Sometimes you need to go outside to get an insider's view

Sometimes it pays to be an outsider.

Studio Shelf, a South African design firm, literally moved its office outside in an effort to see how design connected with the real world. Once a month, the firm tapes off a section of sidewalk on a Cape Town street and puts its designers amongst the people — where design collides with those it serves.

From Studio Shelf:

We strongly believe that designers have the ability to solve problems, but too rarely engage with public space and communities.

The key here is "engage with public space and communities." Do we do that in health care?

To fully understand the "patient experience," we have to listen to our patients — and their families. While all of us who work in health care have experience as patients, we still go through that experience as "insiders."

It's time to step outside, listen to our real patients and families and embrace their views, wants and desires in the services we develop and the way we communicate. When we do so, we will have an activated patient population who truly will be engaged in their own care.

Source: Adweek

Survey says: Remind me, please!

Americans want more reminders about their health — and they think technology may be just what the doctor ordered.

A recent survey by the Varolii Corporation showed that health messages would be among the most welcomed used of push technology, either text messages or emails.

Some key findings, as reported by MobiHealthNews:

• 32 percent said proactive messaging could have helped them avoid a health care issue, like a missed appointment or a forgotten medication.
• 69 percent welcomed a reminder about an upcoming appointment or vaccination.
• 57 percent mentioned a notice to reorder or pick up a prescription.
• 39 percent would be happy with a message reminding them to schedule a medical appointment.
• 80 percent trust companies to know when and how much to contact them. And they most trust health care-related companies, including providers, pharmacists and even insurance providers.

Health care currently has a high trust factor. We should use it wisely!

Download the survey here.

Source: MobiHealthNews

Photo Friday: Bluff Point

Autumn is a fabulous time for hiking. 

Go outdoors and enjoy!

 Bluff Point State Park in Groton, Conn., shot October 19, 2013.

Curse be [LONG] gone! #RedSox #WorldSeries

Congrats to the Boston Red Sox — three World Series titles in 10 years. 

Now that's Boston Strong! 

Image Source: Boston Globe.

Getting to yes, the honest way

Spin. As a marketer and communicator, it's a word I have always avoided. 

Positioning. Now that's something I can get behind.

A recent cartoon by David T. Jones for Yahoo! ("Advertising Means Never Having to Say 'No,'" October 25, 2013) got me thinking about how we as marketers answer what should be a simple question.

Image source: AdLand on Yahoo!

It is all about the value proposition. In the cartoon, the buyer connects certain values to "organic" while the seller attributes similar values to "farm," "nature," "fresh," "real," "whole," "artisanal," "ethical" and "sun-kissed."

Same? Maybe for some. But not for those searching for organic.

Would the organic-seeker settle for farm fresh? Again, maybe. But only if it is honestly presented.

So position away, but always ensure your position is rooted in both the truth and the actual experience your patients and customers will have. Because that experience is your brand — and will be the ultimate barometer of whether your position is solid.