Birthday Reflections
Raise a toast! That’s how 21 year olds usually mark their birthday—and Schapiro Research Group upholds the tradition. With most companies that opened in 1984 long forgotten, it’s gratifying to be a fixture in speed dials, PDAs and rolodexes for a loyal and growing clientele.
Our birthday toast takes the form of a new web site launch. Take a moment to check it out, to learn how applied social research is changing the way organizations create strategy. You just might pick up some helpful insights for your own strategic thinking.
As wise elders have noted, it takes a village to raise a child. After 21 hectic (always) and happy (usually) years, I echo that thought. My sincere thanks go out to the clients, business partners, friends, and especially our talented and dedicated staff who have led the firm to this milestone of maturity.
The early years set the stage for what we have become. Operating in the political and policy research arena, we quickly became comfortable and effective in fluid situations where the stakes were high. To draw from my favorite sport of basketball, Schapiro Research Group learned how to handle the ball with the shot clock running down and the game on the line. By coming through consistently, even spectacularly, our firm grew to be a trusted partner in strategy development for businesses, government agencies, candidates, and non-profits.
So, celebrate with us by “doing the link”
www.schapiroresearchgroup.com
You’ll find a sophisticated, savvy and street-smart 21 year old—with the same eagerness to please of our youth.
Beth Schapiro
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Research and Strategy for Results
We are often asked how to use applied social research to measure strategic results, so we’re using the next few issues of the newsletter to provide some case studies. This example comes from the nonprofit arena.
The Challenge
United Way changed its business model – from an annual campaign to a community change agent. The organization needed to know whether donors were aware of the change, how they perceived the new brand, and what impact the new direction might have on donor behavior.
SRG Meets the Challenge
After further conversation with United Way, SRG recognized the key role that the corporate United Way campaign managers play in the organization’s fundraising and education. We designed a three-part project to meet United Way’s strategic objectives, factoring in the importance of those corporate “gatekeepers”. Applying the appropriate research methodologies, SRG collected and analyzed information from donors and corporate gatekeepers. We developed specific research-based recommendations for articulating a brand image conducive to donor satisfaction and longevity and for optimizing gatekeeper communications that accurately represent the United Way brand and encourage continued donor support even after a job change.
The Results
United Way is clear on the need to encourage companies to appoint the right gatekeepers and to build strong, year-round relationships with them. Armed with greater insights into the donation process, the organization is honing its donor messages and targets. United Way has also increased its emphasis on measurable results.
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We're Proud of Our Clients
Congratulations to the following clients who were recently identified among Atlanta’s 100 Most Influential People by the Atlanta Business Chronicle:
- Atlanta City Council President Lisa Borders
- Atlanta School Superintendent Beverly Hall
- Central Atlanta Progress President A.J. Robinson
- Georgia State Senator Sam Zamarripa
- The Community Foundation President Alicia Philipp
- United Way of Metropolitan Atlanta President Mark O’Connell
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SRG Serves the Community
Individually and as a firm, we are involved in the community and use our expertise to make a difference. SRG recently provided pro bono services to the Hancock County Board of Education. SRG prepared a questionnaire to assess community input on school facility growth. This survey instrument was distributed to attendees of presentations about proposed projects. SRG then tabulated and analyzed the data, enabling the Board to incorporate objective community input strategically into their decision-making.
SRG President Beth Schapiro recently completed a one-year term as chair of the board of Cool Girls, an organization dedicated to the self-empowerment of girls from low income communities.
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In January 2004, Schapiro Research Group began the eUpdate to keep clients and friends of SRG informed about the firm's activities. Feel free to forward this email.
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