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In a culture of “YES”, saying “NO” is often frowned upon and ignored. However, over promising and under delivering is the trap all companies strive to avoid as it undermines their reputation and credibility. Clients would be reluctant to collaborate on future projects, resulting in a loss of potential revenue.

To help, we’ve compiled a list of examples of when a "NO" can save time, money and lead to the ultimate goal: a successful project and a happy client.

  1. All too often, online sample is a NO for a particular population with a low IR when targeting is unavailable.  However, a NO can be turned into a YES by using a different methodology better able to reach your desired target, improving the overall quality of the design. In these instances, transparent communication with the client helps them better understand a viable alternative and shows that you are the industry experts.
  2. In an effort to save time and money, proposals often seek to interview in-country professionals in English rather than their native language. This practice will make the recruit more expensive and will delay the result. Turn a NO into a YES by conducting interviews in the language of the respondent. It ensures an engaged respondent and is simply a matter of respect.
  3. Sometimes a NO isn’t about project requirements, but about timing. For example, interviewing during national and religious holidays (as well as many others) is almost always a NO. Turn a NO into a YES by being cognizant of in-country holidays and scheduling projects around them. The same holds true with unrealistic project timelines, where finding the right target sometimes takes longer.
  4. Logistics might bring you a NO. It may not be possible to get a group of professionals together in one location for groups. A NO can be turned into a YES by using an alternate methodology, such as online groups or TDIs.
  5. A NO can be about sample size. It will not be possible to complete 250 interviews when the category population is 300. Turn a NO into a YES by asking for sample sizes that are realistic among the target population. If a sample population is just too small for a viable representative quantitative project, consider suggesting a qualitative methodology that fits the client’s needs as an alternative for a smaller sample size.

When others say NO, Gazelle excels at finding a way to say YES. Reach out to us to turn your challenging projects into client success stories.


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