Thursday, December 13, 2012

Surveys- The Art of telling a Story?


For decades we wondered why survey results were somewhat hidden criteria. We scratched our heads wondering why the obvious issues weren’t addressed. Why employ consultants to be the middle man, wouldn’t a standard form with the right questions be quicker, accurate, cost effective and worthy? If some glaring issues needed to be resolved surely management could correct the situation.
Being naïve was the first mistake when we bought into the purpose of the survey.
The truth is surveys are a tool to gage how effective the organizations marketing campaign is perceived. Identifying what works and what needs tweaked. Surveys aren’t designed to identify your likes or dislikes. They don’t value your opinion, care about you or your needs.
It’s about perception and persuasion and buying into a story. It’s never been about fair, right or wrong.
The questions are skewed based on the marketing agenda. The consulting firm can offer suggestions on how to improve the organizational message. After implementation this ensures the same consultant group is brought back to follow-up with the next survey. Chances are improvement will be part of the results, once again ensuring the effectiveness of the organization and the consulting firm.
If the consultants can show desired output it’s a win-win situation for everybody.
Well not quite everybody.
When organizations settle for the outcome addressed on a typical roadside billboard, newspaper advertisement or media commercials the real story is never conveyed.
This is the reason most people forego Internet online marketing surveys- it provides no usefulness to the individuals needs.
Besides, we already know it’s a waste of time.

Until We Meet Again,
 Jim Carver
Author: The Legacy of David A. Wells- The Lexington High School “Band of Gold”
Something Meaningful that Matters!

www.successthroughmusic.com

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2 comments:

  1. You're a wealth of information, Jim.

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    1. Just decades of shaking my head and asking "why". Thanks so much Ann. Take Care, Jim

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