Streamline Operations by Using Surveys Online

Every office has a few things that are always a pain. For some firms, it’s keeping track of stationery and other office supplies that need to be ordered on a relatively regular basis. For others, it’s keeping track of the holidays, sick leave and vacation time. Some companies need an ongoing assessment of training needs and requirements, others are always on the look out for a more effective way of tracking requests for office parties and so on. And when the one person who was keeping track of the sticky notes with the key information on goes away for lunch at the wrong moment, all systems can grind to a halt.

This is where online survey software can lend a helping hand. There are a number of ways one can deploy online surveys within the workplace to improve productivity and smooth some of the more common kinks in the proverbial corporate hose.

Surveys for One-off Projects
When it comes to organizing the annual Christmas party or a summertime picnic, there are a number of things people like to have the opportunity to voice their opinion on. From the nibbles to the venue, you can organize an online survey that allows employees to vote – anonymously, of course. By including mostly multiple-choice questions listing your short-listed venue options, cuisine types and entertainment possibilities, you can design an effective survey in very little time.

What’s more, the online survey can be made available through a specific link on your intranet, and participation can be restricted based on your own criteria – you can ‘close’ the survey as of a specific time, for example. The survey results are easy to interpret, appearing in a graphical or downloadable format as your employees or co-workers complete the questionnaire.

Using Online Surveys for Ongoing Projects
When it comes to rolling requirements, like stationery, having a simple link on the intranet your colleagues can click to enter their requirements can make organising office supply orders a lot simpler. Using a combination of open-ended questions and multiple-choice matrix questions, your survey will enable office staff to select the pens, paper or other supplies they require with a few simple clicks – then, at the end of the week or whenever the need for supplies reaches a particular level, you can simply print out the survey results page provided by your online survey software and complete the order in a matter of minutes.

Another innovative way to apply the power of online survey software to your normal office chores is by using an online survey to establish and maintain your firm’s skills and training matrix. Human resources departments can be busy places – so anything that lends an air of simplicity to maintenance of the records is usually welcome with open arms. You can design an online survey for new or existing employees that polls what software skills or special training they have had, as well as any they would like or need to receive in the future. When designing your online skills and training survey, aim to include the ‘right’ questions – semantic differential scale questions, for example, can allow employees to rate their skills from ‘none’ or ‘basic’ to ‘expert’, while multiple-choice questions will make it easy for them to identify areas where they’d like to receive further training.

Analyze, Interpret and Bank Online Survey Research

Creating online surveys is relatively easy – as is the process of attracting survey participants. One part of the online survey process that many organizations overlook is what comes after the survey has been completed. Analyzing and interpreting the data an online survey provides is key to getting the most from your investment in online survey software.

Making Sense of Online Survey Data
A good online survey software provider gives you a number of straight-forward methods for constructing your survey. Usually this involves using a customizable template and providing a variety of ways in which your survey can be deployed. What separates a good online survey software firm from a great one is simple – how you receive your results.

Data should be easy to understand, simple to collate and ready to interpret. When it is, you’re able to move swiftly through the post-survey process and get straight to the work that matters most – taking the required action. When choosing an online survey software provider, check to see if your survey results are:

• Available in real time; this is to say, can you check the results whenever you wish to once the responses start coming in?
• Available in a variety of downloadable formats; keep a lookout for popular options, such as CSV, as well as customizable options to suit your specific working methods
• Available as individual or group results; this allows you to look a little deeper into specific responses
  

How to Use Online Survey Results
When you design your online survey, it is important to keep your eyes on the prize, so to speak. You’ll need to know what you’re trying to find out and choose questions that lead your survey participants to offer that information to you with ease. Providing you’ve designed your survey well, the data your participants respond with will answer your questions, and more.

Analyzing the information survey participants provide will give you a good indicator as to whether your new product lives up to your customers’ expectations or if you should introduce a new line of specialty travel mugs instead of water bottles. This can be done in a snap through graphics provided by your online survey software firm’s online interface. And, because you can easily print and present the information to colleagues, discussing and interpreting the trends your online survey highlights is easy.

When you’ve looked at the results of your online survey for overall trends, it’s well worth taking the time to further examine the minutiae of the responses. Why? Well, because you never know what you’ll find. Heartfelt testimonials about your quality of service that are left in open-ended response boxes can be used for product promotion purposes. On the other hand, criticism of your internal processes can be helpful in improving your reputation for superior customer service and support. In either case, being able to delve deeper into individual responses to your survey provides you with invaluable insight to the mindset of your customers. Sometimes, they’ll leave you with more questions to ask – paving the way for future online surveys.

