Your Opinion Matters

I seem to have spent a significant proportion of my life over the past few weeks working through survey results. Not that I’m complaining, I really do enjoy the whole process from the design through to the evaluation. Must admit nothing quite beats the first couple of ‘pings’ which indicates that someone has responded, I always want to go back to them and say ‘gold star for being the first’ – and sometimes I do 🙂

Recently I did an Audience Survey for Orange Civic Theatre which will add value to consultations we did with audiences and key stakeholders ( key hirers) last year. I always love working with OTC and by introducting some new questions we were able to add value to the information we already have.

I enjoy working with clients who have a regular survey/review process built into their operation. Earlier in the year I worked with Liverpool City Library who undertake an annual survey each year. Great to be able to track the changing responses to questions and even better to have the raw data – particularly the free text areas which can be gold. Nothing captures the attention of a decison maker more than a direct quote from one of their consituents.

I am currently working with another Library service in NSW who have made seeking feedback about their collections and programs core to their business. Each one is carefully crafted and targeted at a specific audience – this approach also helps in avoiding the dreaded survey fatigue which can so easily creep in when you have a one size fits all approach.

Everyone like so be asked for their opinion so give them the opportunity and remember to follow through with feedback through newsletters, social media etc. Assure them that their views do matter.