The Heart & Soul of Incept: The Conversational Marketing Expert

This is the first in a series of guest blog postings from my friends at Incept. ENJOY!

At the core of everything Incept does is our mission: To have productive conversations that drive meaningful results. In order to produce those results we rely on a group of amazing individuals called Conversational Marketing Experts - CMEs, for short.

Most of our CMEs spend their days having conversations with blood donors from all across the country. They answer questions, schedule appointments and interact with people from all walks of life to spread the word about the need for blood and blood donors. Stephanie is one of our CMEs who specializes as a Blood Donor Recruiter. I took a few minutes to ask her the following questions so everyone could get an inside look at what it means to be a Conversational Marketing Expert and Blood Donor Recruiter at Incept.

Q: How would you define being a Conversational Marketing Expert?

Steph: Having good listening skills and listening to the donor. Being able to talk with them, not just at them.

Q: Personally, what does it mean to you to be a Blood Donor Recruiter?

Steph: It gives me a chance to make more of an impact than if I was out donating by myself.

Q: How do you think being a Conversational Marketing Expert relates to you being a Blood Donor Recruiter?

Steph: I think being a Blood Donor Recruiter, you have to be more attentive and compassionate than if you were just a telemarketer. Being a Conversational Marketing Expert means you are more understanding because you aren’t asking them to fulfill a financial obligation; you’re asking them to do something altruistic - to be selfless.

Q: What part of the everyday conversations with blood donors would you say is your favorite?

Steph: I enjoy the conversations where a donor mentions that someone else’s donation had an impact on their life, and that they are giving back because someone else was selfless enough to help them.

Q: Stephanie, you’re a blood donor yourself. How do you think that impacts your ability to relate to the blood donors with whom you have conversations?

Steph: It provides me with the ability to better empathize with the donors. I can relate to someone who says, “I didn’t feel well last time I donated.” I can wholeheartedly reply, “Oh, I know exactly what that’s like!”

Q: Anything else you’d like to share?

Steph: I come from a background of “community service.” My mom is a nurse; heck, I’m going to school to be a nurse. Because of this, I know how much blood is needed. I think that played a big part in my decision to become a blood donor.

Stephanie isn’t alone at Incept. In fact, there are quite a few of our CMEs who also happen to be regular blood donors. It’s safe to say that, as a whole, the company culture of Incept has a lot to do with “walking the walk” and “talking the talk.” But that’s a story for another day!


Remember, the Incept links for the Blog & Website are in the "Blood Links" Column on the right - visit them to learn more!
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Looking Behind the Scenes: A Bit About the Author - Stephen Smith

I’m an Internet Conversational Marketing Expert (iCME) here at Incept. My favorite part of my job is connecting blood donors, blood recipients, friends, family and fans online in order to keep strengthening the “Blood Community.” Blogging is a passion of mine and I love to meet new people with new ideas. Feel free to contact me via email and connect with me on Facebook or Twitter.

~Stephen

stephen.smith@inceptresults.com
Blog: blog.inceptsaves.com
Twitter: @Stephen_Incept
Facebook: www.facebook.com/Stephen.Smith87

Are you ready to get dirty?

Back in May, when I had the opportunity to speak at the Queendom Tea event, I met the lovely Shana Williams. Svelte, beautiful, and very glamorous I was enamored with her effervescent personality and willingness to assist.

We briefly visited and she inquired about being a blood donor and where to go in her home-state of Delaware. Of course I directed her to my friends at the Blood Bank of Delmarva - I am proud to state that since that visit in May she has been a donor twice and from our last exchange I think she may even do platelets or double red next time - Go Shana! Now, that's just the background to this little bit of happy news ~

Life myself, Shana comes with an appreciation of all things that sparkle, glitter, and just all around glamorous. So naturally, I was highly intrigued when I saw that she and her friends had created team "Divalicious" for the Delaware Mud Run. Seriously? Shana, in a mud run? I suggested a shower cap with rhinestones to cover her hair, but I digress.

The Delaware Mud Run is a benefit for the Leukemia Research Foundation of Delaware and all funds raised will be donated to this fund. How amazing is that? Shana is now a regular donor AND she, along with her friends, are raising funds/awareness for a blood disorder. To most that might seem like another fundraiser on another day - but to me it just speaks volumes to the small things that we can do to enhance the lives of others living with life-threatening blood disorders - whether it's a simple blood donation or participating in events like the Mud Run.

Be sure to check out the Mud Run by visiting www.delawaremudrun.com - PLEASE NOTE Team Divalicious is in 2nd place as of today - donate and send them into the #1 slot!!

Introducing: Incept

Exciting news for It's Hip 2 Give, readers of this blog and beyond. After spending a year in the social media market - twitter, facebook, and the blog-o-sphere, I am excited to introduce my readers to Incept. So, what is Incept? you ask - well, read on and see what Incept is doing in the world of Blood Donors and more.

