From Offline to Online: Interview with Brooks Pettus on Innovation in Market Research

In anticipation of the upcoming Market Research in the Mobile World conference in Cincinnati, OH, July 18-19, Renee Murphy, Digital & Social Media Research Consultant at Hello There Research, interviewed presenter Brooks Pettus, President at Qualvu, on the mobile market research industry. Pettus will be co-presenting with Scott Slagle, Head of Consumer Insights at Chrysler, on July 18 on driving research to the next level.


Renee: What are you most excited to share about with us at MRMW and why?  What difference could it make for your audience if they were to implement what you’ll be talking about?

 

Brooks: The tidal shift from offline to online research − in particular, video-based qualitative − has begun and with it remarkable opportunities for innovation. Chrysler and Qualvu struck a partnership because we were, essentially, two start-ups − albeit one at 40B in revenue − in a time of incredible dislocation in the US economy. By embracing innovation and change, each of our businesses have grown dramatically and we have been able to assume the mantle of true innovator. No matter what your motivations are, it’s a whole lot more fun to define a shifting landscape than to react to it.

 

Renee: What do you think that the current market research world is afraid of when it comes to innovating on research in the mobile world?  What enabled you to get over the fears and innovate?  What motivated you?

 

Brooks: Qualvu has strategically positioned itself as the leader in online qualitative research since its start four years ago. Qualvu made the bet that there was a better way to conduct qualitative: by essentially bringing the research to the participant and letting them share their moments of truth as they occur via video, uninfluenced by the presence of a researcher. In an industry that has remained largely unchanged for the past 55 years, potential disruption is tough to accept, particularly if you are a moderator that derives their value based on the focus group experience. This shift is not only to better data, but the ability of the moderator to focus more of their value-add around delivering insight that makes richer data truly actionable. It’s the innovators and early-adopters who are winning today and who are well positioned for the future.

 

Renee: You’re right about the benefits that moderators receive in this new era of opportunity.  I have experienced these benefits myself and they sure are compelling. And yes, it’s not necessarily fear.  Others in this interview series have also pointed out that “there’s considerable inertia to overcome” in the market research space.  Thanks for challenging us, and I look forward to hearing more in Cincinnati.

 

To register for this event and see Brooks and Scott live in action, click here and use the discount code, SPK20, to get 20% off.

 

Chrysler and Qualvu Team Up to Drive Research to the Next Level at Market Research in the Mobile World

 

Denver – June 13 – After a successful conference in Amsterdam this spring, Qualvu will be presenting again at Market Research in the Mobile World, taking place July 18-19 in Cincinnati, Ohio.  Featuring a strong lineup of industry leaders exploring the future of insight innovation through the convergence of mobile, social media, advanced analytics, and the frontiers of human understanding, the conference mission is to bring together practitioners and thought leaders who are driving the market research industry.  And joining that lineup is Brooks Pettus, COO, Qualvu, and Scott Slagle, Head of Consumer Insights, Chrysler Group LLC, who will be presenting, “Driving Mobile Research: How Chrysler took its Research to the Next Level.”

 

With the automotive industry being one of the largest in the country, automotive insights are incredibly valuable today. However, like many, the automotive industry is facing challenges that are forcing auto makers to have to innovate to keep up with evolving consumer wants and needs.  Recognizing the value of understanding these needs and staying on the leading edge of innovation, Chrysler teamed up with Qualvu to leverage its asynchronous video methodology to reach consumers in-the-moment to uncover their true automotive experiences. Teaming up again in Cincinnati, Brooks and Scott will discuss not only the value of mobile video in capturing these moments of truth, but how Chrysler leveraged mobile to take its research to the next level so that they could not only build a better mid-size sedan that meets consumers’ needs, but ensure a smooth ride at every leg of their journey.

 

To register for this event, click here and use the discount code, SPK20, to get 20% off.

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About Qualvu

Qualvu is the future of qualitative research, inspiring business decisions guided by the voice and face of the consumer. Through streamlined video-based technologies, we collect better human intelligence and deliver superior insights that drive decision making. Capturing behavioral and attitudinal feedback from home, work, in-store, and even in-vehicle, Qualvu delivers new levels of human access. Whether via webcams, flip cams, or the Qualvu mobile app, consumers are empowered to share truthfully; and brands are empowered to gain deeper insights, make better decisions, and share key data across the organization. To learn more, visit www.qualvu.com/.