Thanks to flexible exportable data, you can build an archive of your online survey responses. Over time, you can use this bank of information to provide direction to your sales, marketing and development activities. This allows you to look at market trends in a whole new way – straight from the proverbial horse’s mouth – and react more swiftly to emerging issues facing your firm.

User-Friendly Surveys in 5 Simple Steps

What good is an online survey if no one takes it? Or similarly, how useful are survey results if questions go unanswered? As you might expect, it can be an almost completely wasted effort. Some researchers are willing to accept a large percentage of non-responses. This is usually the case with surveys being distributed to large populations. However, regardless of any survey size, there’s no need to settle for less-than-optimum response. By following just five simple guidelines when creating online surveys, response rates can be maximized to their fullest potential.

Step 1: State Your Purpose
In today’s world of spam-sensitive email users, it is important to let recipients know why they’ve made it to your list of survey participants. If it is to evaluate a recent purchase, give as many details about the purchase as you can. Things like purchase date and items purchased can help jog participants’ memory as to the nature of their relationship with your organization. Like any other email, surveys from a trusted source have more chances of getting opened.

Step 2: Give Clear, Concise Directions
It was Mark Twain who said, “If you make something idiot-proof, the world will build a better idiot.” While his words are a bit harsh, there is a bit of truth in them. What seems obvious to some is completely confusing to others. If it is important that respondents complete the survey within a certain period of time; say so. If questions have multiple choice answers and participants can select more than one answer; be sure to let them know. There’s nothing to be lost from survey recipients that already understand the intended directions, and everything to be gained from those that needed a little extra help.

Step 3: Watch Your Language
Even if you want your organization to be viewed as an incredibly intelligent or experienced authority, try to avoid industry terms or difficult vocabulary words. All they serve to do is confuse your audience – and confused audiences don’t take or finish surveys. If you keep in mind that most of America reads at about an 8th grade reading level, a fairly easy self-test to run on any survey is to see if the words in your survey are typically used by the average junior high or middle school student. Of course, if you’re speaking to an educated or highly professional audience like physicians, lawyers, scientists, architects and the like, feel free to use any industry-specific terms that will encourage greater understanding among your participants.

Step 4: Go With a Flow
There’s a logical order to the way the human mind thinks. Surveys that follow this order help respondents spend more time focusing on answering questions and less time trying to understand them. Begin with simple answers, those that require the least amount of consideration from the audience. Personal data such as age, education level, profession, and household income are easy warm-ups for virtually any online survey recipient. Once participants are comfortable, the more complex questions become easier to answer.

Step 5: Size Matters
Be respectful of your online survey participants and their time. No one wants to invest the time to complete an 80-question survey. Even if they’re your most loyal customers, it is unreasonable to expect that any respondent is as interested in your survey as your organization is. Be as brief as possible while still collecting all the information that you need. Remember also that this is not your only chance to gather survey information, so stick to a single topic for each survey and save other topics for future surveys.

It’s surprising how large of an impact these small changes can have on the success of your online survey efforts. As your organization gets more experienced and skilled at applying these five strategies, they’ll become like second nature for your organization and you can concentrate on other survey strategies.

How to Make Money from Paid Surveys

Paid surveys on the Internet are something that we have all heard about, but can you actually make any money with them? Most people delete the emails that they get for them and don't bother to click on the links, but if you are looking to make a couple bucks in just a couple minutes of your time you'll find that paid surveys are a great way to do it. There are literally hundreds of survey companies out there that need your help to get information about a variety of products and you can get paid anywhere from one dollar to as much as $100 depending on the length of the survey.

The best way to find these survey opportunities is to watch your email. Many times offers come into your email and you don't pay any attention to them. You don't necessarily have to open each email you get but if the email subject lists a survey opportunity you might want to take a peek at the email and see what the company is offering. You might get a sample survey and you can gauge if it is something that you are willing to do with your time. Each survey usually pays a nominal amount but it can be a fun way to earn five dollars and maybe even get a sample of a new product that is not yet on the market.

You can find survey opportunities by searching for them yourself. The more companies you sign up with, the more earning potential you will have. While some surveys may take just five minutes and you may only get a couple of dollars, when you couple them with the surveys that pay more you can potentially earn a couple hundred dollars a week. Some survey companies don't have surveys available every day, or even every week, but when you sign up with several companies you will hopefully have a survey or two that you can complete every day.

