Several departments and physician offices have been contacted recently by organizations claiming to offer exclusive or highly desirable marketing opportunities, video productions, or awards. Some of these are fraudulent schemes and others are “pay-to-participate” offers, which provide very little or no marketing value to Cooper or our physician practices. These companies aggressively contact hospitals or physicians and employ high-pressure tactics to solicit participation. Below is an updated list of some of the most common organizations that should be avoided:
- HCE Exchange – magazine/online – asks for vendor lists for solicitation as requirement for participation.
- Inside Healthcare – magazine/online – same as above.
- Committee for Citizen Awareness — requires a two-year participation fee to sponsor educational videos/civics lessons in exchange for a “sponsor message.” The videos are distributed to libraries and schools, with no evidence that they are actually viewed by anyone. They often purport to be working with local elected officials.
- Outlook TV – infomercial video production with little or no distribution.
- In View with Larry King – infomercial video production with little or no distribution.
- In America with James Earl Jones – infomercial video production with little or no distribution.
- In Focus with Martin Sheen — infomercial video production with little or no distribution.
- Healthcare Global.
- Small Business Institute for Excellence in Commerce – offers fake “quality awards” based on no discernable benchmarks, for a fee.
- Showmark Media — culls information from legitimate sources and attempts to sell plaques and other award displays.
- Smart CEO – sponsors a variety of award programs whereby winners are required to purchase tickets and/or sponsorships to award events.
- America’s Best in Medicine – offers award designations and listings for a participation fee.
- Women’s Choice Awards – bestows awards in a variety of categories including consumer products, financial services, and health care for a fee.
If you are unsure about any marketing or public relations opportunities that come to you from outside sources, please contact the Cooper Communications Department at 856.382.6463.