“We just wrapped an entire week of talks and workshops with Marc and it was amazing! I’ve overheard so many discussions this week centered around things Marc discussed–people are really buzzing, and excited after these talks.” –Shruti Desai, Science and Society Coordinator, Max Planck Institute for Molecular Cell Biology and Genetics
Most scientists know all too well that they must market themselves. These days, only 15% of new investigators win NSF grants, only 25% of postdocs find permanent jobs in academia, and anti-science sentiments seem to have become mainstream. But the usual education of a scientist does little to teach us about the powerful tools business professionals use to win support for their ideas.
The Marketing for Scientists workshops aim to introduce scientists to the fundamental techniques from the business world that matter most to them, like sales, branding and relationship building. They use the examples of Steve Jobs, George Lucas, and Barack Obama to show that marketing can be a positive, even healing force. They teach scientists how to get their ideas across vividly while maintaining their integrity and building the outstanding reputations they need.
If you’re interested in a having a seminar or workshop on Marketing for Scientists at your next meeting or at your home institution, contact Marc Kuchner.
The workshop consists of three interactive 90-minute sessions:
Modern Marketing for Scientists (90 minutes): How to sell yourself and your work, What’s even better than an elevator speech? Branding and Relationship Building, Archetypal branding and big science
Talks, Figures, Proposals (90 minutes): Storytelling, Three kinds of figures every scientist needs, Four kinds of proposals not to write, The Star Wars formula for a colloquium talk
Internet Marketing for Scientists (90 minutes): What our Colleagues Want to See on Our Websites, Wikipedia, Youtube, Social Media, Citizen Science. (Participants are encouraged to bring their computers.)
Here is a description of the workshop by one recent participant, who says “My only regret is not knowing about this sooner when I started applying for jobs.”
We tailor the workshops to the group–from graduate students to senior scientists. Marc Kuchner is also available for speaking engagements or shorter seminars.
“Your message is incredibly timely, and our trainees are lucky to have heard from you as they begin to think about launching their careers in science.…Many respondents listed your talk as one of the `most useful’ aspects of the retreat!” –Pnina Laric, Training Program Coordinator at NIH.
“For 90 minutes he held the attention of those with a biological background with humour, passion and a clear, deliverable and actionable message. I endorse Marc as a leader in the field of Science Communication.” –Kate Sleeth, Ph.D., National Postdoctoral Association Board of Directors.
“I really enjoyed Dr. Kuchner’s presentation. It was very thought provoking and I liked the way he interacted with the audience.”–Wendy Harris, Vice President:, Society of Physics Students, Drexel University
“You hit the best balance: honestly assessing the state of science in our society–on the rocks–while giving strong evidence of how we are well-posed to make a difference. “–Kathy Cooksey, Ph.D., co-organizer, NSF Postdocs Symposium
