Building Allies: How Advocacy Groups Can Help Propel Your Message

What does commuting to work, checking your social media feeds and reading your favorite publications have in common? These activities all compete for your attention. In today’s consumer…

What does commuting to work, checking your social media feeds and reading your favorite publications have in common? These activities all compete for your attention. In today’s consumer and B2B marketplace, we are constantly asked to read emails, view advertisements, and share social media content. As a result, the marketplace can be overwhelmed with messages.

In tune with this, it has become challenging to grab – and maintain – a customer’s attention, let alone their trust. Building audience credibility on your own is a lengthy pursuit, but it is possible to align yourself with people and organizations that have already established a positive reputation in your space. To earn the confidence of your audience, you may consider engaging a trusted advocacy group.

It can’t be a one-way relationship: the success of your campaign should also be measured by how you can help and advance the advocacy group or community. If done well however, the benefits of a partnership also include higher visibility and brand awareness, stronger ties to the community, and the ability to support the group’s mission of science and education. Together, you can work toward improving the science community as a whole.

Finding a partner

Advocacy groups comprise like-minded people banding together to support a specific issue, idea or policy. These groups are usually vocal and driven, with an aim to influence public opinion to benefit their cause. They have a strong base of subscribers, listeners and followers, all eager to stay educated and engaged with the community. If this demographic overlaps with yours, then that advocacy group can be the key to marketing success for both direct-to-consumer companies, or those looking to engage the science community business-to-business.

The critical first step is identifying an advocacy group that matches the benefits your product or services provide. There are hundreds of active advocacy groups within the science industry, and with a bit of help from Google, you can find one that aligns with your company’s mission. Search for key terms that describe your company’s own work. If your science is directed towards a specific therapeutic area, then your search will likely be an easier one. But you may have to think outside the box.

Here are some additional ideas to help get you started:

1. STEM research. Science, technology, engineering and mathematics are vital industries for future economic strength. Governments are advocating for STEM and many non-profit organizations have cropped up to promote it. If you have science talent on staff and some inspiring partners, this could be an avenue for you.

2. Women in science. #WomeninSTEM, #Ilooklikeanengineer; As it should, the female scientist movement is gaining traction with viral hashtags and Fortune 100 CEOs participating. Anyone can get involved, whether by highlighting your own female stars, or by encouraging the next generation of women to know science is an option for them.

3. Environmental groups. Science is moving the world in a positive direction, but there are still many negative perceptions surrounding what we do. Things like GMO crops, or chemical fertilizers can be a real advance for the environment, but used as a backward step in public relations. Fortunately, there are many open-minded, well-respected environmental groups that will take your science for what it is. Partnering and working with them can help improve your brand, and potentially the conversation itself.

4. Embracing conflict. Oftentimes, even well-intentioned science can create a possible downside. Case-in-point, Amgen’s protein therapeutic approved for the treatment of chronic anemia in cancer patients was also the drug that Lance Armstrong and others abused for years, giving them an unfair advantage as professional cyclists. To turn the negative publicity around, Amgen began sponsoring cycling events, trying to give back to the sport and offset the damage that doping had done.

5. Associations. You’re probably a member of an industry advocacy group or professional society, such as the ACS (American Chemical Society) or a regional biotech association. But there are many more opportunities if you go beyond simply signing up. For instance, guest blogs can work both ways: if they want to share their advocacy message or if you would benefit from communicating to their crowd. You can also join the board or consider co-sponsoring an event — it’s all positive associations.

Terms of engagement

You’ve identified a suitable partner, so what are the next steps? It’s important to work out internally, and then externally, what sort of value you can bring to the partnership in exchange for their credibility and audience access. Some examples include:

Content: As these groups rely on science insight and constant communication to keep their community engaged, they are often hungry for content. You have a story to tell and advocacy groups have a need to communicate. Use that to your advantage as you plan a mutually beneficial relationship.

Collaboration: Another impactful way to partner with an advocacy group is to collaborate on a research project, program or other initiative. Co-authoring a study or working together to develop a product or service is a great way to demonstrate your company’s dedication to supporting the given community.

A great example of this is Carolus Therapeutics’ collaboration with The Alpha-1 Project of Miami to accelerate pre-clinical research for diseases associated with alpha-1 antitrypsin deficiency. Working together on a project shows that your goals and mission statements align. Any positive publicity that the initiative garners will help your company create a favorable impression as well. But at the end of the day, that’s just a plus when you’re working together to move science forward.

A final note on what you bring to the table: back everything up with actions. Partnerships should begin with the best of intentions, which means a commitment to advancing both sides’ goals. Rather than simply promoting your goodwill, think about what tangible contributions you can make to move the initiative forward.

Final considerations

You’ve narrowed down an advocacy partner and determined what you can offer. There are a few additional considerations to keep in mind before you initiate a conversation:

1. Does this advocacy group have a good reputation within the community? What pushback do they receive? Be sure you understand a community’s objections, and that your team understands your company’s response (if necessary). This is especially important if you’re creating a social media campaign.

2. How active is the group? Online? At trade shows and community meetings? Who else have they worked with in this way?

3. What can I bring to the table that will be of value to them? Are there limitations here that you need to consider?

4. Are there any potential conflicts of interest or principles? Who would you have to involve internally to solve this issue?

Advocacy groups and other communities can be fantastic business partners, and it’s a relationship that you should aspire to attain. Do your research and strategize the best approach, before extending the hand of friendship to realize mutual goals. Despite their non-profit status, they can be a powerful ally for both marketing and sales.