Most of the time you will be required to complete a profile that will tell the company a little bit about you. You may be asked about your interests, your education, and the products you buy, and where you have lived. While you might want to check off only the things that you really like or really know about, you may want to broaden your interests for the sake of the surveys. The thing is, these companies use your profile to determine who they should send each survey to. If you have listed a broad range of interests and products that you buy regularly, you are sure to get more surveys than if you list a very narrow range of interests and products that are purchased.

While you can earn money doing online surveys, it's important to realize that you won't become a millionaire by doing this! Paid surveys alone likely will not pay your rent, but it may be enough to pay your bills associated with the Internet and may buy you a new pair of shoes every once in awhile. If you are involved with several paid survey companies you may earn a bit more, but generally this is thought to be fun money or a supplement to your current income. If you work online or you work from home, this is a great opportunity to make some extra cash and it won't take you long to earn it. Paid surveys can be fun, interesting, and generally are worth your time, just don't expect to become rich and famous as a result!

Top Benefits of Owning a Home Based Business by:

The benefits of owning a home based business are opportunities that people now more than ever are taking full advantage of. We are now living in very exciting times due to the world economy never being like it once was. Granted, for some it may be challenging with loss of jobs and high unemployment but, for home based entrepreneurs it is an opportunity to solve many more problems (particularly financial) for everyone who is open while generating massive amounts of money. The following are major benefits that all should take advantage of.

1. Liberation/Freedom- This is probably the main reason why most home-based entrepreneurs enjoy their business. It is an opportunity to have full control over your own life. As a home-based business owner, YOU are the boss, thus you can shape your schedule based around your individual lifestyle and ambitions. Time freedom is truly priceless. Just as equally exciting, is the potential financial freedom that it can provide because YOU determine how much you want to earn. This is especially true if you’re in a network marketing/direct sales type of business because it gives the business owner the opportunity to earn residual income.

2. Tax Advantages- There is a number of tax advantages when using your home as a place of business. From deductions on home, whether rent or own, to gas mileage, to everything else in between, there is a wealth of deductions for the home-based businessperson. Everything that you use to operate your business is a deduction. Some examples include: phone bill for talking with clients, electricity and internet to power the computer and reach potential clients through e-mail for marketing, gas reimbursement for going to meetings with potential clients, lunch for feeding clients, and this is only the beginning. However, please consult your Certified Public Accountant for a thorough evaluation of which deductions would be considered liable.

3. Empowerment- When you own a home-based business there is a whole new level of power that is yours. Compared to being at a traditional job or a traditional “brick and mortar” business, the home-based business entrepreneur does not worry about being told when to eat lunch, when to wake up in the morning to arrive by a certain time, deadlines, employee competence and trust, office politics, large overhead costs, or incompetent bosses. Rather, this privileged entrepreneur has full control over every detail of their life including flexibility with personal life. Granted, for some who are use to being in a “worker bee” mindset all of this control could be scary. Nevertheless, on days when it’s -4 degrees outside, when a child is sick and need caring for, or when paychecks are cut let alone pay raises, having a home-based business is priceless. More importantly, personal growth and development (the key to success) is greatly enhanced as you learn more about your business, others, and yourself.

These top benefits are only the tip of the iceberg. Although for many freedom and empowerment in every way imaginable is more than enough. As stated earlier, these are very exciting times where more people are choosing to take full responsibility and control over their lives and a large percentage are choosing to do that through being a home-based business entrepreneur. Consider the limitless opportunities that this growing movement can provide and be a dream achiever. Cheers to the home-based business entrepreneurs!

Top Benefits of Owning a Home Based Business

The benefits of owning a home based business are opportunities that people now more than ever are taking full advantage of. We are now living in very exciting times due to the world economy never being like it once was. Granted, for some it may be challenging with loss of jobs and high unemployment but, for home based entrepreneurs it is an opportunity to solve many more problems (particularly financial) for everyone who is open while generating massive amounts of money. The following are major benefits that all should take advantage of.

1. Liberation/Freedom- This is probably the main reason why most home-based entrepreneurs enjoy their business. It is an opportunity to have full control over your own life. As a home-based business owner, YOU are the boss, thus you can shape your schedule based around your individual lifestyle and ambitions. Time freedom is truly priceless. Just as equally exciting, is the potential financial freedom that it can provide because YOU determine how much you want to earn. This is especially true if you’re in a network marketing/direct sales type of business because it gives the business owner the opportunity to earn residual income.