 


About Market Research in the Mobile World Conference

The Market Research in the Mobile World North America conference will be held on the 18 & 19 July 2012 in Cincinnati, OH. Building on the success and learning of the Amsterdam conference, this conference is going to be an exciting and impactful event focused on exploring the future of insight innovation through the convergence of mobile, social media, advanced analytics, and the frontiers of human understanding. The conference will focus on four main modules, namely: The Future is Now: How New Technologies Are Transforming the Insight Function; Validation & Use Cases; Threats & Opportunities: The Research Industry Outlook; and Research in 2020: The Road Ahead. To learn more, visit http://www.mrmw.net/.

 

Qualvu to Present & Exhibit at Largest Market Research Conference in the UK

Denver – June 6 - In conjunction with its accelerating growth abroad, Qualvu will be presenting and exhibiting at the largest market research conference in the United Kingdom − Insight Show – taking place June 27-28 at Grand Hall, Olympia, in London, England. With over 6,000 attendees expected this year alone, the conference will not only be a prime opportunity for networking but will feature a dynamic line-up of marketing research thought leadership presentations exploring innovative and cutting edge insight solutions, technologies, and methodologies (quantitative and qualitative) that drive understanding of consumer behavior and improve business performance. And joining this dynamic lineup is Brooks Pettus, Chief Operating Officer, Qualvu, who will be leading a presentation, entitled, “Digital Empowerment: Leveraging a Digital Market Research Ecosystem to Deliver Measurable Impact,” where he will address the new age of digital empowerment and how it is impacting the qualitative research space.

 

In today’s digital age, brands are increasingly demanding faster, cheaper, and better qualitative research solutions that not only connect them with consumers but deliver more relevant, strategic insights – making the need for innovative solutions greater than ever.  While digital qualitative research used to be simply about collection, it has evolved into a multifaceted, digital eco-system where researchers and stakeholders can engage and collaborate in one place, enabling better research that inspires more accurate decision making.

 

Register now to join Pettus as he discusses this ecosystem and how to best leverage a digital environment to encourage collaboration, drive innovation, and empower researchers and stakeholders with better insights.

 

 

About Qualvu

Qualvu is the future of qualitative research, inspiring business decisions guided by the voice and face of the consumer. Through streamlined video-based technologies, we collect better human intelligence and deliver superior insights that drive decision making. Capturing behavioral and attitudinal feedback from home, work, in-store, and even in-vehicle, Qualvu delivers new levels of human access. Whether via webcams, flip cams, or the Qualvu mobile app, consumers are empowered to share truthfully; and brands are empowered to gain deeper insights, make better decisions, and share key data across the organization. To learn more, visit www.qualvu.com/.

 

 

 

Qualvu Chosen as Finalist in American Business Awards’ Fastest Growing Tech Company Category

Denver – May 30 – In conjunction with its 10th anniversary, the American Business Awards has selected Qualvu as a finalist in its “Fastest Growing Tech Company of the Year” category, which recognizes companies for outstanding revenue growth.  Since 2002, the American Business Awards have been honoring the achievements and positive contributions of organizations and business people worldwide, and have since become one of the world’s most coveted business recognitions.

 

Qualvu, which pioneered the use of asynchronous online and mobile video for qualitative consumer research, started in 2008 with two entrepreneurs who were confident they could develop a way to turn market research on its head.  That they did, and in the process they created over 75 jobs, scorching a 4,900% growth rate over the past four years.  During that time, Qualvu’s innovative software driven, people powered business model has not only attracted employees but businesses. In 2011 alone, Qualvu more than tripled revenues – with over 1,400 projects in 30 countries and over 200,000 video responses. In Qualvu’s short history, it has managed to distinguish itself as a leader in the industry – innovating every step of the qualitative research process across the spectrum of business needs to keep them connected with their target markets and ahead of their competitors.

 

“We have come a long way in a short amount of time and are honored to have been recognized for that by the American Business Awards,” said John Williamson, Founder & CEO, Qualvu. “I believe our ability to deliver better consumer insights to businesses faster and more cost-effectively than ever before has been a key factor in our accelerated growth, as well as our success. Any company that’s grown like Qualvu knows that in addition to a great business idea, it’s about great people creating value every day. We’ve attracted a lot of experienced professionals from diverse backgrounds, all coming together to create a new, streamlined, and effective solution in a category that has gone largely unchanged for decades. By hiring people who are constantly challenging the status quo because they believe they can do better, Qualvu leverages innovative technology that elevates the qualitative research space and delivers efficient, consistent, and actionable recommendations that directly inspire strategic business decisions.”