Incept is a conversational marketing firm that specializes in conducting productive conversations with current and potential donors, on behalf of blood banks. Their distinction is a listen before leading approach that puts the blood bank and its donors at the center of everything Incept does. By understanding the facility's objectives, Incept is able to customize a strategy that brings donors through the doors. By knowing what motivates donors, Incept can ensure the right message is delivered every time. So, if a blood bank is looking for customized solutions through donor conversations... they talk…results.

Sounds like a mouthful - I know. I've taken the time to understand what they are doing and by working on behalf of blood banks around the nation, they are scheduling donors to save lives. Sounds like a simple task doesn't it? Not really, how many times do you receive a call that you don't recognize a number and either don't answer, don't return the call, or just don't give the other person enough time to explain what their call is about. Are you choosing to hang up on a life that may need saving? Think about it - one phone call to schedule you to give one pint of blood saves THREE lives.

Yes, you've all heard me say what they do and yes you understand that Incept is scheduling these appointments. But who are they working for (besides the lives they are saving) you ask? Well here are a few names of their clients across the United States and even a few International affiliations too:

American Red Cross (Penn-Jersey Blood Services Region)
Lifeblood Mid South Regional Blood Center
San Diego Blood Bank
Gulf Coast Regional Blood Center
Miller-Keystone Blood Center
American Heart Association
Ford
GM
MSN
Monster

Obviously, they are not working with only blood centers, but corporations and charities alike. Regardless of the client - the goal is to Acquire, Appreciate, and Retain its client's "customers/donors" - Incept also has to help these organizations Re-Activate some "customers/donors" and even Convert a few too. With a business model to stay fully engaged in each aspect of a client's lifecycle, Incept is positioned to increase every bottom line of it's clients whether its measured financially or with lives saved.

During the next few weeks, months, and longer - you will find guest blog-posts by my friends at Incept highlighting donor stories, latest news, and more. In the reverse, I too will be guest blogging for Incept beginning in September. I am VERY excited about this new partnership in donor education and hope that you feel more empowered to save lives - today.

Be sure to visit the Incept website and the Incept blog - you will enjoy the posts and learn a lot along the way. (Links provided in the "Blood Related Links" list)

Thanks-4-Giving Blood Drive

For some time I have been advocating for donors, thanking them personally and lending a hand when needed. Now, I'm taking on the effort of coordinating a blood drive.

Do I have the details ironed out? Well, they are coming together and it will be taking place in November, the date is TBD just now but it will be a "Thanks-4-Giving" Blood Drive. Thanking donors for the gift of life they give and connecting them to the many lives they are saving.

You'll have to stay tuned for the details and all of the fun things that will be taking place, but in the meantime - donate now so that you'll be ready for this drive to donate again!

It's Back to School (Donors)!

Those three little words — back to school — strike fear in the hearts of students everywhere. It's just that through the TV commercials, supply lists, and days of summer winding down - we have to admit it's come that time - a close to another summer. Everyone from students to teachers are probably not fans of the back-to-school phrase.

However, I am very excited that everyone is headed back to school! Not for selfish reasons, meaning of course since I have a child at home I'm ready for the break of course, but because that means high schools and universities can start donation programs again!

Did you know that in some blood bank regions 25 percent of all blood collected comes from students, teachers and administrators of the schools and universities in the areas that are served?

That's a fairly large segment of the donor population that has been away for the last 2 to 3 months. This drop on donation can account for a 20-25% deficit in the current blood supply in any given area.

So, if your school does not have a blood drive — call your local blood bank or American Red Cross. They will be happy to talk to you about coordinating a life saving blood drive at your school. It is a great way for the students to give back to the community. In addition, your local blood bank has educational programs available for grades K - 12.

Your local blood bank will guide you with the appropriate tools and educational elements in order to encourage students and faculty to donate or volunteer. Remember to check with local centers as state laws vary on age requirements and everyone can donate at least every 56 days, so you'll be able to manage at least 3 blood drives for your school during the year.

It's back to school and back to saving more lives!

Are you the Match for Isabelle?

My friends at the Rhode Island Blood Center led me to this story and I wanted to share with all of my readers the critical need for a match for sweet little Isabelle. I know that two year olds are always full of life and certainly keep parents on their toes, so I couldn't resist sharing Isabelle's story.

An active girl, Isabelle can be seen running and playing like most other children, but as the day and month wears on, her energy diminishes and her spark begins to fade. Why? Isabelle, the daughter of Daisy Mirzaei, an RN, was diagnosed with a genetic blood disorder, beta thalassemia in January 2008. Isabelle has been receiving blood transfusions every 4-6 weeks since she was 11 months old. Even I know from experience that a lifetime of regular transfusions can lead to serious medial problems. Her transfusions are keeping her on course developmentally and physically but are certainly not the long term solution.

Beta Thalassemia is an inherited blood disorder that is found primarily in Southeast Asia and the Middle East. Isabelle's heritage consists of Iranian and Chinese. Her only chance at a healthy and long life is to have a bone marrow transplant. Because Isabelle is an only child, her doctors have started a search for a bone marrow match through Be The Match Registry.

