the art of conversation

In Praise Of ... Qualitative Research Recruiters

Mildred Adams Fenton, b 1888, Iowa, geologist and writer, (Records of Evolution, 1924; Land We Live On, 1944): when her husband began to write, Mildred acted as critic, photographer, typist and research assistant.

Mildred could have been a market research recruiter, her job being to make things happen and to support someone else, but operating almost unrecognised behind the scenes.

Qualitative research recruiters (interviewers) find the right people to take part in research projects, which is a fundamental role within the market research process. However, their role and their skills are barely appreciated even within the MR industry, never mind outside it.

Recruiter numbers are dwindling - they are a dying breed - many are nearing retirement with few following in the ranks. Tricia, one of our younger recruiters said, "I can't think of anyone new who's coming in... it's becoming a sideline job." 

Although some efforts have been undertaken, there is no formal recruitment, retention or development programme for recruiters within the industry. It's a problem.

Carnivorous man is pants man

 

In the advertising episode of the Apprentice how we all laughed at ‘PANTS MAN’,  the disastrous creation of one team of hapless apprentices. Its creator Phil was still being lampooned about it even as he got fired last night. The team presented their idea to the luminaries of the advertising industry (well, McCann's) and were duly pasted.

It was a horrifying pitch. Personally I felt that both teams failed (as they were bound to given their lack of team spirit, experience and time) but that Pants Man failed better than the other lot whose idea was so dull I can’t even bring it to mind.

However the ad industry should be careful not to laugh too hard. What about CARNIVOROUS MAN from Fridge Raiders? Proof I think that in the real world (well the advertising world) Pants Man would have not only made it to TV but would have been among friends . . .ugh!

Dominic

T-Mobile Mob, Part 2: Trafalgar Square

Between 6pm and 7pm last night, T-Mobile launched their second Flash Mob event - this time in Trafalgar Square.

It was suprising to see how many people turned up (some started queuing from 3pm); and how many of those who had turned up were of T-Mobile's core 16-24 demographic . It would appear the T-Mobile/Saatchi bandwagon had done more than enough to spread the word to pull in such a crowd.

The numbers were significant and the high anticipation palapable. It felt that T-Mobile had advanced from their previous Liverpool station success, by focusing more on a youth audience.

Hats off to T-Mobile and Saatchi & Saatchi. We look forward to seeing the end result.

(And here is a brief taster we managed to catch on camera:)