HOW DO I GET STARTED?

What Do I Need to Get Started?
Participating in focus groups is easy but requires you to be punctual and flexible with your schedule, have good organizational skills, proficiency with Internet technologies such as chat rooms, instant messenger, etc, some basic computer equipment and a decent Internet connection (trust me�you don't want to get dropped in the middle of a focus group).

Here is a basic list of the things you will need.

1. New Email Address: I highly recommend that you open a different email address for your focus group responses. You will be filling out a LOT of online forms and you will be getting a lot of email in return. My personal preference is Yahoo because they give you 1GB of free storage. Make sure you TURN OFF any junk mail filters.
    
2. Updated Operating System and Browser: Make sure you're running a relatively updated version of Windows (or Mac OS) and an Internet browser that won't crash if it tries to run a Java Applet (this is the technology that is sometimes used for chat rooms for online focus groups). This shouldn't be a problem for most people with what they already own, but you'd be surprised at some of the ancient computers some of my friends still use.
    
3. Keep Good Records: Whether you use a yellow pad or you're an Excel spreadsheet monster, make sure you keep tabs of every website you've signed-up for, how often they invite you to participate in focus groups and surveys, the quality of the incentives, and how responsive they are. You will find that with time you will gravitate to a few really good companies that you favor.
    
4. Voicemail and/or Pager: Sounds obvious but make sure you have either a voicemail that you check frequently or a pager. A lot of times, market research companies will call you on the same day or evening for a face-to-face focus group and you do not want to miss out. These are usually the companies that pay the MOST cash, and if they see that you're reliable and flexible about showing up on short-notice, they will call you more often. I know people that make a nice living wage getting calls from just a few market research companies. It pays to be available!!!!
    
5. Decent Internet Connection: While you don't have to have broadband access to participate in most online focus groups, you should have at the very least a reliable Internet connection so you don't get dropped off in the middle of an activity. Any of the major services should be fine.

How Do I Join a Focus Group?
Market research companies determine someone's suitability for a study by using a screening questionnaire, a written series of questions which potential participants must answer in a particular way in order to be invited. Screening questions enable these companies to provide a good cross-section of study participants, since they can keep track of how many participants are a certain age, have a certain kind of occupation, etc.

What Kind of Information Do They Collect or Look for?
It really depends on the company. Sometimes an application can take just a few minutes to fill out because they just want some basic demographic information. Sometimes the market research company will collect some 250 data points on each panelist to maintain in-depth information on their employment, automobile ownership, ailments, media and entertainment preferences, technology savvy and demographics. This information allows them to target based upon the individual client and project needs. They may also need your address, phone and e-mail in order to get in touch with you for prize and incentive distribution.

I have provided an extensive resource of links to market research companies where you can fill out an application and submit your demographic profile.

The most effortless method is to submit a questionnaire located at these Web sites for inclusion into each company's database. When they see a match between a person and a focus group of possible interest, the company will then proceed to contact that person. This is why you should check your email often.

If the person meets the needs of the market researcher's corporate client and is able to attend, they will offer an invitation and fill-in the details. They may also contact you a couple days before the focus group to confirm your ability to attend. A lot of offline market research companies will also post information regarding upcoming focus groups on their Web site. You may then look for focus groups of interest, and contact them by e-mail or phone regarding a particular group. These companies do not like it if you contact them just to ask "if there's anything I could join today." Follow these simple guidelines and you will use your time more effectively and productively.

My advice is to fill out applications to as many online market research firms as possible so you can drastically increase your chances of being invited to participate and earn cash and prizes. For online surveys, the company may send out invitations to members who they believe MAY qualify for that study. The e-mail will contain a link to the survey and a login code. The first part of the survey traditionally contains several screening questions. If you pass the screening process, as determined by the client, you will then continue on with the survey and be paid.

For offline market research companies, I recommend that you find some in your city or geographic area so you can attend the roundtable groups. Remember, these are the ones that pay the big bucks so it obviously doesn't make sense to register with a company in Dayton, Ohio when you live in San Diego, California. In addition to the links I have provided you, you can look in your local yellow pages for Marketing Research companies.

Reputable market research companies always try and present you with an incentive which matches the value of your time involved. Sometimes, depending on the retail value of the product, you simply get to keep the product. Other times, there may also be a cash or coupon exchange offered. Quite often they also offer bonus prizes to randomly selected participants.

NEXT - Some Useful Tips...

Ready To Get Started?

Click Here To Start With Top 90+ Companies

Other Remaining List Of Companies That Will Pay You For Your Opinions.