How to make money with a market research job

Have you ever been wandering the shopping mall and had someone stop and ask you if you would like to take part in a market research survey? Market research and advertising is big business today. There are people asking questions in election polls over the phone, stopping viewers outside movie theatres and even giving away free products on commercial TV, if you simply call their 800 number and tell them what you liked or didn't like about their candidate, food product or commericial advertising - and these people will pay some serious money for your responses!

Pinecone research, formerly Acorn, does market research surveys on-line. You can make money and receive free products for doing 10 minute surveys on everything from cereal to furniture polish. I found out about this through Consumer Opinion Services (the market researchers at malls and grocery stores). If you go to Pinecone's home page, you will find a toll free 800 number to call to get started. Your first on-line survey, about you, will pay five dollars in cash. Once you are in the system as a surveyor, they pay you $5 by check for each survey. You also may receive free products, anything from shampoo to cereal to try out at home. These researchers are serious about the questions. Based upon your answers, they will change the product, the packaging, the price, or even the advertising campaign.

Pinecone's web site is specifically formatted to your computer equipment at sign-up even if you are a WEBTV user, so the product displays and questions are easy to read and respond to in a hurry. One note of caution however, you must have a working telephone and email in case of additional follow-up questions, but they almost never call unless a question has been skipped. Also, personal information such as income, race, and ages of family members are asked to determine demographics or target audience of sales.

Sometimes these little surveys will put you on a major list if you are a registered voter for a "focus group" - if you are asked to go to one of these, usually for political candidates and issues, they can pay over $50 and feed you dinner or lunch! So the next time you are stopped at the mall, remember the market researchers are asking you to make a difference in their advertising.

Often a researcher will ask your age or source of income. Anyone who works for a grocery store, advertising or market research are excluded. This is because many of the products have not yet been introduced to the market and they do not want a professional in the field to give away their secrets. This makes many of the surveys fun and adventurous since some of the products are SO new they appear bold or even funny at first presentation to the public.

Radio and TV stations often do "listener" or "viewer" surveys. After an initial phone call, they send you a packet to keep track of what stations you hear or watch often and they also pay a small stipend for your trouble or send demo records/videos for your review. In order to find out more, go to FREE STUFF in your search engine or look for Pinecone Research, Greenfield, or observe closely those 800 numbers on the products that you buy. Even a short letter to a company whose products you appreciate can produce a coupon or free sample from the company.

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How to write a post-interview letter

Upon leaving a successful job interview, you may feel a sense of closure at having done everything possible to clinch an offer of employment. But don't overlook the post-interview letter of thanks. This will be your last opportunity to remind the company's interviewer of your credentials and to bring your name forward one last time as a candidate for the available position.

Use professional-looking, personalized stationery. Off-white twenty-pound bond paper with a matching envelope is your best bet. Check your computer's printer cartridge to be sure the letter will be printed in clear, crisp text. Center the letter on the page, and use the full block or modified block style of letter format. Keep a copy for your file before mailing.

Following the salutation, begin by thanking the interviewer for an opportunity of meeting and touring the company, assuming you were able to walk through the place or were guided from office to office, meeting employees as you went along. In this section, mention one or two company strengths that impressed you, such as the factory’s production capacity or the staff’s communication style. This will tell the reader that you were paying attention during your visit and have noted positive things about the organization rather than focusing exclusively on your own goals for the interview.

In the next paragraph, explain why your credentials and background make you a good fit for the company. For example, mention that your copywriting experience will be helpful in enhancing the department's marketing materials in reaching some of the readers indicated during your interview. In effect, you are using resale value to remind the interviewer that your skills will benefit the company in a specific way. Include a few adjectives like your college background or work experience if you think the reader needs to be reminded of these assets.

Then offer a vision for the future with respect to your possible job within the company. This might be something along the lines of "My newsletter experience may be helpful in developing a client e-zine that will keep your customers aware of our company's evolving product line." Most managers value forward-looking individuals who develop good ideas for helping the company to grow. In effect, you are taking initiative even before your hiring date!

Finally, close your letter with a positive look to the future:

"I look forward to the possibility of working with you to help Benchmark Enterprises reach an all-time sales record."

A team mindset is very important for many administrators, so demonstrating your willingness to come on board and do your part should make a great final impression.

Mail the letter a few days after your interview, preferably within a week. Even if the interviewer decides not to hire you, the letter will close your interaction with the company on a pleasant note, and he or she may keep you in mind for future openings.

A few well-chosen words can convey a powerful final image of the person who may join the company team. So don't forget to write!

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