Small Talk III took place on May 26 at Remedy. The evening began with an introduction by vice-president Deanna Stallsmith during which she asked the audience, "On a scale from 1 to 10, how exciting is health?" After some mumbling from the crowd, Stallsmith responded with a statement that declared Remedy's particular challenge, "In a world of 'wants,' anything related to health is a 'should.'"

It was with this mindset that Carol McCarthy founded Remedy in 1989. The twenty-person staff is dedicated to changing the perception of health and wellness from being "boring and burdensome to engaging and relevant." The company deliberately placed themselves in the health space so that they will always have challenges and feel good about what they do each day. "Remedy", said associate design director David Sieren, "believes in the power of design and strategic thinking as an asset to business."

After the introduction, the gathering split into three breakout sessions about reframing health, breaking the mold and getting new business. In these sessions, the presenters offered a glimpse inside Remedy's methods. Sieren shared two case studies: Edwards Hospital in Naperville and a campaign called "Not In My House," which informs parents about teenage prescription drug abuse. "Healthcare doesn't always champion artistic solutions," said Sieren, but Remedy's goal is to make work that goes against the flow of typically boring and disconnected health and wellness brands. They also back up their ideas with research tools like competitive auditing and consumer testing.

The Remedites discussed their goals for expanding their client base. "We try to find clients who are driven to make a difference, are entrepreneurial and willing to take risks," said Sieren. After twenty years of business, Remedy can now qualify new clients at the beginning of the pitch to make sure their partnership is the right fit for both of them.

Lastly, the company generously shared their methods for achieving partnerships with a wish list of 25 brands. Stallsmith warned that cold-calling busy prospects and expecting them to agree to sitting through a capabilities presentation is unrealistic. Instead, Remedy conducted a research project and packaged their insights into an informative presentation that was relevant to desired clients. The prospects who have seen it have responded positively. In fact, results for Remedy have been outstanding with a 20% return on their investment. Through promising each brand that they would learn something from the talk, Remedy gained new clients and made excellent relationships. Supported by an external advisory board of health and wellness professionals and by virtue of pure smarts, Remedy is unquestionably expert in their particular market.