Media Frenzy

As we all know, social media has taken over our lives.  People want their information as quickly as possible and social media has made it possible while including two-way communication.  Also, it's the most productive way to reach out to people.  It's tough to find people in our generation that don't use Facebook, Twitter, YouTube, etc.  Pfizer has excelled in this aspect with almost 38,000 "likes" on Facebook and almost 20,000 followers on the Twitter account, @pfizer_news.  Pfizer also has a social media channel on SlideShare, a way for people to keep track of all social media regarding Pfizer.  In this video,  Kate Bird, Director of Digital Communications at Pfizer talks about their tactics within social media.

Pfizer does a great job on their Facebook page in informing people on products, events, and services.  They post regularly on Pfizer products and any news or updates within the company.  They also post scientific blogs pertaining to their pharmaceutical field, which is a great way to get people engaged with the company.  This tactic has people coming back to their page seeking out any new interesting posts.  Pfizer also makes their Facebook page very personal by promoting individual scientists and workers at the company.  This makes their Facebook page less formal and more appealing to their audience even though Pfizer is a major corporation.  For example, one post reads " Brian K. O’Connor, a member of Think Science Now, a blogging community of Pfizer scientists, researchers and medical professionals, weighs in on a Science magazine special edition focusing on the exciting possibilities of Synthetic Biology." This is a great tactic in making people feel more comfortable with the company.

Pfizer also has several Twitter accounts in which they utilize very well.  @pfizer_news is the most popular twitter account with many updates and news regarding the company.  However, Pfizer also has other accounts such as @PfizerMexico and @pfizer_spain, which shows how globalizaed Pfizer is as a company even with their social media.  One thing Pfizer doesn't do enough on Twitter is trend (hashtag) topics.  Trending words can lead to more followers and add to a discussion that is going on regarding a specific topic within the pharmaceutical field.  This tactic would put Pfizer's name out there even more to spread their news and updates to more followers via Twitter.

Pfizer also has a YouTube channel in which subcribers and the general public are able to watch newscasts and other streaming video Pfizer has to offer.  It is also used as a medium to promote their campaigns such as sustaining the enviornment. 

Pfizer's actual website is very informative with news, updates, and important information for Pfizer customers.  However, in my opinion, it is very dull and borring.  I understand it is a serious pharmaceutical company but it shouldn't put someone to sleep.  If I were working as a PR professional at Pfizer I would look into jazzing up with the website while still keeping the serious attitude which is vital within a pharmaceutical company.  Not saying there should be interactive games on the website, but no doubt I would try to make it more appealing to the audience.

With all that said, Pfizer does an extremely great job in utilizing new media and social media.  They are able to communicate news and updates, while keeping it very personal despite being a huge pharmaceutical corporation.  Investigating Pfizer's forms of media makes it clear why they have an ample amount of "likes" and "followers".

First Things First

Welcome!  I'm proud to introduce you to my new blog focused on the major pharamaceutical company, Pfizer.  This blog will highlight the "ins and outs" of Pfizer and investigate how Pfizer has made its way from a small, family-owned business to where it is today as a superpower in the pharmaceutical industry.  I have selected to focus my blog on Pfizer because of my heavy interest in Public Relations and Marketing regarding pharmaceutical companies.  Medicine is advertised in a positive manner in the United States unlike any other country in the world.  I have always been intrigued by the pharmaceutical industry and the way in which a company such as Pfizer operates on a PR/Marketing level.  I will bring attention to Pfizer's usage of new media and social media, as well as their involvement in investor and community relations.

As I stated before, Pfizer started as a small, family-owned business, and has now evolved into the world's largest and most valuable company in healthcare, which is a common topic in US news today.  Pfizer promotes health and well-being through all stages of life through intensive medicinal research and products.  As well as promoting health and wellness through medicine for people in all stages of life, Pfizer also recognizes their duties and responsibilities as a major corporation in a changing world.  The article points out Pfizer's recognition of conserving our enviornment as well as upholding strict ethical standards within the field.

Pfizer's reputation is constantly threatened by issues around them.  An ongoing threat is that fact that the pharmaceutical industry is a constant medicinal experiment with people's lives.  Pfizer puts people's lives in their own hands everyday.  To ensure trust throughout the general public, Pfizer is very honest and upfront with people to keep their prestigous reputation.  On the main page of their website, Pfizer issues statements regarding recalls and warnings for people to constantly be aware of what is going on with Pfizer products.  This is a very effective tactic of preserving their reputation instead of hiding these mishaps and dangers.  Pfizer also has all of their financial statements and information available on their website for people to take a look at.  Another issue that can damage Pfizer's reputation is their amount of spending in our economic crisis.  According to Bloomberg Businessweek's article, they have made large strides in cutting spending, however,they still remain on top of the list in R&D spending.  Pfizer is very open with their company's information to help people become more comfortable with the pharmaceutical superpower.  Another way Pfizer boosts its reputation and legacy is how they maintain relations with former employees, retireees, and legacy organizations.  Pfizer Plus provides a network for the Pfizer family to maintain its reputation and legacy throughout the world.  Former employees are able to stay connected and be a part of Pfizer's family.  A company with a close-knit community promotes trust and loyalty throughout the general public.

To help their reputation, Pfizer stays active in many current global topics such as preserving the enviornment.  On the main page of their website, they state how they are reducing their carbon footprint, which is a common theme throughout many business and organizations in efforts to help the enviorment.  In addition, on their main page they show what charitable organizations they have taken part in, including St. Baldrick's.  Pfizer's PR team is able to point out their successes and triumphs while also staying connected to the community through being active in helping the enviornment and getting involved with charitable organizations.