Resources

Market research

Market research can be an excellent tool to help your group better understand your constituents, and make specific decisions. Often decision makers make judgments based on “a sample of one”, that is, their own thinking or opinions. By taking the time to simply ask for other’s opinions, leaders will make better decisions.

For more information, contact the Alumnae Relations Committee.

The Alumnae Relations Committee (ARC) is ready to help with:

• Historical Information: We know when research was last conducted with the same or similar groups, and can possibly provide copies of the tool used and the results
• Timing: Coordinate your research efforts with schedules for fundraising, other research, and general communications
• Help estimating your research costs and resource needs. The ARC can steer your research efforts toward low-cost solutions that still meet your objectives
• Provide Templates: You want to design an attractive questionnaire, with questions in the appropriate format (i.e., open-ended vs. closed-ended). You want to limit the number of questions and use precise, unambiguous language. The ARC can help with all of this.
• Access to free or inexpensive online survey tools. Conduct free/inexpensive web surveys through the ARC’s sources;
• Review of survey questions. The ARC is available to review your survey questions and provide advice and feedback;
• Help with taking action based on research results. Research provides the information for your group to take action. The ARC can help you focus on your next steps.

› Alumnae Relations Committee Presentation

To learn more about how the ARC can help you conduct market research review the Powerpoint presentation from Alumnae Council October 2005.

› Guide to Conducting Market Research

To learn more about conducting market research, review our brief guide to conducting market research.

I am constantly hearing that the future happiness of young women’s personal lives depends on ‘juggling’ and ‘balancing.’ But in the midst of these circus acts is a self that has been nurtured here, that will lead you to what you really want to do. — Wendy Wasserstein ’71, Pulitzer Prize-winning playwright, commencement address, 1990