Research isn’t prison, but it can be drab. It doesn’t have to be. You can be professional and abide by all the rules while still having some life in your project. If a research participant enters your study and enjoys the overall experience, they will likely come back, or make it easier for you to bring them back. But if it’s all business and no life, it’s a harder sell. So here are some ways to make their first experience more enjoyable:
1. Don’t be a robot.
You may be in research, but you are a person. Show it. Have a conversation about something other than the research. One time I had a new client in and he wouldn’t give me any contact information. I set the locator form aside and commented on the Denver Bronco hat he had on. I told him it was too bad that the Minnesota Vikings were going to kick their butt this year. He laughed and started razzing me back. We both had a good chuckle over it. Then I went back to the locator form, and he would have told me if he wore womens’ underwear. The banter took less than one minute.
Also, if someone asks you how you’re doing, tell them. If you’re tired, say it. Remember, you’re a human being.
2. Make them laugh
Even if you don’t have a funnybone in your body, you can still make them laugh. Just put something funny on your desk or wall. Maybe something like this.
If you get people laughing, they will associate you with something positive. Hence, it’s easier to get them in.
Note: There are a lot of funny research clients out there, so if you run across one, you have permission to laugh also.
3. Nip Uneasiness in the Bud
This is easy. Just ask them if they have any concerns. Make sure you let them know you won’t be offended. Many of the clients I did this with stated their concern about confidentiality. Knowing this, I would point to the locked cabinet where we stored the information. Then I would go through the confidentiality agreement with them. It worked every time.
The sooner you incorporate music (life) into your research, the sooner your clients will stop and listen. And keep them coming back for more.
If anybody has any other funny pictures we can put up on an office desk, comment with it.
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