Every year, car enthusiasts eagerly await the unveiling of the latest model to roll off assembly lines across the country. This year is no different. In 2020, while many have been patient, all have been anticipating the release of the brand-new Ford Respirator. But you won’t catch these bad boys cruising down the streets, catching eyes and turning heads. Rather, you’ll find them in hospital hallways, catching coughs and saving lives. Yep, it’s fair to say the Ford Respirator is one of this year’s most sought after “goods.”
And Ford isn’t the only one with a new focus. Did you know Prada fashions hospital gowns? Or that Absolut distills hand sanitizer? The truth is, a month ago, they didn’t. These are just a few examples (and genuinely positive stories) of how some companies are repurposing their manufacturing abilities to meet current needs during the COVID-19 crisis. Which got me thinking. How can those of us in the life sciences community begin to repurpose the value we bring to those we serve? Let’s take a look.
Before we start… the fact is, at the moment you read this, many of you can’t reach your customers or you feel it’s just poor timing and want to honor the courageous work many of them are doing. The following are ideas you may be able to put into practice when you AND your customers are ready to re-engage. If you’re not there yet, use this time wisely and upskill, practice new value delivery, and be ready for what your customer needs when they need it.