Core Competencies

Product Introductions

Whether you are introducing a first-in-class product or capitalizing on an existing proven technology or compound, the nature and tone of the publicity surrounding the launch can determine the success of the brand. Our client team is highly experienced in the development and implementation of all phases of a successful product launch, beginning with pre-launch research and ending with post-launch follow-up publicity programs.  We are especially familiar with communicating sensitive scientific information effectively and according to regulatory guidelines.

Ongoing Publicity Campaigns

Successful product launches are only the beginning of an effective communications initiative. Sustaining target audience awareness and interest long after the newness of a product has worn off can be equally challenging. SMG employs a wide array of publicity techniquessuch as special events, public service campaigns, celebrity campaigns, and consumer and professional education programsto stimulate and heighten awareness of products and marketing messages.

This is where the concept of "dynamic opportunism" can really make a difference in maximizing the longevity and impact of a program. Dynamic opportunism is a function of our in-depth experience and understanding of the healthcare and consumer media, which allows us to accurately forecast emerging trends and quickly and effectively develop programs to capitalize on them.

Scientific Research

New research findings related to established products make outstanding news platforms. SMG is experienced in working with clinical investigators and translating their study data into meaningful messages for consumer, healthcare professionals, internal audiences, media, and the analyst communities. Whether onsite at an international medical meeting or reporting scientific data through broadcast, print, and Internet outlets, we excel at communicating the data in a way that maximizes their potential to make news.

Crisis and Issue Management

The image of a product or company rises and falls with public perceptions of the issues and events that impact it. Through the years, SMG has earned the respect of many Fortune 100 companies for our ability to help manage potentially volatile situations such as class action lawsuits, adverse reaction reports, product liability issues, and efficacy concerns.

Every issue does not result in a crisis, and every crisis does not begin as an issue. While many issues may defuse on their own, others require corporations to take swift, decisive action. The ability to analyze the potential threat to a company and its image and to recommend the most prudent course of action is among our firm's most valued assets.

Our objective in any emerging issue is to achieve fair balance in the media or among the target audiences. We believe in the value of a proactive approach to industry issues and problems through coordinated strategic planning. Using an array of preparedness tools and tactics including carefully drafted standby statements, extensive scenario question-and-answer documents, and rigorous on-camera training to mimic a hostile media environment we are able to assist our clients in managing difficult issues honestly and openly from the outset.

Special Assignments

SMG is widely recognized for our ability to complete special assignments such as traveling to foreign countries to compile the proceedings of a scientific meeting, drafting articles for submission to scientific publications, or developing hard-hitting product brochures and advertorials. We have the qualifications and experience to handle these and many other tasks that typically do not fall under the umbrella of public relations, but serve a valuable strategic marketing communications function for the client.