disposable masks can take up to 450 years to break down in the environment, and is affecting wildlife when they get caught in the ear loops. Synthetic particles don’t biodegrade. So when clothes are dumped into a landfill, toxic synthetic fibers pollute water sources and soil. Plus, ⅔ of all clothing sold in the U.S. is made from Fossil Fuels. The solution: ForTheFeel. Masks that FEEL good to both people and our planet. Their plant-based masks are made with 100% ORGANIC DYES--SAFE for all and are super soft and breathable. The masks are breathable and make it much easier to wear in comfort and without causing 'maskne.' The materials decompose in less than a year if discarded, and they are CDC approved and worn by doctors in one of the nation’s largest healthcare systems. ForTheFeel masks are made in America. All workers who are involved in the production (cutting, sewing, and dying) of ForTheFeel masks are paid 37% above the living wage, never handle toxic chemicals, and are treated with the utmost respect (especially during times of COVID). For further information and/or to purchase facemasks, log into https://forthefeel.com/ . ### Contact Details Wendy Gordon +1 202-412-6268 wendy@flashprdc.com Company Website https://forthefeel.com/
September 08, 2020 10:25 AM Eastern Daylight Time
ImageFlash Public Relations
September is Animal Pain Awareness Month. Every year, 3.3 million dogs enter shelters throughout the U.S., with older dogs, or those with mobility problems, much less likely to be adopted. Shelters are overcrowded, and especially challenging for senior dogs or dogs with stiff joints and restricted movements. When choosing a dog to adopt, owners consider age and playfulness as key determining factors.* This puts older and less mobile dogs at a disadvantage. As part of its mission to keep pets ‘active for life,’ YuMOVE launched its national GET MOVING campaign designed to help aging and less mobile shelter dogs be more comfortable, active and enjoy a better quality of life. YuMOVE is the UK’s #1 dog joint supplement,**which recently launched in America. YuMOVE has already donated to over 400 shelters across America, each housing dozens of dogs, from NYC to Los Angeles, offering its clinically-proven*** joint supplement YuMOVE to help ease stiff joints and improve mobility within 6 weeks. And there were improvements, coast to coast. Among those enjoying the benefits in Texas are: · Karen Cole, Executive Director and Founder of Lizzy’s Animal Hospice in Austin, Texas , started Harley, a three-year-old Terrier mix, on the product after a devastating car accident left him with a fractured pelvis, damaged hips and no chance of surgery. He recovered on his own by putting more weight on his front legs, but according to Cole, “the YuMOVE product has helped Harley improve little by little, day by day.” · Miniature Schnauzer Rescue of Houston -- Purebred pups can have joint problems associated with the breed. These doggies are enjoying a better quality of life and chance of adoption. · La Porte Animal Shelter in Houston, Texas · Legacy Humane Society in Dallas, Texas · Lake Dallas Animal Services in Dallas Texas · City of Joshua Animal Shelter in Dallas, Texas -- are all keeping their senior rescues much more comfortable while they await their forever home. To learn more about YuMOVE and their GET MOVING campaign, and to nominate a local shelter for inclusion, visit www.yumove.com/getmoving . ### *Weiss E, Miller K, Mohan-Gibbons H, Vela C. Why Did You Choose This Pet?: Adopters and Pet Selection Preferences in Five Animal Shelters in the United States. Animals (Basel). 2012;2(2):144-159. Published 2012 Apr 10. doi:10.3390/ani2020144 https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4494324/ **Kynetec VetTrak sales through UK veterinary wholesalers. 52 weeks to June 2020. ***Study conducted by the Royal Veterinary College of London, UK. Contact Details Wendy Gordon +1 202-412-6268 gordon.wendy@gmail.com Company Website https://routific.com/
September 03, 2020 10:30 AM Eastern Daylight Time
ImageFully Promoted
Fully Promoted , the world’s largest branded products and marketing services franchise, is helping businesses get back to business with its wide range of promotional products. Most recently, Michelle Bottino, owner and operator of Fully Promoted St. Charles in Illinois, helped her local Chamber of Commerce execute a successful event with the use of color-coded wristbands to identify comfort levels regarding social distancing. Bottino, an active member of the St. Charles Chamber of Commerce, recently collaborated with the Chamber to determine an effective way to drive event attendance while maintaining social distance and allowing attendees to feel comfortable. Together, the two came up with providing attendees with color-coded wristbands. The branded, disposable bracelets were available at the check-in table. Guests were given the option to choose from three bracelets to indicate their preferred level of interaction. Green – Happy to high five and hug! Yellow – I am okay with talking but please no hugging or handshakes. Red – Happy to see you but keeping my distance. “My business focuses primarily on helping others promote their businesses. I couldn’t help but think that I could do more for them right now as they rebuild and get back to networking in person in some fashion,” said Bottino. “The wristband is just one of the many ways we are looking to get