2009: Ready, Set, Goal!

I am one of those people who is never satisfied with the status quo. I am energized by finding new and more effective ways to achieve my goals. One method I've recently discovered is the coaching of Jerry Acuff. If any of you have not listened to or read the advice of this dynamic expert, I highly recommend you check him out. He's as engaging in his materials as he is in person. His CDs on stretch goal setting are some of the best I've ever heard. I am implementing his five-step process for 2009 goals. Jerry's coaching gives you real-world techniques to set goals you can get excited about, get out of your own way when working toward success, and know when it's okay to revise and re-tool your goals. If you'd like to learn more, Jerry's materials can be accessed at www.gottochange.com. 

New Year, New Relationship

I am excited about 2009, and especially a new relationship with a brand of our current client, Bristol-Myers Squibb. RMI was selected as the Professional Relationship Marketing Agency of Record. This opportunity is new for us, but it is also new in my experience with AOR arrangements. I am impressed with BMS' long-term commitment to professional relationship marketing. With changing health care regulations, elimination of physician promotional items, and reduction in many personal detailing sales forces, I am hearing more and more about the importance of developing long-term relationships through non-personal communications. I am excited about this opportunity and the other new projects we are moving forward with in 2009!

Giving Back

In 2008, RMI celebrated our 15th year in business. When Jim (our founder and CEO) and I explored ways to make the company anniversary meaningful, we thought about charitable giving. While we liked the idea of giving back to our community, we didn't want it to be the usual "write a check" kind of experience. So, we engaged in a series of partnership retreats where we paired a representative from a local charity with a group of our employees. We gave each team a budget and asked them to stretch themselves and the dollars to do the most for their partner organization -- in 3 hours. Then we met up to share dinner and the stories of our afternoons. The outcomes of these retreats were so rewarding.

One particular event sticks in my mind: A mental health charity brought us the immediate need of a struggling family. These four people had been through so much and were trying so hard to improve their lives. Both parents still held jobs and their apartment, but they were having difficulty affording basics like food and medicine. Helping them was simple -- we went shopping! When my team's money ran out, we each reached into our own pocketbooks to make a difference. It felt so good to help that family, and it was moving to see their appreciation.

As I look back on the past year, this event made an impression on me -- an impression of the power we have to change our lives and to positively impact those around us. Thanks for letting me share my thoughts with you this year. I look forward to sharing more great experiences in 2009! Happy Holidays!

Hurry Up and Wait

I'll bet some of you knew I was talking about the FDA just by reading the headline, didn't you? Like you, we've seen a slowdown in FDA responsiveness and several of our clients await PDUFA letters. As we work to accommodate ever-changing deadlines, we've discovered that our processes are designed to be uniquely responsive. The same production expertise that enables us to develop and implement one-to-one communications also enables us to turn projects around quickly. This hasn't been part of our overall value message, but once the situation demanded it, we discovered that many of our competitors couldn't deliver like we could. I thought it was interesting that we discovered our ability for speed during a time when brands are kept waiting. Maybe my natural aversion to waiting has rubbed off on the company!

Well-Rested

I travel a lot. Maybe not as much as some, but a good 2 weeks out of every month. This can put a strain on even the most energetic person. Through experience, though, I've learned that my hotel experience dramatically impacts my effectiveness. When I walk into a hotel and know that I am in a clean, effectively run establishment, I relax and am able to do the important work I have before me. Several years ago, a colleague recommended I start staying in boutique hotels. Locally owned and operated, these smaller chain hotels are more unique, upscale, and pleasing than the big chains. So, this week I want to pass along that recommendation to you. If you're like me -- a global nomad -- have your travel assistant check out www.tablethotels.com. They call themselves the "Authority on Boutique, Luxury and Unique Hotels Worldwide." I can recommend the Hudson and Chambers in New York City. Who knows, I may see you at the complimentary wine tasting in the lobby! Try not to notice that I'm juggling my laptop in the other hand...