6. How long do projects typically take and what do I receive from you at the end of the research?
1. Why
would I hire an independent researcher when I can perform my own research?
I can access extra online resources and I have the training and experience to go far beyond
most Internet users. My training as a professional - MA in Information Resources and Library Science plus Advanced
Internet Search Training - gives me the expertise to delve deeper than most. I deliver information
that's pertinent and succinct because it's been filtered and analyzed to meet
the specific objectives of your project. And that saves you lots of time.
Once you've hired me for customized research, you'll find that having ready-to-use, on-target information will help you make better decisions, no matter what the situation. That's powerful!
2.Isn't
everything I would need on the internet anyway?
Many would like to believe the answer is yes, but often realize that this
is a fallacy once they've experienced trouble and frustration in finding
what they need. A very small percentage of the world's knowledge is actually currently
available freely on the internet and this is why I choose to have access to proprietary information
through my subscriptions to fee-based national/international business and
industry databases.
3. Do you
provide primary market research services such as surveys and focus groups?
Not really. The type of research provided is generally classified as "secondary
research." This is in contrast to more traditional "primary"
research provided by market researchers where information is gathered
from groups of people directly, often via focus groups or by surveys
and questionnaires. The only exception would be that I am happy to help draft questionnaires and provide you with local resources
who can help conduct the survey. However, if a project requires it, I do contact individuals or
organizations directly to obtain
information.
4. Do you act as a private investigator or
research public records?
No, I do not possess a private investigator's license or perform public records research. I can, however,
refer a client to colleagues who work in those areas.
5. How much
do your services cost and how do you charge?
The research I provide is customized to each client's needs and thus each project is unique
in its scope and cost. However, companies of all sizes have found my services to be affordable and
beneficial. Because of the customization, a conversation, either in person, by telephone or by e-mail,
will need to take place to establish the parameters of the research project.
Depending on the
project and timeline, fees can be established per project, per hour
or by retainer. Consultations to discuss a project and estimates are provided free of
charge.
6. How
long do projects typically take and what do I receive from you at
the end of the research?
Again, projects are customized based on client need and scope. Timelines vary tremendously from the same
day to a few weeks. Timeframes for projects are discussed up front in initial consultations.
The end deliverable for the research varies, but often the results are presented in written report
format with an introduction,
outline, table of contents and search strategies. Key findings
are often bulleted for easy review at the beginning of the report
and when pertinent, copies of news articles discussed are presented
in full. Reports are delivered via e-mail unless otherwise specified.
