Author Archives: Steve Quirk

Research is dead? That’s news to me

Posted on 04/02/2012 by Steve Quirk

Over the last couple of months I have read blogs and articles proclaiming that research is either dead or dying. I don’t believe this. There is no doubt that the game is changing significantly but from where I sit, it’s … Continue reading →

Posted in Data Collection/Field Services, Innovation in Market Research, Marketing Research Resources, Research Industry Trends, State of the Research Industry, The Business of Research, Uncategorized | 4 Comments

Is a two-question survey still a survey?

Posted on 02/06/2012 by Steve Quirk

In the last month, I took both of my cars to the dealer for regular service. For my Mercedes, I waited in their lobby while the car was serviced. I was offered gourmet coffee and cookies and was able to use … Continue reading →

Posted in Consumer Research, Customer Satisfaction, Data Collection/Field Services, Interviewing | 7 Comments

Is too much emphasis being placed on the “Like” button?

Posted on 12/14/2011 by Steve Quirk

Who doesn’t want to be liked? We spend a vast majority of our life trying to get people to approve of us. Companies are no different. In an attempt to connect with their customers and potential customers, more and more organizations are … Continue reading →

Posted in Advertising Research, Brand and Image Research, Consumer Research, Customer Satisfaction, Data Collection/Field Services, Online Surveys and Research, Panels, Social Media and Marketing Research, State of the Research Industry, The Business of Research | 2 Comments

Son of a researcher

Posted on 10/07/2011 by Steve Quirk

I am the son of a marketing researcher. My father, Tom Quirk, spent nearly 25 years conducting and coordinating marketing research, primarily in the agricultural industry. Growing up as the child of a researcher in the 1970s and ’80s, it … Continue reading →

Posted in Focus Groups, Qualitative Research, Quantitative Research, The Business of Research | 3 Comments

Time drags, time flies: A decade in marketing research

Posted on 09/09/2011 by Steve Quirk

As we approach the 10th anniversary of the 9/11 attacks this weekend, it seems a good time to take a few minutes to reflect not only on that tragic day but also on all the changes that have taken place … Continue reading →

Posted in Innovation in Market Research, Market Research Techniques, Research Industry Trends, The Business of Research, Uncategorized | 3 Comments

The Like button – What’s stopping me?

Posted on 08/11/2011 by Steve Quirk

I’ve recently been contacted by a few restaurants and retail stores I frequent as well as by a telephone equipment supplier here at work to Like them on Facebook or follow them on Twitter. The restaurants and stores did not … Continue reading →

Posted in Social Media and Marketing Research | 3 Comments

Gone but not forgotten – the power of branding

Posted on 07/06/2011 by Steve Quirk

Every company or product has a brand. In these days of SEO and clicks it’s easy to forget the impact that branding can have. ABC’s launch of its new series Pan Am showcases the impact of branding. Pan Am Airways … Continue reading →

Posted in Advertising Research, Brand and Image Research, Business and Product Development | Comments Off

Surveys in the hands of salesmen

Posted on 06/14/2011 by Steve Quirk

I recently purchased a 2011 Ford Fusion Hybrid (one of the best-built cars I have owned – but that is for another blog). With the recent spike in gas prices, the supply for Fusion Hybrids has been low in the … Continue reading →

Posted in Consumer Research, Customer Satisfaction, Data Collection/Field Services, Interviewing | 5 Comments

Why DIY marketing research is good for our industry

Posted on 04/21/2011 by Steve Quirk

There is a lot of talk among marketing researchers that DIY research is bad for the industry. I, for one, am not convinced. I understand the fear among research suppliers that DIY will cut into their business. I also understand … Continue reading →

Posted in Qualitative Research, Quantitative Research, Research Industry Trends, State of the Research Industry, The Business of Research | 4 Comments

Customer satisfaction research: How soon is too soon?

Posted on 03/18/2011 by Steve Quirk

There’s an old saying that, in life, timing is everything. Based on my recent experiences, I think this adage applies to customer satisfaction research as well. Last month, my wife and I went to purchase a used Toyota Camry hybrid (we … Continue reading →

Posted in Consumer Research, Customer Satisfaction, Market Research Best Practices, Online Surveys and Research, Survey Development, Uncategorized | 6 Comments