The following is a brief overview of what it is like to work with Isurus on a project.

Introduction

Isurus client relationships typically begin with a simple, introductory conversation. At this stage, the potential client often does not have specific need for our services but is interested in learning more about how research can help address their marketing and business challenges in general. The introductory conversation provides an understanding of the specific types of challenges Isurus helps clients address and the tools we use. The objective of the introductory conversation is simply to make people comfortable enough with Isurus to give us a call if a need arises in the future. We welcome the opportunity to speak with you and your team--please contact us if you'd like to have an introductory conversation with Isurus.

Project exploration

When a possible need for research comes up, we discuss the potential client's objectives and informational needs to evaluate whether primary market research is an option that would be feasible and offer value. If we feel primary research can address the potential client's informational needs, we begin thinking about how we would approach the project. This process typically involves a conversation with a potential client, and often results in a short thought piece from Isurus summarizing our understanding of the objectives and some early-stage thinking on our approach. If the potential client is interested in pursuing research further, we then move to the proposal development stage.

Proposal development

Once we understand the informational needs, as well as budget and time constraints, we will recommend a research methodology and scope that best meets our potential client's needs while fitting into whatever constraints exist. Our proposals typically include a discussion of the objectives of the project, a recommended approach and rationale, options for other approaches and budget levels where warrented, costs, timing, and deliverables.

Project details and materials creation

Once awarded, projects begin with a series of in-depth discussions to define the client's needs more thoroughly. After we establish a solid understanding of the client's needs and how the results are going to be used, we create initial drafts of the research materials. Depending on the research methodology, materials can include surveys, discussion guides, definitions of the types of companies to include, etc. The client reviews and provides feedback, with this iterative process continuing until the final versions are approved for the data collection phase of the project. Typically, this part of the process takes two to three weeks.

Data collection

After finalizing materials, we move to the data collection phase. The activities in this phase vary by the methodology being used, e.g. surveys, in-depth interviews, focus groups. Data collection typically takes two to three weeks.

Analysis and reporting

Once the data collection is completed, we conduct a thorough analysis of the results and create a report, which is the primary deliverable for a project. Analysis and reporting usually takes two weeks. Isurus reports contain a summary of the findings as well as conclusions and recommendations based on what we have seen with related products and sectors.

The findings from each project are proprietary to the sponsoring client. Isurus' reports are never re-sold or made available to other parties.

Followup consulting on the meaning and use of the study

Generally, we present the final report and recommendations to multiple audiences in the client organization, often tailoring the presentation to the specific needs of each audience.  We can conduct these sessions as formal presentations or as roundtable discussions, again depending on the needs of the audience.  We sometimes also conduct sessions that are more like workshops, where we provide guidance on how to interpret the findings of the study and use the study to guide managerial decision making.