 

The final placements of the Gold, Silver, and Bronze Awards will be announced on September 17 in San Francisco, CA. Stay tuned!

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About Qualvu

Qualvu is the future of qualitative research, inspiring business decisions guided by the voice and face of the consumer. Through streamlined video-based technologies, we collect better human intelligence and deliver superior insights that drive decision making. Capturing behavioral and attitudinal feedback from home, work, in-store, and even in-vehicle, Qualvu delivers new levels of human access. Whether via webcams, flip cams, or the Qualvu mobile app, consumers are empowered to share truthfully; and brands are empowered to gain deeper insights, make better decisions, and share key data across the organization. To learn more, visit www.qualvu.com/.

 

 

About the American Business Awards

The Stevie Awards were created to honor and generate public recognition of the achievements and positive contributions of organizations and business people worldwide.  Beginning with The American Business Awards in 2002, The International Business Awards in 2003, The Stevie Awards for Women in Business in 2004, and the Stevie Awards for Sales & Customer Service in 2006, our mission is to raise the profile of exemplary organizations and individuals among the press, the business community, and the general public.  In short order, the Stevie has become one of the world’s most coveted awards.

 

The American Business Awards are judged each year by more than 200 executives nationwide. Our sponsors include several of the top business publishers and marketers. To learn more, visit http://www.stevieawards.com/aba/

 

Qualvu to Sponsor and Speak at the Research Mafia’s Redefining Research 2012 Conference

Denver – May 17 – Always on the leading edge of research innovation, Qualvu will be sponsoring and speaking at the Research Mafia’s Redefining Research 2012 Conference – a leading industry event exploring innovation in Market Research. Taking place June 14 at The Alea Casino in Leeds, UK, the conference will take attendees on a journey from Quant to Qual by way of Ethnography, Mobile, Neuro, and Linguistic Programming.  Helping to lead this journey is John Williamson, Qualvu Founder & CEO, who will be a featured speaker at the event.

 

The Research Mafia is the industry’s newest face in market research – connecting thought leaders across the globe through networking events and conferences. In an industry in which social events have remained largely unchanged for decades, the Research Mafia has set out to transform every aspect of how the research industry works together. And with conferences like Redefining Research 2012, they are doing just that − uniting researchers and thought leaders who want to gain insight, ask questions, and elevate the research category as a whole.

 

At Redefining Research, Williamson will explore the new age of digital qualitative research and what it means for the industry.  Specifically, he will discuss how to empower researchers and stakeholders alike within a digital market research ecosystem that drives co-creation and ultimately, better business decisions. “At Qualvu, we believe that technology, when properly applied, elevates the research category – it doesn’t disrupt it,” said Williamson. “That’s we have innovated every step of the research process to drive true innovation and measurable impact for brands. We are looking forward to participating in an event that is really pushing the envelope within the market research space; the Research Mafia represents the new age of research, and we are excited to be a part of that.”

 

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About Qualvu

Qualvu is the future of qualitative research, inspiring business decisions guided by the voice and face of the consumer. Through streamlined video-based technologies, we collect better human intelligence and deliver superior insights that drive decision making. Capturing behavioral and attitudinal feedback from home, work, in-store, and even in-vehicle, Qualvu delivers new levels of human access. Whether via webcams, flip cams, or the Qualvu mobile app, consumers are empowered to share truthfully; and brands are empowered to gain deeper insights, make better decisions, and share key data across the organization. To learn more, visit www.qualvu.com/.

 

 

About Research Mafia

Like all things, the Research Mafia started as an idea. A brave idea where we wanted to stand for something different in Market Research industry networking. Our initial research and feedback with some of the industry’s opinion setters told us a lot of things. The main view was that the majority of what we were doing in “social events” within our industry has pretty much remained unchanged in 15 years. We took on the challenge. It was here the Research Mafia was born.

 

The Research Mafia is an association of networkers who believe in networking outside of London (even just occasionally); people who want insight on current trends as well as to shake someone’s hand; people who ask questions; people who turn over stones; people who smile often; people who have higher standards and expectations of where they spend their valuable time; people who look to make relationships, bonds, new joint ventures and action happen, despite what challenges lie ahead. To learn more, visit www.theresearchmafia.com/

 

Qualvu and StubHub Team Up with The Advertising Research Foundation (ARF) to Uncover the Roots of Sports Passion

Denver – March 21– In conjunction with The Advertising Research Foundation, Qualvu – a leading next-generation qualitative research solution – will be driving a webcast with the help of StubHub – an online marketplace for concert, sport, and Broadway event tickets – entitled, “Behind the Cheering: How Understanding the Roots of Sports Passion Helped StubHub Score with Fans.” The session will discuss how to successfully leverage mobile video to go beyond merely creating imaginary versions of target groups and instead create actual video consumer stories that inspire more relevant, on-target, and strategic marketing strategies.