2. Tax Advantages- There is a number of tax advantages when using your home as a place of business. From deductions on home, whether rent or own, to gas mileage, to everything else in between, there is a wealth of deductions for the home-based businessperson. Everything that you use to operate your business is a deduction. Some examples include: phone bill for talking with clients, electricity and internet to power the computer and reach potential clients through e-mail for marketing, gas reimbursement for going to meetings with potential clients, lunch for feeding clients, and this is only the beginning. However, please consult your Certified Public Accountant for a thorough evaluation of which deductions would be considered liable.

3. Empowerment- When you own a home-based business there is a whole new level of power that is yours. Compared to being at a traditional job or a traditional “brick and mortar” business, the home-based business entrepreneur does not worry about being told when to eat lunch, when to wake up in the morning to arrive by a certain time, deadlines, employee competence and trust, office politics, large overhead costs, or incompetent bosses. Rather, this privileged entrepreneur has full control over every detail of their life including flexibility with personal life. Granted, for some who are use to being in a “worker bee” mindset all of this control could be scary. Nevertheless, on days when it’s -4 degrees outside, when a child is sick and need caring for, or when paychecks are cut let alone pay raises, having a home-based business is priceless. More importantly, personal growth and development (the key to success) is greatly enhanced as you learn more about your business, others, and yourself.

These top benefits are only the tip of the iceberg. Although for many freedom and empowerment in every way imaginable is more than enough. As stated earlier, these are very exciting times where more people are choosing to take full responsibility and control over their lives and a large percentage are choosing to do that through being a home-based business entrepreneur. Consider the limitless opportunities that this growing movement can provide and be a dream achiever. Cheers to the home-based business entrepreneurs!

Top Benefits of Owning a Home Based Business

The benefits of owning a home based business are opportunities that people now more than ever are taking full advantage of. We are now living in very exciting times due to the world economy never being like it once was. Granted, for some it may be challenging with loss of jobs and high unemployment but, for home based entrepreneurs it is an opportunity to solve many more problems (particularly financial) for everyone who is open while generating massive amounts of money. The following are major benefits that all should take advantage of.

1. Liberation/Freedom- This is probably the main reason why most home-based entrepreneurs enjoy their business. It is an opportunity to have full control over your own life. As a home-based business owner, YOU are the boss, thus you can shape your schedule based around your individual lifestyle and ambitions. Time freedom is truly priceless. Just as equally exciting, is the potential financial freedom that it can provide because YOU determine how much you want to earn. This is especially true if you’re in a network marketing/direct sales type of business because it gives the business owner the opportunity to earn residual income.

2. Tax Advantages- There is a number of tax advantages when using your home as a place of business. From deductions on home, whether rent or own, to gas mileage, to everything else in between, there is a wealth of deductions for the home-based businessperson. Everything that you use to operate your business is a deduction. Some examples include: phone bill for talking with clients, electricity and internet to power the computer and reach potential clients through e-mail for marketing, gas reimbursement for going to meetings with potential clients, lunch for feeding clients, and this is only the beginning. However, please consult your Certified Public Accountant for a thorough evaluation of which deductions would be considered liable.

3. Empowerment- When you own a home-based business there is a whole new level of power that is yours. Compared to being at a traditional job or a traditional “brick and mortar” business, the home-based business entrepreneur does not worry about being told when to eat lunch, when to wake up in the morning to arrive by a certain time, deadlines, employee competence and trust, office politics, large overhead costs, or incompetent bosses. Rather, this privileged entrepreneur has full control over every detail of their life including flexibility with personal life. Granted, for some who are use to being in a “worker bee” mindset all of this control could be scary. Nevertheless, on days when it’s -4 degrees outside, when a child is sick and need caring for, or when paychecks are cut let alone pay raises, having a home-based business is priceless. More importantly, personal growth and development (the key to success) is greatly enhanced as you learn more about your business, others, and yourself.

These top benefits are only the tip of the iceberg. Although for many freedom and empowerment in every way imaginable is more than enough. As stated earlier, these are very exciting times where more people are choosing to take full responsibility and control over their lives and a large percentage are choosing to do that through being a home-based business entrepreneur. Consider the limitless opportunities that this growing movement can provide and be a dream achiever. Cheers to the home-based business entrepreneurs!