Idaho Business Review Article - Chavez launches survey service - by Brad Carlson 10/23/2006...
Todd Chavez has found his niche helping others fill theirs.
This summer he founded Chavez Survey Research, which focuses on Internet-based methods of helping companies research their companies and customers.
The owner is a longtime believer in the power of the Internet. He headed marketing for the old Micron Internet Services from January 1995 to 2000.
“It was a lot like the Wild West,” Chavez said. “It’s amazing how that has changed.”
Chavez moved to Micron Technology, and worked first as Web marketing manager from 2001 to ’03, then as organizational communication planning manager from 2004 until late June.
A week after leaving Micron, Chavez incorporated his survey research company and got his first client — Micron. After being approved as a Micron vendor, Chavez started what would be a seven-week project for Micron’s information services department.
Surveys have always interested Chavez, 47. At the University of Idaho he did a comprehensive survey project, which led to a master’s degree in resource recreation and tourism. He also conducted online surveys while working for Micron Technology.
His niche is helping companies and organizations make the most of their Web-based survey research efforts. His company conducts comprehensive “end-to-end” surveys or helps with particular components of a project.
He uses a professional-level survey engine that requires an annual fee. But an engine typically provides only a small piece of the larger project, he said.
“For example, even if a customer intends to conduct a survey using an online tool like Survey Monkey, I strongly suggest consulting with a firm like mine to develop a valid question list and effective questionnaire design,” Chavez said.
Chavez contracts with statisticians as needed, and with Chavez Writing and Editing, a six-year-old firm that his wife, Natalie, operates.
Chavez said the market for Internet-based survey research is expanding.
“There is a growth opportunity there, not only for myself but for other research companies, and that will allow me to specialize,” he said.
There are Internet-based providers based elsewhere, and companies like Clearwater Research and Northwest Research — both in Boise — offering a full suite of research services and modes.
One of Chavez’s specialties is helping clients with question wording and sequence, which can increase the response rate and the value of the information, he said.
Good surveys, regardless of modes used, remain grounded in strong research and statistical principles, Chavez said.
A high-quality survey can benefit organizations of all sizes — a company might systematically ask customers what they like and don’t like, or need and don’t need.
Compared to traditional survey methods, an Internet-based approach can offer greater speed and accuracy, a lower cost to the surveying entity per respondent, and ease of participation, he said.
“It’s just as valuable for smaller companies as it would be for Micron or HP,” Chavez said.
Find the Idaho Business Review on the Web at www.idahobusiness.net for Idaho's best business news and information.
Todd Chavez has found his niche helping others fill theirs.
This summer he founded Chavez Survey Research, which focuses on Internet-based methods of helping companies research their companies and customers.
The owner is a longtime believer in the power of the Internet. He headed marketing for the old Micron Internet Services from January 1995 to 2000.
“It was a lot like the Wild West,” Chavez said. “It’s amazing how that has changed.”
Chavez moved to Micron Technology, and worked first as Web marketing manager from 2001 to ’03, then as organizational communication planning manager from 2004 until late June.
A week after leaving Micron, Chavez incorporated his survey research company and got his first client — Micron. After being approved as a Micron vendor, Chavez started what would be a seven-week project for Micron’s information services department.
Surveys have always interested Chavez, 47. At the University of Idaho he did a comprehensive survey project, which led to a master’s degree in resource recreation and tourism. He also conducted online surveys while working for Micron Technology.
His niche is helping companies and organizations make the most of their Web-based survey research efforts. His company conducts comprehensive “end-to-end” surveys or helps with particular components of a project.
He uses a professional-level survey engine that requires an annual fee. But an engine typically provides only a small piece of the larger project, he said.
“For example, even if a customer intends to conduct a survey using an online tool like Survey Monkey, I strongly suggest consulting with a firm like mine to develop a valid question list and effective questionnaire design,” Chavez said.
Chavez contracts with statisticians as needed, and with Chavez Writing and Editing, a six-year-old firm that his wife, Natalie, operates.
Chavez said the market for Internet-based survey research is expanding.
“There is a growth opportunity there, not only for myself but for other research companies, and that will allow me to specialize,” he said.
There are Internet-based providers based elsewhere, and companies like Clearwater Research and Northwest Research — both in Boise — offering a full suite of research services and modes.
One of Chavez’s specialties is helping clients with question wording and sequence, which can increase the response rate and the value of the information, he said.
Good surveys, regardless of modes used, remain grounded in strong research and statistical principles, Chavez said.
A high-quality survey can benefit organizations of all sizes — a company might systematically ask customers what they like and don’t like, or need and don’t need.
Compared to traditional survey methods, an Internet-based approach can offer greater speed and accuracy, a lower cost to the surveying entity per respondent, and ease of participation, he said.
“It’s just as valuable for smaller companies as it would be for Micron or HP,” Chavez said.
Find the Idaho Business Review on the Web at www.idahobusiness.net for Idaho's best business news and information.
posted by Surveying Tips at 9:49 AM
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