The ARF’s monthly virtual lunchtime presentations offer an opportunity for industry leaders to connect, while empowering marketing and advertising professionals to tap into a wealth of information from the convenience of their own office. The ARF’s April webcast, presented by Shelley Krasnick, Managing Director, Research & Insights, Qualvu, and Christine Young, Senior User Experience Researcher, StubHub, will demonstrate how StubHub and Qualvu developed a complete understanding of the lifecycle of a fan’s sports season experience in order to bring the voice and face of the consumer to the center of the company’s marketing strategy.

To learn how StubHub leveraged webcams and pocket-cams to capture both behavioral and attitudinal insights, whenever and wherever participants wanted to share – in-home, at work, or on-the-go – click here.

About Qualvu

Qualvu is the future of qualitative research, inspiring business decisions guided by the voice and face of the consumer. Through streamlined video-based technologies, we collect better human intelligence and deliver superior insights that drive decision making. The Qualvu proprietary platform enables multi-language, global research that drives online reports supported by actionable analysis and video highlights. Capturing behavioral and attitudinal feedback from home, work, in-store, and even in-vehicle, Qualvu delivers new levels of human access. Whether via webcams, flip cams, or the Qualvu mobile app, consumers are empowered to share truthfully; and brands are empowered to gain deeper insights, make better decisions, and share key data across the organization. To learn more, visit www.qualvu.com/

About The Advertising Research Foundation (ARF)

The Advertising Research Foundation (ARF) is an open forum where the best and brightest from every avenue of advertising gather to exchange ideas and research strategies. Together, we challenge conventional maxims, take on the latest issues, and discover new insights that benefit us all. This collaboration yields something invaluable: knowledge. Knowledge that is meaningful, actionable, and indispensable. Knowledge that empowers our members to have a true impact on their marketing programs and their organizations. Knowledge that changes perspective and changes the game. Since 1936, our goal has been to lead our industry forward. As an open-minded, unbiased environment, free of partisan interests, The ARF facilitates a smarter, stronger, and more effective advertising community. For more information, visit www.thearf.org.

From Zero to Hero: Qualvu and Hewlett Packard to Address How Mobile Video Captures that Zero Moment of Truth at The Market Research Technology Event

Denver − March 12 – With an infinite amount of information influencing purchasing behavior today (social media; reviews; advertisements), the shopper journey has become multifaceted. As a result, understanding consumers at each stage of that journey – in particular at the zero moment of truth – is increasingly critical to understanding their attitudes and behaviors as a whole.  Recognizing how these trends have impacted shopper insights, John Williamson, Founder and CEO, Qualvu, and Sterling Jackson, Research Manager, America’s Shopper Insights, Hewlett-Packard (HP), will address how to capture those moments through mobile video at The Market Research Technology Event, taking place at The Cosmopolitan in Las Vegas, Nevada from April 30-May 2, 2012.

Specifically, Williamson and Jackson will address how Hewlett-Packard leveraged mobile video to gain a more complete understanding of their target audience. “This case study is the perfect example of how research has truly been liberated,” said Jackson. “We gave consumers a variety of tools, offering unlimited, real-life options in terms of stimuli and environments, and asked high-school graduates, who were actually looking to purchase a PC and printer, for permission to observe – literally – their journey as it happened. By using a multi-method approach that gave participants the flexibility to share through various technologies and from a variety of locations, we secured much richer, more actionable data,” Jackson said.

“Thanks to mobile research capabilities, researchers can now capture consumer insights at every touch point and gain a comprehensive view into the shopper journey at a level and depth never before possible,” said Williamson. “The asynchronous mobile video research approach allows flexibility in how, when, and where video insights are collected and empowers consumers to share as they naturally go about their lives,” he added. “And how this level of access helped Hewlett-Packard create a ‘back-to-school’ campaign for HP products that over-delivered sales expectations is a true testament to the opportunities mobile qualitative research have brought to the industry.”