businesses back to business at a time when they need us the most. The St. Charles Chamber of Commerce chose to use this affordable yet extremely effective visual aid to help put attendees at ease while attending an event and adhering to local guidelines and regulations. It takes away the need to verbally express, Hey… I’m here, but I‘m not comfortable shaking hands just yet. At Fully Promoted, our goal is to keep our customers safe, but we have to learn to live with COVID and get back to business.” With the success of this event and others like it, Fully Promoted has introduced an entire line of Networking Bracelets for in person gatherings and events including reusable silicone bracelets, rubber wristbands and Tyvek paper wristbands . “The past several months has presented challenges across every single industry,” said Mike Brugger, President of Fully Promoted. “I am proud of Michelle and our entire Fully Promoted network for their dedication to helping their local communities as businesses reopen. Michelle and the St. Charles Chamber of Commerce identified a safe way for businesses to get back to business and successfully host events where everyone can feel comfortable.” Today, businesses need to be equipped with user-friendly and on-demand tools to remain top-of-mind. With approximately 300 locations worldwide, Fully Promoted is uniquely positioned to give customers an online and physical option so they can see and touch the product prior to purchasing. For businesses seeking content and promotional products , you are encouraged to visit the Fully Promoted shopping platform featuring hundreds of quality promotional products. A member of the United Franchise Group, Fully Promoted can access more than half a million promotional products, plus it offers a comprehensive suite of marketing services that include print, digital marketing, and lead generation. For more information about Fully Promoted and to visit the new online shopping site, visit Shop.FullyPromoted.com . About Fully Promoted Fully Promoted has approximately 300 locations across the globe. The brand operates a full-service branded products and marketing service business and is the place to attract customers. From promotional products and embroidery to expert printing services, Fully Promoted can help take businesses to the next level. Fully Promoted also offers an office-based model allowing franchisees to operate their business using a developed network of resources. To find the Fully Promoted nearest you, visit www.FullyPromoted.com , and for franchising opportunities, visit www.FullyPromotedFranchise.com . Contact Details Brittny Fuchs +1 561-812-6032 bfuchs@ufgcorp.com Company Website http://www.fullypromoted.com/
September 03, 2020 10:03 AM Eastern Daylight Time
ImageFlash Public Relations
September is Animal Pain Awareness Month. Every year, 3.3 million dogs enter shelters throughout the U.S., with older dogs, or those with mobility problems, much less likely to be adopted. Shelters are overcrowded, and especially challenging for senior dogs or dogs with stiff joints and restricted movements. When choosing a dog to adopt, owners consider age and playfulness as key determining factors.* This puts older and less mobile dogs at a disadvantage. As part of its mission to keep pets ‘active for life,’ YuMOVE launched its national GET MOVING campaign designed to help aging and less mobile shelter dogs be more comfortable, active and enjoy a better quality of life. YuMOVE is the UK’s #1 dog joint supplement,**which recently launched in America. YuMOVE has already donated to over 400 shelters across America, each housing dozens of dogs, from NYC to Los Angeles, offering its clinically-proven*** joint supplement YuMOVE to help ease stiff joints and improve mobility within 6 weeks. And there were improvements, coast to coast. Among those enjoying the benefits in Florida are: · Elfie Rodriguez of Tampa Florida's Elfie Rodriguez, the founder of Elfie’s Refuge in Tampa, Florida , gave it to Lizzo, her senior Terrier mix, who was almost lame. Elfie says, “Lizzo could barely walk when I started him on the YuMOVE product, and in just 2-to-3 weeks he was like a puppy again.” · Metta Rescue Family , Orlando, Florida -- Senior doggies have a much better chance of adoption and a better quality of life. · Grateful Paws Dog & Cat Rescue, Miami, Florida -- Senior dogs enjoy greater comfort and a better chance at adoption. · Doberman Rescue League , Miami Florida · The Akita Rescue Society of Florida , Jacksonville, Florida -- Larger dogs often have joint and pain issues. These Dobies are enjoying a much better quality of life. To learn more about YuMOVE and their GET MOVING campaign, and to nominate a local shelter for inclusion, visit www.yumove.com/getmoving . ### *Weiss E, Miller K, Mohan-Gibbons H, Vela C. Why Did You Choose This Pet?: Adopters and Pet Selection Preferences in Five Animal Shelters in the United States. Animals (Basel). 2012;2(2):144-159. Published 2012 Apr 10. doi:10.3390/ani2020144 https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4494324/ **Kynetec VetTrak sales through UK veterinary wholesalers. 52 weeks to June 2020. ***Study conducted by the Royal Veterinary College of London, UK. Contact Details Wendy Gordon +1 202-412-6268 gordon.wendy@gmail.com Company Website https://routific.com/
September 03, 2020 09:30 AM Eastern Daylight Time
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