These are the REAL silent questions KOLs have for MSLs:

1. What ya got for me?
2. How does this relate to my patients?
3. Who are you?
4. Are you worth my time?
5. Is this new?
6. How does this relate to my patients…safely?
7. Who are you again…this time with a bit more depth?
8. What did I think of this time?

Here's some strategies to address the KOL from the inside out:

1. What if you walked in (breathe) and say: “I’ve got some new information about _____ that I think you’ll be able to use with your ___ patients.” Real KOL questions 1&2

2. Whether you are on a first or tenth visit, it’s OK to say: “Oh, I forgot, I’m ______ from ______ and my job today is to help solve a problem your patients face.” Then go quiet to allow the doctor to respond. Don’t talk during this time or it will become ‘show up and throw up.’ W.A.I.T. (why am I talking!) and you will initiate partnership. Real KOL question 3

3. When the doctor responds, even vaguely, you continue: “If I understand this disease properly, the number 1 complaint you hear from your patients is ____________. And they expect you to do something about it. Yes?” (W.A.I.T). Real KOL question 4

4. “When I did my PharmD at The Ohio State University (yes, they tried to trademark the 'The'), my best professor told me that the drug is secondary to the pain of the patient and to find out from the patient what life is like for them. Tell me if this sounds familiar: (Run through 3 or 4 patient quotes)…do your patients tell you anything similar?” (W.A.I.T). Real KOL question 7

5. “Today I’d like to get your take on the complaints and the solutions so far, and then for you to give me some feedback on this one solution. Give me your best shot, your best frustration, your most direct feedback… You cannot hurt my feelings. I want to solve your patient’s problems as much as you do.” (W.A.I.T) Real KOL questions 5&6

6. “I fear I’ve overstayed my welcome; I know you are busy. I’ll take our ideas back to the big wigs in my company. But I do have a request… During our next meeting I’d like to learn more about the challenges your patients face so I can look further into our data to see if I can provide further insights?” Real KOL questions 2-4-6-7-8

Work with these questions gradually and use them instead of your usual routine. You might even practice by having a recorded Zoom session with yourself (the playback will help you see and hear how you sound…remember look directly at the camera, no notes.) Keep the camera rolling so you get 3 or more scenarios. The more you do, muscle memory will kick in and you'll notice the improvements in your approach.