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Sammi Wang

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sammi@echinachem.com

Sammi is the General Manager China of eChinaChem, where she has worked since 2005 and previously served as Vice President and Sales Manager. eChinaChem offers news media, conferences and events, as well as education and training services in the chemical, pharmaceutical, and healthcare sectors in China. Before eChinaChem, she worked at GlobalSources as an Account Executive. Sammi received her MBA from the University of International Business and Economics and her undergraduate degree from Yantai University.

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Kyra Luttermann

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Kyra Luttermann is an IT & AI Specialist with a strong academic background, complemented by deep knowledge in Philosophy. She holds advanced training from the University of Oxford in Artificial Intelligence. Kyra excels in AI prompting, consulting, and sales, effectively helping customers reach their target audiences. Since joining IMP and ACS in 2023, she has been instrumental in advancing ACS’s mission, representing the next generation of innovative leaders in the field.

Sales Territories: Germany, Austria, Switzerland, The Netherlands, Ireland, Scandinavia, Belgium, France, Italy, Spain, Portugal, East Central Europe and The Middle East

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Uwe Riemeyer

Uwe Riemeyer is a seasoned Global Media Specialist with over 25 years of experience in media sales, consulting, and planning, primarily for the global chemical industry. Since 1997, he has been affiliated with ACS and operates his own successful media business in Germany. Uwe’s expertise spans all B2B industry segments and related media outlets, supported by a solid foundation in economics and an initial career in the automotive industry. His comprehensive knowledge and strategic insights make him a key player in media planning and consulting.

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Jim Beckwith

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Jim Beckwith brings his skills to ACS after a lengthy media consulting career in both for-profit and non-profit media. He specializes in helping advertising partners “connect the dots” between their marketing/lead generation objectives and the wide range of opportunities in the ACS Media portfolio. Jim works with advertisers based in the Southeast and Eastern U.S.

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Beth Kurup is an Account Manager based in Los Angeles, California. She handles marketing programs for clients in the Western United States. Beth’s media and marketing background aid her in creating strategic plans for clients with a focus on details and meeting objectives.  

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Pete Manfre

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Except for a brief hiatus in 2022, Pete Manfre has been a fixture at ACS since 2015, helping clients navigate the complex B2B digital landscape. Over the years, Pete has gained the trust of many science marketing leaders with his honest and straightforward approach. His unique insights and expertise have benefitted the small companies looking to gain traction with new potential customers and the well-known industry brands looking to elevate their thought leadership and capture bigger market-share.

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Chris Nolan

Chris Nolan has been creating solutions for C&EN and ACS advertisers since 2017. After growing the western US territory to $1.6M from $800k, he was promoted to national sales manager in 2021. He is based in Chicago and covers the central US and Canada. His background in media solutions includes successful production for such well known global media brands as Fortune, INC, Fast Company, The Nikkei, the FT, and The Globe & Mail.

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Mariam Agha 

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Mariam is an account manager here at C&EN BrandLab. She works with our clients, art and production teams within C&EN to deliver effective ad campaigns. 

Jordan Nutting Ph.D.

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Jordan is a Senior Editor at C&EN BrandLab. While earning her Ph.D. in chemistry she also pursued her passion for writing and communication, including a stint as a science reporter during the COVID-19 pandemic. She now funnels her love of words and chemistry into creating compelling science stories and content.

Jesse Harris

Senior Editor
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Jesse Harris is a Senior Editor at C&EN BrandLab. He has been creating internet content since 2016, and has Master’s degrees in both chemistry and chemical engineering. He loves helping STEM experts communicate their science more impactfully.

Shane M Hanlon Ph.D.

Executive Editor
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Shane leads BrandLab’s strategic initiatives and projects. As a conservation biologist turned science communicator and storyteller, Shane brings years of creative and relationship-building experience to BrandLab from his work in the federal government, the National Academies, and scientific membership nonprofits. He is an adjunct professor at the University of Pittsburgh, from which he obtained his B.S. in Ecology and Evolution, and holds a Ph.D. in biology from the University of Memphis.

Heather Lockhart-Neff 

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Heather co-leads account management at C&EN BrandLab. She utilizes efficiency and strategy when working with our clients and production teams within C&EN to deliver effective and engaging campaigns. Heather has a passion for telling dynamic stories through multimedia communication channels and brings creativity, curiosity, and charisma to BrandLab partnerships. She obtained her B.S. in International Relations from The College of Wooster in Ohio. 

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Cynthia Graham-Tappan is an accomplished sales leader with over 15+ years’ experience leading global B2B sales teams within the publishing & media industries.  She has held executive positions with The New York Times, Dow Jones, Agence France Presse, Hearst Corporation and currently oversee Sales & Strategic Partnerships for ACS.   Cynthia has a proven expertise in crafting strategic partnerships, steering high-performing sales teams, and propelling revenue growth. Cynthia also has extensive experience in performance management, market research, digital media monetization, and business development.

Cynthia received her B.S. degree from Towson University and recently completed Executive Education courses with The Yale School of Management and London Business School.  Cynthia resides in Maryland with her husband, and she is a proud mom of four kids.

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Kenneth is a creative leader with 20 years of experience in in-house and boutique design agencies. He is currently senior creative director for the American Chemical Society’s marketing and communications team. Previously, he was senior creative director for ACS Publications, an international scientific publisher that serves chemistry and related sciences. Kenneth is passionate about translating client business goals into impactful and innovative advertising solutions. Under his leadership, ACS has won numerous awards and accolades for its exceptional design work.