How to Effectively Launch a New Product Perri Cebedo and Associates Sales and Marketing Training International
MARKET RESEARCH: To determine: Target Market Market needs Positioning and strategy New product strengths and weaknesses Company strengths and weaknesses Packaging/ pricing
MARKET RESEARCH: Focus Group Meetings To distill product concept Key promotional messages Anticipate product resistances Know strong points of competition Unfulfilled needs of MDs
PRELAUNCH: Marketing Plan Preparation of training materials Anticipated date of registration approval Update of SWOT analysis Preparation of training materials Clinical trials or seeding trials Organization of scientific meetings Participation at regional congresses Final marketing plan
PRELAUNCH: Field Force Training: Selection of Key Accounts Materials to be sent one month before launch With self-tests to check learning Selection of Key Accounts Hospital mapping MD targeting and profiling Press Conference
PRELAUNCH: Final Launch Plan Emphasis on skill building Provide time for role play All information should be given prior to launch date Involve the field force in launch planning to get “Buy-In” and generate enthusiasm
PRELAUNCH: Incentive plan, quota per Rep Distribution plan: initial stocking and terms Pre-announcement letters to MD’s (teasers) Skills models Video models for use at launch role plays
LAUNCH: Launch letters to MDs, pharmacists, et al. Press relations Symposia Video news releases Press kit
LAUNCH: Formulary kit Product monograph Collection of key clinical studies Seeding trials expanded Profiling target MDs Action plans per territory
DURING THE LAUNCH PROGRAM: Focus on Selling Skills MD selection Pre-call planning Probing for needs Features and benefits Clinical studies The effective use of the monograph
FOCUS ON SELLING SKILLS TO SELL NEW PRODUCT: Cost effectiveness Handling objections Handling competition Ensuring that first trials are successful Group presentations
FOCUS ON SELLING SKILLS TO SELL NEW PRODUCT: How to put the new product into the hospital formulary Doing a Hospital Action Plan Presentations to nurses, pharmacists Sampling allocation and plan
LAUNCH: Medical Education Program Patient Education Program Gimmicks, posters, etc.
POST LAUNCH: Analyze effectiveness of tactics and effectiveness of message Analyze competitive response Market and prescription survey Handling MD queries
POST LAUNCH: Handling MD resistance Post launch bulletin Producing the Audio Cassette Training Program, Post Launch Feedback Revising plans
POST LAUNCH: Celebrating successes Selling tips New ideas to reinforce messages Interviewing happy users of new product How to respond to Rep’s questions
NEW PRODUCT LAUNCH (Tactics) “The success of a new product launch depends largely on the planning and preparation you invest in the launch of your new product.” “Proper planning, preparation and practice prevent poor performance.” - Perri