the view from the other side of the research fence

I needed to get a quote from a research agency today.  For the first time in eight years I don’t have the luxury of an in-house research department and it’s been a real eye-opener. Using the excellent MRS Research Buyers Guide as a starting point, I knew I’d like to work with someone local as I … Continue reading the view from the other side of the research fence

never mind the groups, what about the catering?

I was at a viewing facility on Monday evening where they seemed to be hell bent on fulfilling their duty of care to clients and moderators in making sure we were looking after ourselves properly.  As well as the usual fruit basket and fridges filled with water, Coke and Red Bull, they offered fruit juices and no less … Continue reading never mind the groups, what about the catering?

A rogue respondent as seen from the viewing room

pic nicked from The White Rooms in St Albans (UK) - not where I was last night but v. highly recommended I was at a viewing facility last night and in the second group there was one respondent who was a real pain in the neck for the moderator. There’s always one (let’s call him Bob), … Continue reading A rogue respondent as seen from the viewing room

The New Normal #2 – if it moves, research it

So, after looking at the New Normal of measuring client’s bravery and budget we move on to part two – attitudes towards market research. Desk research tools like TGI and Mintel are becoming increasingly unhelpful as we slide deeper into this recession.  Data that was collected twelve or eighteen months ago in happier economic times … Continue reading The New Normal #2 – if it moves, research it