Four steps to accessing valuable feedback

Posted by: Krishna De | Posted on: April 4th, 2006 | 0 Comments | Posted in: Uncategorized

For many years I have worked in organisations that have requested feedback from clients, customers and employees. 

I’ve increasingly seen numbers of professional services companies requesting feedback to help them grow their business.  Here are some guidelines I recently provided to my clients to assist them in increasing the response rates to their surveys.

1. As we get many requests for assistance, it is always helpful to understand the context of why you are seeking the feedback.  Therefore your respondents can scan quickly so that they can assess if they are interested or want to contribute feedback
2. While your clients and colleagues would like you to be successful – that is not the most compelling reason for people to reply to your survey.  It would be more compelling for respondents to know what they might benefit from completing your survey.
3. As you are compete for time which for many of us is scarce, what can you do to give back to us for our time in assisting you ? For example a complimentary copy of your product, a special report associated to your programme or services showcasing your expertise.  Make sure that your respondents know you value their input and time by recognisingand rewarding them in some way.
4. When you receive the feedback – don’t forget to go back and say thank you; and as you move forward with your business responding to feedback, acknowledge the help and support you received.

Action these four steps and you will be sure that your respondents will be available and happy to assist you in the future.