Category: Money

I need my clubbers in tip top shape. I’m not demanding you follow my personal workout regime, but I am hoping you will do what it takes to avoid the dreaded survey fatigue. If you notice you are starting to get a case of the humdrums or that you just aren’t looking forward to the survey opportunities, it’s time to do something about it. Be proactive!

Change your location — Where do you normally set up shop? If you routinely take surveys with your laptop on your cozy couch. Move to the kitchen or dining room table. If the weather is good, head outside. The change of scenery will give you a boost, like when Superman needs a break from Metropolis and zips off to his fortress of solitude. Of, course we won’t mention the duties he’s shirking while he’s hiding out recharging.

Adjust your schedule — Instead of doing surveys late in the evening while you are trying to unwind from a long day. Switch it up. Do a survey while enjoying your morning cup of coffee. Or maybe even try a survey while on your lunch break.

Substitution — If possible, swap out which device you are using for the surveys. Use a tablet or other mobile device instead of your home computer or vice versa.

Add some diversity — They say variety is the spice of life. If things are feeling stale like The Joker’s sad attempts at world domination, then take a look at the survey opportunities and branch out to some of the ones you don’t normally lean towards. If you usually stick to travel surveys, check out some product based surveys.

Look away, baby look away! — Don’t forget to take screen breaks. While Cyclops’s laser eyes come in handy in a fight, those protective glasses can’t be comfortable. Make sure to protect your eyes by looking away from the screen, preferably at something in the distance, for a few moments.

If you are feeling overwhelmed by email offers for survey opportunities, remember, you don’t have to attempt every survey that comes your way! Keep it fun. Once it starts to become a chore it might be time for a break.

Deuces, Point Clubbers!

Today’s lesson from the Clubhouse:

A focus group is a target cluster of consumers put together for a discussion on certain products, opinions, perceptions, or even packaging. Usually 8-12 participants are pulled from selected demographics and they are paid for their time.

While surveys and polls generate number driven data, focus groups are capable of capturing other types of data. Focus groups are conducted face to face which means not only are the companies capable of gathering verbal responses, they can also see body language and facial expressions. With the client on site and able to witness the live action, the feedback gathered tends to hold more weight with the client as opposed to statistics and numbers from traditional surveys.

Focus groups are led by a moderator who introduces the topic and guides the discussion. They are usually held in a conference type room with microphones and a one-way mirror. The clients can observe via the mirror or the videotaped sessions, like Commissioner Gordon, except the clients are often provided tasty snacks and maybe even lunch.

One of the drawbacks of focus groups is that they can be too small of a sample which might not accurately represent the thoughts of the buying market as a whole. Another hitch is if the moderator is weak the discussion may not fully capture relevant responses. The moderator is responsible for making sure everyone participates and they have to navigate the discussion without indicating the responses that the client is hoping for. “With great power comes great responsibility.”

What actually happens with a focus group: The moderator introduces the subject and guides the discussion based on what the client is looking for. Participants than actively engage in the discussion and interact amongst each other. The findings of the focus group are then compiled into a report. The client then acts accordingly based on the reported findings of the focus group.

Focus groups are just one more tool in the market research arsenal.

Stay sharp, Point Clubbers!