The vast majority of us have an opinion. In fact, most folks probably think we have too MANY opinions.
Imagine how good it feels being some place where what you think is not only sought out, but valued!
Have you ever attended a Focus Group? If not, you’re missing a great experience. These organized gatherings of consumers serve one purpose: to find out what people will and will not buy, or pay attention to!
Why do companies pay people to attend Focus Groups? Easy. To discover if there are going to be any profits!
Many people don’t realize that Focus Groups save companies millions of dollars upfront! Research and development, advertising and marketing, production and inventory, it all adds up and the only thing the company cares about is its bottom line.
Imagine being the Chairman of a publicly-owned company, responsible for final financial spending decisions. That means stockholders – and it’s their money that is being spent.
The Chairman has been presented with a new product idea that looks promising. If the public likes it, Success! Potentially there are tens of millions of dollars that could be made. The Chairman stands to look like a financial wizard, a Hero!
But, if it doesn’t ‘fly’ …somebody has a lot of ‘xplaining to do! You see, it is way too risky for a Chairman to just say, “Let’s Do It!” With other people’s money, you think twice!
If the product is a commercial flop the Chairman is left with a lot of egg on the face to explain to very upset, demanding investors. Focus Groups help avoid all that.
Would you want to face an ‘angry mob’ of investors and explain how your latest financial decision left them on the minus side? This can happen with any new product, but at least a Focus Group lends some leverage to the argument!
How is a company to know what the public wants if they don’t ask them? It is MUCH less costly to make budgetary provisions for a Focus Group and pay a consumer $50, $75, $100 even $200 than it is to spend millions on a bomb!
Consumer Power via a Focus Group is pretty awesome. Your contributions could help launch a much-needed world- wide product. It could also stop a harmful product from ever being introduced to the public.
These days there is much concern about health-related issues. There is also bally-hooing over the kinds of television programs and commercials that are run and movies or music released. Your opinion could help spearhead products, services or programs.
Focus Groups are fun, too. You could be a taste-tester for new menu items being considered for restaurants and/or grocery stores. You can have a say in a new scratch-off game or child’s toy. You could provide input re On-line dating and/or personal relationships.
Many actors have gotten their start appearing in Focus Group presentations (it gets them on tape). Often, free lunches are served and Incentive gifts may be handed out. Of course, the best part of Focus Groups is the money. For a few hours or less you walk away with cash that is completely Tax Free! Voicing your opinions and getting paid for it – WOW!
Honesty is important! When you are contacted to be part of a Focus Group, don’t lie or stretch the truth. For instance, if you make $30,000 a year, don’t say you make $75,000! If you drive a mid-priced car, why pretend you own a Mercedes?
You can do yourself financial good attending Focus Groups. There are certain is’s and out’s that make you the more desirable candidate of choice, but if you ever have the opportunity to attend one, go for it!
Your opinion truly Counts and does a world of good!
Author, Sam Knight heads an Affordable Ad Writing Service, “The Write Place”, is editor/publisher of “BOOMER BRIGADE!” Newsletter http://www.boomer4ever.com, and partners with a company that offers Low-Cost Quality Computer Systems with a no credit check/no interest accrual Lay-a-way Plan http://www.profitwebservices.com/smk.html.