Market Research Organizations

Market research organizations offer an array of resources to the busy research professional

Market research groups are a group of survey and research professionals who want to share their experiences and knowledge. They are a source of support, information, education, networking and solutions in the survey industry. The goal of these associations is to protect and promote standards, knowledge, ethics, excellence and professional development in the market and opinion research profession.

Market research groups link you to workshops and seminars, which study emerging trends and challenges in the industry. You exchange ideas about processes and methods. As a result, your job performance and professional development are fine-tuned. Consider:

1. Using a marketing research association to grow as a professional in the industry.

2. Reviewing different market research society membership levels.

3. Taking advantage of conferences, forums and other networking resources provided by a market research association.

 

Consider a market research society to grow as a survey professional

Becoming a part of a marketing research association allows you to network with colleagues and peers, speak your mind in a protective environment and gain knowledge about the industry. Market research organizations are a group of professionals just like you, with one goal in mind: to advance the industry.
Try: Marketing Research Association (MRA) helps organizations and businesses leverage the voice of the customer. MRA provides members with training, educational programs, networking opportunities, conferences and publications. There are 3,000 members and they come from all parts of the research industry. Enhance your professional growth by getting PRC certified. American Marketing Association (AMA) is the largest market research association in North America. Use their Career Center to successfully manage yours. Use Marketing Research Services, Inc. (MRSI) as a tool to find market research groups around the country.

Pay annual dues to belong to market research organizations

Market research groups' dues usually range depending on the membership level. Once you find an association you want to join, decide what type of commitment your company is willing to give.
Try: More than 300 companies belong to the Council of American Survey Research Organizations (CASRO). The market research organization promotes the image of survey research, tries to protect people's privacy and rights, advocates for self-regulation and pushes for legitimate research companies. You must agree to a strict code to join CASRO. Membership to the CASRO forums is free; participate in member forums to network with other professionals. The Council for Marketing and Opinion Research (CMOR) consists of more than 150 member companies. CMOR promotes positive legislation and works to stop restrictive legislation which impacts the survey research industry. Join CMOR if you're concerned about lowering the costs of research, avoiding the impact of restrictive legislation and improving the value of survey samples.

Get valuable networking benefits from joining market research associations

When you join a marketing research industry, you are connected to marketing data, case studies, articles, best practices and more. Statistics show that professionals who belong to an association make more money than non-members, because of their access to resources and industry tools. Not only do you make bigger profits, but you develop more self confidence.
Try: Pharmaceutical Marketing Research Group (PMRG) is a marketing research association with the goal of promoting the practice, principles and power of health care marketing research. Members learn how to make better business decisions through annual conferences, seminars, educational courses and other networking opportunities. Read the code of conduct and register online. American Association for Public Opinion Research (AAPOR) is the most prominent organization of survey research and public opinion. Members come from media, academia, government, private industry and the non-profit world. Membership benefits include reduced rates to the annual conference, a journal subscription and access to the membership directory.

 

• Consider a company membership instead of individual membership to a marketing research society so several employees can benefit.

Copyright © 2011 Business.com, Inc. All Rights Reserved.

---