"Finally, someone who wants you for your mind."…read more
That is on the back of the business card of the Opinion Research outfit In the Galleria District of Houston where I spent my day, yesterday. :-D
"Nice brain, mind if we pick it?"
No, I didn't. :-D
Opinions Unlimited is a marketing research firm that different companies hire to do marketing focus group studies. Early this month I discovered them via Facebook and took the online survey.
On Sunday I got a phone call to see if I was interested in coming in on short notice and answered some more questions.
I have never done anything like this before and did not know what to expect.
I am reviewing them from the focus group participant view...
This was a full day session, with about 30 other participants and paid $250.
For anyone who does not drive a car Houston Metro #20 & #47 conveniently will drop you off on the corner of Woodway & Post Oak LN, a quick walk from the complex of buildings consisting of Riverway 1-7, and #3 is not hard to locate.
Depending on where you live in Houston and the time you have to be there, you should have little problem...I live in Upper Sharpstown and it was a 90 min., 2 bus, trip to be sure to get there by 730am for the 8am check in.
When you get there, they have light snacks and sodas and check-in is easy. The Deli Lunch (In this case it was sandwiches, chips & a cookie from Panera), is well worth it.
While, for certain reasons given us, I can't talk about what the Focus Group I participated in was about (other than "About 8 hrs"....hee, hee!) I WILL say that it was a very interesting and informative day, and the people running things were friendly and encouraging and helpful.
At the end I was given a check for $250 and went on my way.
For those who think they would never be chosen for one of these in a million years, due to age, race, political persuasion, sexual orientation and other notions...
I am a 59 yr. old Conservative single white heterosexual male, and I saw plenty of people, male and female, white and black and Hispanic, around my age, or older and a couple of disabled people in wheelchairs..
Oh, and they also consider people who identify as "Non-Binary/Gender Fluid.
They have been in operation since 1979, and in Houston since 1996 and appear to be a very highly respected outfit.
If invited to participate again, and it is on a day off, I would not mind doing so.