The Problem with Growing Life Science Organizations

Co-Authored by: Jennifer Andrews, M.Sc., MBA, CEO & Chief Marketing Strategist, FreshLeaf Marketing & Erica Sosnowski, B.Sc., MBA, Managing Partner, Sosna + Co

Building a thriving business is a challenge in any industry. But when you come from science, communicating the value of a complex business–in a way your audience will notice and care about–is that much harder.

As a life science leader, entrepreneur, or business owner, you already:

  • Know marketing is critical for growth

  • Understand the importance of building relationships

  • Acknowledge that you don’t have all the answers and may need help on the business development side

Intellectually, you know what needs to be done.

And yet, you’re so deep in the technical side, and your company’s operations, that distilling your business’s value down to a compelling message can feel impossible (let alone prospecting and deal-making).

Except, that message is the foundational element that ALL networking and communications and relationship building (and the opportunities that follow) is based on.

You’re a different breed. Rather than keep your ideas in academia, you’ve made the unlikely but courageous move to build a company around your innovation. Because of this, you’re often misunderstood by investors and dealmakers and even the audience you’re trying to help.

And while there are already programs available for business owners (many of which you may have invested in already), conventional accelerators and business consultants don’t typically understand the depth and nuance of your industry and business model.

This leads to advice that:

  • Is too general or fluffy or textbook

  • Is delivered by generalists with no experience in your sector

  • Does not apply to your niche audience

  • Is too focused on “shiny objects” and trends

  • Fails to consider the scientific language and mindset of your ideal customer

  • Forgets that you need to drive monetary results in terms of real opportunities and deals (not just “likes” and “brand awareness”)

These pain points are real. They come from real conversations we have had with actual CEOs and executives and founders across multiple life science sectors. Think biotech, natural health, pharma, food, and more.

More quality opportunities, more lucrative deals, less time to get there.

That’s why we, Erica and Jennifer, created a program designed specifically for the unique challenges life science leaders like you face.

With parallel careers from science to business, each of us has been helping life science companies grow since 2009. Now we’ve come together to bring a powerful set of skills and expertise in marketing and business development to help you, life science leader, grow a thriving organization.

We’re very excited to introduce our new program: the Life Science Growth Intensive: The Essential Business Development & Marketing Framework for Life Science Leaders

Through our signature framework, we’ll show you how to hone a compelling message, attract big-ticket clients, and close lucrative deals.

About the Life Science Growth Intensive

Through this program, we aim to provide the essential skills you need in BOTH business development and marketing. We believe BD and marketing should work together, not be in competition. Why? The results are better. Plain and simple.

These are tools and strategies you won’t get from general business groups, masterminds, webinars, academia, business coaches, management consultants, or even accelerators and incubators.

We speak science. We know business. We understand deeply the unique hurdles of the scientific leader and business owner.

In other words, we get you.

But don’t take it from us. We both have a full client roster and track record of success, including:

  • Lead generation

  • Brand development

  • Digital and traditional marketing

  • Business development

  • Business strategy

  • Closing lucrative deals

Now we want to bring this insight to as many people as possible - hence the online group format. We want you to succeed and have built a step-by-step framework to show you how.

Why an online program? Why not work together one-to-one?

Having spent the past several years growing our respective businesses (Sosna + Co and FreshLeaf Marketing)—on top of 10+ years in corporate each—we both have waiting lists for one-to-one clients.

But we have more value to give the life science community and want to help as many organizations as possible. 

An online course format with live group collaboration is ideal for busy leaders located anywhere in the world. All you need is a device, an internet connection, and time. This allows companies to receive customized help, for a fraction of the cost of working with one or both of us one-on-one.

For those who want more hands-on help after the program is done, we offer a limited number of VIP Packages (first come, first served basis).

About the Program

Through this intensive, you will:

  • Discover our signature framework for identifying lucrative partners and clients

  • Build your strategy and clarify your milestones

  • Collaborate with like-minded industry stakeholders at the same stage of the business journey

  • Create a robust target list laser-focused on your business goals

  • Receive hands-on help from both BD and marketing angles - customized to the unique needs of your business

How it works:

The Life Science Growth Intensive is a two-week group program with online course modules (week one) and LIVE sessions (week two). Inclusions:

  • 5 training modules outlining the framework and concepts, to be completed on your own time (block off 30 minutes per day!)

  • 5 LIVE, interactive group sessions, led by Erica and Jennifer (1 hour each)

  • Individual hands-on time with Erica and Jennifer to workshop ideas, provide customized support, and discuss anything else holding you back (1 hour per company)

  • Resources, templates, and guides for each stage

Course Sneak Peek

More detail is coming soon, but in the meantime here is an overview of the 5 course modules (upon which the live sessions are based). To get on the priority notification list, click here.

  • Module 1: Set Your Strategy

  • Module 2: Clarify Your Messaging

  • Module 3: Map Your Success Milestones

  • Module 4: Build Your Target List

  • Module 5: Close the Deal

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Sosna + Co is a boutique, outsourced business development partner for the life sciences. From M&A advisory and licensing deals with Fortune 500 companies to uncovering the potential of savvy, new start-ups, the principle is simple: we work meticulously to uncover new opportunities that grow your business. Contact us today to learn more.

FreshLeaf Marketing offers full marketing solutions to help B2B life science and STEM-based organizations grow. From building a compelling messaging strategy to serving as your company’s entire marketing department, we’ll find a customized solution that meets your goals. Learn more and explore our services.

Erica Sosnowski