Isabelle's case is characterized as a "major case" because she is under such constant need of transfusions. As a mother, it pains me to see children is such need - as a blood disorder survivor, I know the need is critical, the need is now.

I encourage each of you to visit www.marrow.org and sign up to be a match. If you aren't a match to Isabelle, there are millions of others that you could match. Specifically, if you know anyone with any similarity in heritage to Isabelle, PLEASE have them register to be a match.

On Air with Broadcasters for Blood

What an exciting day! I set out to simply go to the Broadcasters for Blood event to say thank you to the multitude of donors that were expected and what transpired was certainly nothing short of amazing!

Virginia Blood Services and local area media presented one of the biggest opportunities for community members to donate blood. From 7am to 7pm, the team of employees and volunteers was set to achieve their goal of 500 donations. While I don't have the final counts yet - I will be sure to post when it's available.

The beautiful sprawling ballroom of the Charlottesville Omni hotel was converted into the donor center where they were ready for whole blood donations, platelet donations, and plasma. Equipped to handle a large volume of people means that it takes a virtual army to satisfy every need.

Food sponsors included Chik-fil-a, Qboda, Ben & Jerry's and many more - there was an iPad contest, a big screen tv giveaway and so much more that there shouldn't have been a hesitation to donate.

Of course covering the event in every aspect are local media outlets. As I arrived and met with organizers I was elated to be asked to share my story with 106.1 The Corner radio station and then NBC29 quickly followed suit. Any time there is an opportunity to reach more donors and connect them to the lives they save, I am grateful to be a part of the message.

More importantly, it allows donors to see who's life they are saving or at least it's an opportunity for me to say thank you. I will never know each donor that saved my life personally so every donor I can thank directly, the better. After all, tomorrow can bring another transfusion and the donors of today may save my life - or yours - tomorrow.

Broadcasters for Blood - Win an iPad!

Hey Charlottesville, what are you doing on Monday, August 9th? How about joining all of your local broadcasters and donate some blood?

In connection with local radio stations, tv stations, and various media outlets, everyone has an opportunity to have a little fun and save lives. Join Virginia Blood Services (a partner with Donor Dialogue) from 7am-7pm at the Omni Hotel in Downtown Charlottesville (235 W Main Street - FREE PARKING).

Be among the first donors between 7am-10am and be entered to win special prizes like gift cards and coupons - but join us all day and receive ice cream, t-shirts, pizza and more. Want to win an iPad? When you arrive on Monday, mention "TWEETUP" at registration for double the chance to win a brand new iPad!!


No appointments needed, just show up and donate - how much easier could it be to save 3 lives?

Synthetic Blood in the Near Future?

Synthetic Blood is not a concept that I can happily say that I welcome, although it is a scientific advancement that is on the forefront of the future. Truthfully, when my Twitter friend, @InceptSaves, let me know about this developing product, I have to say harsh skepticism was my first reaction.

To be fair, the complexities of whole blood are too great to ever be reproduced in a laboratory, however, researchers have focused their efforts on creating artificial substitutes for 2 important functions of blood: oxygen transport by red blood cells and hemostasis by platelets.

A number of driving forces have led to the development of artificial blood substitutes. One major force is the military, which requires a large volume of blood products that can be easily stored and readily shipped to the site of casualties. Another force is HIV; with the advent of this virus, the medical community and the public suddenly became aware of the significance of transfusion-transmitted diseases and became concerned about the safety of the national blood supply. A third force is the growing shortage of blood donors. Approximately 60% of the population is eligible to donate blood, but fewer than 5% are regular blood donors. A unit of blood is transfused every 2 seconds in the USA, and the number of units transfused each year has been increasing at twice the rate of donor collection.

Artificial blood products offer many important benefits. First, they are readily available and have a long shelf life, allowing them to be stocked in emergency rooms and ambulances and easily shipped to areas of need. Second, they can undergo filtration and pasteurization processes to virtually eliminate microbial contamination. No product can claim to be 100% risk-free for infectious agents, but these substitutes have a greatly increased level of safety. Third, they do not require blood typing, so they can be infused immediately and for all patient blood types. Fourth, they do not appear to cause immunosuppression in the recipient.

Now, the advancement in science comes at a price also. A rough estimate at this time places the price tag at $5,000 per unit of blood (1 pint). A patient requiring a heart surgery may need 6 units; a newborn baby may need 3; cancer patients may need 5 or more PER treatment; and sickle cell anemia patients require a full exchange (10+) every three to 4 weeks. The cost alone can be prohibitive to many, including myself, in the future should donor availability every fall to a level where synthetic products are needed.

I will keep following the progression of the production with my friends at Incept and formulate my opinions, however, at this time, I won't be volunteering for human trials and can't say that I would "purchase" the product. Although, in the future, there may be no choice if there are no donors. If there was ever a reason to donate, this would be it.