We allknowthe feeling: a letter fromthe bank, a hospitalinstruction sheet, or a phonebill lands in your hands—andyoucan’t make sense of it. The words are long, thesentencestangled, thelayoutoverwhelming. That’swhereplainlanguagecomes in. Plainlanguage is notaboutdumbingthings down. It’sabout respect, trust, andempathy.

Building on the shift from transactional vendors to strategic partners, the second part of our series dives into how collaboration works in practice. We explore strategies for effective supplier-provider partnerships, key European initiatives, procurement considerations, and the inspiring example of Maria Middelares hospital. Learn how startups and suppliers co-create solutions that improve patient outcomes, streamline operations, and generate lasting value.

Healthcare is changing faster than ever. By 2025, hospitals face rising costs, staffing challenges, and increasing pressure to deliver better outcomes with tighter budgets. In this new reality, suppliers can no longer rely on transactional sales they must become true partners. In this first part of our series, we explore why hospitals are seeking strategic collaborations, how partnerships are evolving, and real-world examples from Europe that show efficiency and shared outcomes are now the “new currency” of healthcare supplier relationships.

The B2B sales journey is often characterized by its complexity, involving a diverse array of stakeholders with varying perspectives and timelines. Guiding a prospect through this intricate path to becoming a valued customer can feel like a significant undertaking. Fortunately, B2B marketers and sales professionals excel at navigating these complexities, providing valuable insights and maintaining engagement throughout the buyer's journey.

Do you need an influencer to promote your B2B product or service? If you’re thinking of celebrity influencers like Lewis Hamilton or one of the Kardashians, the answer is probably no. But if you’re thinking of an influential person in your industry, or a top subject-matter expert, it’s something to consider, as it can add value and new dimensions to your marketing programs.

If you visited a website recently, you likely interacted with a chatbot. Whether they’re ‘smart’ (powered by generative AI), ‘simple’ (rule-based), or a mix of both, chatbots are now ubiquitous across all types of websites. And this popularity is going to grow – according to market intelligence company Mordor, the chatbot market will reach $102 billion USD by 2026. And according to research firm Gartner, by 2027 chatbots will be the main customer service channel for approximately 25% of companies. In a press released issued by Gartner, Uma Challa, Sr. Director Analyst at Gartner, commented: “Chatbots and virtual customer assistants (VCAs) have evolved over the past decade to become a critical technology component of a service organization’s strategy. When designed correctly, chatbots can improve customer experience and drive positive customer emotion at a lower cost than live interactions.”

The introduction of the ChatGPT chatbot by OpenAI (and its subsequent popularity) has triggered a host of questions about intellectual property and copyright ownership. A key question is: who owns the content that is created by ChatGPT? At this point in time, the answer isn’t entirely clear.

In the current economic context, with prices and inflation rising, it is essential for B2B companies to look beyond price alone. Value has become a central element in B2B marketing strategies. In this blog, we dive deeper into the different aspects of value, and how B2B companies can maximize these aspects.

How to be successful as a medium-sized B2B company in a troubled world. Strategies and the role of a B2B marketing agency in facing global challenges. In a world full of geopolitical tensions, economic uncertainties and rapidly changing technologies, B2B companies face numerous challenges. These challenges have a direct impact on how B2B companies develop and implement their marketing strategies. In this blog, we will discuss some of the key global challenges that a medium-sized B2B company in Belgium or Europe may face. We will also explore possible strategies that can help companies successfully deal with these challenges, with a focus on the role of a B2B marketing agency such as Living Stone.