Liz Van Patten, Van Patten Research
To Liz Van Patten choosing business partners is a lot like picking your friends. “It’s like gold when you find someone you work well with, everything flows so smoothly.” She relies on word of mouth and her network to find the right people for her market research consulting firm Van Patten Research. “I like to get to know the person on a trial basis, shoulder-to-shoulder, to gain some history and see if we understand each other’s personal style. I need to know if I can work with them.” Liz has come across many great people by volunteering on QRCA projects.”
FIRST DETERMINE WHAT YOU WANT IN A BUSINESS PARTNER
In some ways finding the right business partner is like a research project. “Moderators are in a good position to do this. Write down the things you are concerned about, what matters to you, and use these questions to guide your initial conversation.”
While she does most of the actual research work herself, she frequently relies on virtual partners for field coordination, analysis, and reporting. It took time to find the right people for these roles, and she found them through word of mouth. Liz also calls upon trusted colleagues from her network when she needs moderators to help her with an overflow of work or larger projects.
VIRTUAL MENTORING BUILDS STRONG RELATIONSHIPS
Van Patten Research’s work has shifted to mostly online. In many projects, Liz works virtually with large companies on longitudinal online qualitative projects. “It is important to form alliances with one or two client contacts who trust you and whom you can trust, and who are committed to making sure the project succeeds.” Another way to build good will is to serve as a mentor to clients who are new to research: “You back me up and I will share with you what you need to know about research.”
When dealing with an ongoing project online researchers need to find ways of staying visible and connected with their client. Meeting regularly helps. “During an active project we meet at least once a week to brainstorm, introduce new topics, and debrief on new insights from the online forum.” Video conferences work well because people are more engaged and present than they are on a conference call. “See what your team is open to.” She also gives people on the team assignments, such as summarizing one theme, as a way to keep them involved. All of these efforts have worked well for Liz – her business is flourishing.
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