Life sciences players are taking to Twitter more and more to opine on all things healthcare, leading to some interesting and often controversial back-and-forths (cough, Adam Feuerstein, cough).
Forbes just posted an amusing – and fairly useful – social media etiquette guide for the biotech investment set. Here are some highlights:
Facts rule. Someone asks about a PDUFA date? Provide it. Better yet, provide a link.
When Investment Rhymes with Canada
Canada has a proud history of achievement in the areas of science and technology, and the field of biomanufacturing and life sciences is no exception.
Investors crave transparency. If a company’s pussyfooting around an answer, it’s easy these days for the biotech investor to simply move on – no one has the time to wait around
Opinions count, but only when backed by reasons. “IMHO” is not a reason. “I worry that the study is underpowered given that the endpoint has a lot of inter-observer variability” is a reason.
Chances are, if you have an opinion about a facet of the life sciences, you have some sort of rationale to back it up. Share it. Opinion matters less because again – facts rule.
I have yet to encounter the use of “LOL” in a post about biotech management that made either the post or the poster more credible.
This goes without saying.
Other things to keep in mind: Don’t be repetitive. Each social media post can make an impact on your reputation – either positive or negative. Keep the dialogue impersonal, particularly when discussing individuals, companies or portfolio managers.
