The market research industry consists of thousands of companies. Within those companies there is always a president–some type of leader at the top. Each of these people is different. They can be different in style, strategy, background and how they approach different situations.
Over the years I have had the pleasure of meeting some very talented people. Some of which I have served on national boards with and have seen first hand how intelligent, creative and how successful these people are.
Today’s blog is the first of a two-part series that will introduce you to seven market research presidents and will explore their habits, practices and leadership style.
I hope you enjoy getting to know seven presidents and finding out a little bit of what they do and how they do it.
As President of your organization what does an average day look like?
Carl Iseman is President of Assistance in Marketing, Inc
(To see all of Carl Iseman’s responses, click here)
An average day: I start every day with 1 hour of exercise since I truly believe that a healthy body generates a healthy mind. Once getting to the office, I first check on all of my projects in the field and then recruiting productivity of each of my facilities. Next review current receivables and payables…the morning is spent with the numbers. Afternoons are spent working on new revenue generating ideas, business improvements, checking on the competition and following up with those I need to respond to…..a lot of this follow up to insure that we met and hopefully exceeded our clients expectations…many calls to moderators and other clients. In the evening I check on projects in the field just to make sure my clients are getting the service they expect, wherever they are.
Ken Roberts is President of Cooper Roberts
(To see all of Ken Roberts’ responses, click here)Morning: checking mail, voice mail, phone calls, study status, sales activity. Mid-day: client calls, proposal writing, project advise, time at the gym, quick lunch at my desk. Afternoon: mostly client contact, proposals/pricing, any company financials/operations issues, prepping for the next day, out the door around 6:30 or 7:00. Evenings: Check calendar/email, light correspondence right before going to bed.
Morning: checking mail, voice mail, phone calls, study status, sales activity. Mid-day: client calls, proposal writing, project advise, time at the gym, quick lunch at my desk. Afternoon: mostly client contact, proposals/pricing, any company financials/operations issues, prepping for the next day, out the door around 6:30 or 7:00. Evenings: Check calendar/email, light correspondence right before going to bed. Michael Halberstam is President of ISA America
(To see all of Michael Halberstam’s responses, click here)
My average day begins by logging on to the office from home at around 6:15 AM. I respond to clients, work on bids, set up meetings for the day and look at reports. I also check on the sports stories and box score for the previous day.
While I have items on my calendar for each day there are issues that are business related, such as financial, strategic, industry and legal issues, to deal with. Typically, I will meet with our COO daily and touch based 2-3 times a week with our HR director. I also get reports from, and communicate regularly with, each of our office locations around the world.
Peggy O’Connor President of On-Line Communication
(To see all of Peggy O’Connor’s responses, click here)
An average day is like lying on a beautiful tropical beach with barb wire and a hand grenade.
John Heakin is President North American Insights
(To see all of John Heakin’s responses, click here)
I wake at 5:30, make some coffee, look at the paper, check some headlines on CNN, CNBC, and The Weather Channel. At 7:00, I log on and look at email that came in overnight. By 7:15, I know where we stand on every job in every city and start sending remarks to my managers. I get to work at 9, reply to customers and vendors, and phone mailers. Depending on the day of the week, week of the month, and our payroll and mall rental payment cycles, I’m checking our cash flow. Everyday, there are adjustments to be made in billing and clients who are late paying. I approve vendor invoices. Throughout the day I sneak a peak at our job log to see who has been added, how many cities, and the size of the project. I have to remind managers to get invoices in. I am constantly on the lookout for new customers, and more and better employees. At times, I am involved in charitable activities, MRA committees, and Southern Illinois University alumni activities. Since I work most Saturdays, and check into our progress online on Sundays, I have no problem doing outside things in the office. When I get home between 6-7 pm, I check my email first thing, and then again at 10 as I get ready to turn in for the night.
Merrill Shugoll is President of Shugoll Research
(To see all of Merrill Shugoll’s responses, click here)
- Meeting with appropriate staff regarding one or more of the following:
- Business strategy
- Quality practices
- Facility improvements
- Business development
- Staff Development
- Technology
- Finance
- Client feedback
- Employee feedback
- In person meetings or conference calls with one or more outside advisors, research partners or job candidates – Accountant
- Corporate or HR attorney
- Banker
- Insurance broker
- Architect/Interior Designer/Real Estate Agent
- Travel consultant
- Research partner
- Job candidate
- Lunch and/or meeting with a client, a prospect or other colleague
- Meeting with Senior Vice President of Field Operations
- Review of or consult on key deliverables for highly valued clients (e.g., proposals, final reports, etc.)
- Review of or consult on key documents or contracts from clients and research partners
- Preparation of study materials on projects I’m directing for highly valued clients
- Conference calls and completion of tasks related to my professional and community involvement activities (e.g., Board of MRA, Committee involvement for QRCA, Board involvement for Signature Theatre, speaking engagements)
Ann Tancredi-Brown is President of Gazelle Global
(To see all of Ann Tancredi-Brown’s responses, click here)
I leave the house at 7:30; return at 7:30PM. In between I take B to school/ and or pick her up 2-3 times a week. I glance at my email on the train. Once in the office, I read my email including RFP’s. I attend scheduling/status meetings at 11:45. I attend job related meetings/conference calls and business planning meetings, work with our bookkeeper on accounting related issues, sign checks, wire transfer documents, review invoices and billing.
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