For more information on the conference, including how to register, visit http://www.iirusa.com/technology/homepage.xml

About Qualvu

Qualvu is the future of qualitative research, inspiring business decisions guided by the voice and face of the consumer. Through streamlined video-based technologies, we collect better human intelligence and deliver superior insights that drive decision-making. The Qualvu proprietary platform enables multi-language, global research that drives online reports supported by actionable analysis and video highlights. Capturing behavioral and attitudinal feedback from home, work, in-store, and even in-vehicle, Qualvu delivers new levels of human access. Whether via webcams, flip cams, or the Qualvu mobile app, consumers are empowered to share truthfully; and brands are empowered to gain deeper insights, make better decisions, and share key data across the organization. To learn more, visit www.qualvu.com/.

About The Market Research Technology Event

The Market Research Technology Event is one of the leading industry conferences put on by IIR USA. Market Research is part of a bigger world – the world of consumer and marketplace intelligence. And as the role of market research is evolving so are we. The Market Research Technology Event acts as a platform for recognizing emerging technologies that are being used to collect, analyze, and evaluate business intelligence. From data, to insights, to foresight, join us as we preserve the discipline while simultaneously becoming its change agent. To learn more, visit http://www.iirusa.com/technology/homepage.xml

Wrapping Up: Take Your Qualitative Research to the Next Level!

qualitative-research-participants

Online and mobile video research best practices
that drive business value

This final session will recap the IQ program and wrap up with some key best practices that will make you a successful digital researcher. You will learn the do’s and don’ts of online qualitative research, and how to ensure that your stakeholders gain the recommendations they need to inspire better business decisions.

Date and Time: March 14, 2012 – 3 PM ET

Presenter: Kathy Fitzpatrick, Senior Director, Research and Design, Qualvu


 

Recreating the Backroom Experience in the Digital World

qualitative-research-participants

How to encourage researcher-stakeholder collaboration in a virtual environment

The qualitative research process isn’t just a linear process but a looped one. Insights drive new questions, and new questions drive new opportunities. Empowering stakeholders to share and create conversations around newly discovered insights helps inspire business decisions as well as new areas of exploration.

In this session, we’ll show you how you can use digital tools to create a virtual backroom in which you can share and discuss video responses in real time, and how to encourage stakeholder collaboration that propels businesses forward. Additionally, we will show you how digital tools enable you and your stakeholders to create and mine your “library of truth” and find new insights in old data.

Date and Time: February 29, 2012 – 3 PM ET

Presenter: Kathy Fitzpatrick, Senior Director, Research & Design, Qualvu

Download Now!

 

Qualvu Named One of the Top 50 Most Innovative Global Market Research Companies For the Second Year in a Row!

DENVER – February 14 – For a second year in a row, Qualvu has been named one of the top 50 most innovative market research companies (#14) worldwide by Greenbook Research Industry Trends (GRIT) annual report. Since 2010, GRIT has been tracking which firms are perceived as the most innovative within the global market research industry and compiling a list of rankings based on the feedback they receive.

 

“We’re looking at these data in multiple ways in order to glean insight on the drivers of perception around what makes a firm innovative with the hypothesis that these firms will help drive the repositioning of the industry in years to come and are growing despite the numerous challenges to the industry as a whole right now,” wrote Leonard Murphy, Editor-in-Chief, Greenbook Blog.  “We truly want to understand how MR firms are capitalizing on the idea of “innovation” to grow their businesses, and we believe that this list, developed by our peers within the industry, is a true measure of how successfully these companies are leveraging this brand attribute.”

 

So what does it take to be named one of the most innovative companies? True GRIT. No pun intended. Qualvu has continued to innovate the qualitative research space since its inception in 2008. From its proprietary platform to its leading edge software, Qualvu hasn’t just adapted to meet a need within the industry, but has innovated to go above and beyond to deliver better business solutions.

 

“We are honored to be named to the GRIT 50 list for the second time in two years,” said John Williamson, Founder & CEO, Qualvu. “Our goal is to deliver better consumer insights to businesses across the globe, and we continue to do that through our innovative approach to research – software driven, people powered. We see big things ahead for the online qualitative research space and are excited for what the future holds.”

 

About Qualvu

Qualvu is the future of qualitative research, inspiring business decisions guided by the voice and face of the consumer. Through streamlined video-based technologies, we collect better human intelligence and deliver superior insights that drive decision making. The Qualvu proprietary platform enables multi-language, global research that drives online reports supported by actionable analysis and video highlights. Capturing behavioral and attitudinal feedback from home, work, in-store, and even in-vehicle, Qualvu delivers new levels of human access. Whether via webcams, flip cams, or the Qualvu mobile app, consumers are empowered to share truthfully; and brands are empowered to gain deeper insights, make better decisions, and share key data across the organization. To learn more, visit www.qualvu.com/