Focus groups are a great way to make very easy, same-day money. A focus group is research where people will get together in a group setting and share their thoughts about a product, service or an idea.
Focus groups pay an average of $50 – $75 an hour and each group usually lasts about 1 – 1 1/2 hr’s. You get paid right after your group. Here in the Twin Cities, we have dozens of companies that hire for focus groups. You can simply go to each of focus group’s company website to fill out your profile. Whenever you match a group they are doing, they will call you to see if you are available.
Here are a few of the Focus group Companies I’ve worked with the most.
Ascendancy Research
http://www.ascendresearch.com/join.htm
Focus Market Research
http://www.focusmarketresearch.com/join.html
Orman Guidance Research
http://www.ormanguidance.com/
A great resource for finding focus group companies is the Greenbook.org. They have a very easy to navigate directory that lists companies by state or city.
A few helpful tips on participating in and being called for more focus groups:
- Fill out your initial profile thoughtfully and thoroughly. Some question are very important when it comes to being chosen for a focus group. Questions like: “Do you consider yourself outgoing?”, “Do you often tell others about new products or services you try?” or “Are you outspoken and comfortable in group settings?” should all be answered yes. They want to make sure they have active and beneficial people in each group. The more you participate and add to each group, the more likely you are to be called back for that company again.
- Another tip while filling out your profile: You will be asked what types of products you use, things you own, technology you are comfortable with, etc.. They ask you this so that they can assign you to groups about specific topics, products or ideas. If you like cooking or eating, chances are you will be called in for a group about new food products or ideas, cooking methods or cooking related products. The more you like and know about, the more groups you will be called in for.
- Once in the group, relax and enjoy yourself. For some people it can be intimidating to be in a group setting with people you don’t know. Just remember you are all there for the same reason – to make money and give input on a product or idea. I’ve always liked the idea of knowing that I am helping a company better develop their product and on occasion I see a specific product on the market that I had a group for and it really makes me feel good that I had a part to play in that being a great product.
Remember, you will get paid in cash or check at the end of each focus group. For me personally, I’ve always been paid in cash which is so convenient. There is nothing like making a few hundred dollars for simply talking about or trying something. If you need extra cash quickly, I will definitely add focus groups to your money making arsenal.
Thanks for reading,
Focus groups: Make easy money the same day,
