by Richard Jenkins | Mar 25, 2011 | Industry News and Trends, Public Opinion, Survey methodology
The dropping of the writ signals the start of the election campaign but it also starts an exam period for pollsters. The major exam question is known: how close did you get to the election outcome? But there are minor questions, which are as important, and...
by Richard Jenkins | Mar 14, 2011 | Public Opinion, Public Policy
Make no mistake, the election and the campaign leading up to it will matter. Regardless of the outcome on election night, the process will no doubt tell us a lot about the state of our democracy. Given the expected campaign, it is worth considering some of these...
by Richard Jenkins | Mar 8, 2011 | Consumer and brand behaviour
The newspaper industry is, like many historic industries, going through a major change as its tries to remain relevant. Most people could come up with a narrative of why newspapers are a declining industry. Newspapers are, as the arguments would go, delivered each day...
by Richard Jenkins | Mar 4, 2011 | Survey methodology
Imagine, you are in front of an audience presenting findings from the most recent of a series of polls. The number at the end of the series is lower than the previous point in the series. What do you say? The temptation to offer a compelling story to explain the last...
by Richard Jenkins | Feb 18, 2011 | Public Opinion, Survey methodology
Sometimes conducting market research is like walking to the store to pick up a few things. The survey (the bag you have to carry home) is better if you fill it to an optimal level but, unfortunately, once in the store you are motivated (by not wanting to come back) to...
by Richard Jenkins | Feb 16, 2011 | Consumer and brand behaviour
The cruise industry has embraced marketing 101. They are not selling vacations or travel, they are selling something more. Consider two examples. Norwegian (NCL), is selling “freedom” and Carnival is selling “fun.” The selling point is the...
by Richard Jenkins | Feb 2, 2011 | Company News, Consulting Business
Everyone should start a business once in their life. Not because it is easy, likely to succeed or without dangers. But, because it forces you out of your comfort zone. Kind of like changing jobs, moving to a new city where you don’t know anyone, or travelling to...
by Richard Jenkins | Jan 31, 2011 | Consumer and brand behaviour
The events in Egypt are obviously quite profound and I find them interesting since I was in Cairo just a couple of years ago. Looking st some stats, though, certainly highlights some of the profound issues that Egypt is facing and builds on some observations that I...
by Richard Jenkins | Jan 18, 2011 | Consulting Business
Perhaps because we are mortal, we have an ingrained impatience (or at least some of us do) with the idea that something will take the time it takes. Which leads to one of my #1 business pet peeves. The anxious client who is worried about how long it will take to do...
by Richard Jenkins | Jan 13, 2011 | Consumer and brand behaviour
Internet liking is ubiquitous. It is on my blog, on most social sites, and many others. These like buttons not only offer people the chance to express a positive response but to share this like with their friends. So, what do you like? Are you a supportive friend or...
