A cursory glance at today's market research news makes it immediately clear that big data and advanced analytics are hot topics So why all the hoopla? What is big data in the context of market research and what are some working examples? What is the real promise of big data market research (Big Data MR)? And most importantly, what immediate next steps can you take to harvest some near-term Big Data MR benefits?

Do you have the right Medicare marketing communications platform for 2017? Not sure? Here are four important self-assessment questions that will help you decide.

After attending the 2013 EMACS and my 5th Chartwell conference, the trending strategies for utilities is becoming clear: Listen. Connect. Understand. Participants at the conference show us how they're doing this: Listening leads to better business.

So you’ve built your custom online panel. Now, how can you make sure the resource is being used effectively? Your consumer panel functions as an extension of your brand and needs to be cared for, like any other valued resource. The most important thing to remember about your custom panel is that it is comprised of people.  They are your customers first and foremost, so it is extremely important for it to be carefully and actively maintained, without being overused.  In addition to managing the frequency of survey invitations, there are a number of other key areas that require focus and attention.

Plenty of people like hot tea. Many others love iced tea. Anyone for lukewarm tea? Didn’t think so. Well, if you’re launching new products and expensive advertising campaigns without segmenting your customers, you might as well be serving lukewarm tea. Too many companies develop products, services, features, and ad campaigns that attempt to satisfy the average customer or the average preferences of their customers. Here’s the catch: there isn’t an average customer.

Conducting a refresh on your custom research panel is kind of like dragging your fall clothes out of the attic in October.  Ideally, everything you carefully put into place in the spring still fits, but in all likelihood, a few things are going to go to the thrift store and you’ll have to make a trip to the mall for new sweaters.