November 19, 2018
With so many scientific communication studios online, and their portfolios open for you to browse, it might seem as if shopping for a studio to work with is no big deal. But in reality, that’s not the case. With such a broad choice of studios available online, there are some crucial considerations to be made in order to find the studio that’s right for you. Many key factors play a role in forming a valuable relationship between a pharmaceutical company and its scientific communication studio. If you’re the person at a medical company who is responsible for sourcing illustrations, information design and 3D, the largest part of the search process that leads you to understand the best options and choosing the appropriate agency falls uniquely on your shoulders. To help you structure your selection process, here is a list of aspects that need to be considered: 1. What role does scientific communication play in your business objectives? Before beginning the search, you will need to think critically about what role communication and visualization play in your company’s business objectives. Do you need to communicate to patients, medical professionals, or both? What messages do you want to transmit to each target group? Keep in mind that every studio has their own individual offering and strengths. Narrowing down your needs and communication objectives will help you find the one that is right for you. 2. Can you cover your needs in-house? Some successful companies rely solely on in-house talent to promote their brand. That is the case of larger companies with an interdisciplinary marketing team. Others, however, rely on external partners to support specific aspects of their communication strategy. For instance, a company might be able to develop compelling marketing content but lack the skills or knowledge to create accurate medical illustrations. If you represent one such company, it is crucial for you to assess the time you are willing to dedicate to this partnership, the budget you’re ready to invest, the skills your team already possesses and the skills your team lacks. 3. Write a request for proposal (RFP) Once you’ve addressed the two above-mentioned questions, it’s time to put your story on paper. A request for proposal (RFP) is the most common way companies share a little bit about themselves and their communication objectives, as well as setting out contractual stipulations that make the request unique. I standard request for proposal includes the following parts: … Try to be realistic in expressing your vision. The possible scope and direction of your communication stem from a clear understanding of your business model and your customers’ demographics. No one knows more about your business and your customers than you do, and it’s critical that you pass that knowledge on to any potential partner through your RFP. 4. Search thoroughly and make a shortlist There are dozens of criteria with which you can narrow the field, but perhaps the most fundamental revolve around whether a small or large studio fits the needs of