New Study: Government Customer Service
December 1, 2010
Stay tuned! Tomorrow morning, December 2, Market Connections will release the findings of a new study on government customer service, which reveals how government professionals rate their agencies’ customer service performance, their perceived challenges and gaps between service priorities and performance. The study also looks at how agencies are using new technology such as social media and mobile to deliver customer service. Market Connections’ President and CEO Lisa Dezzutti will present the findings on Thursday, December 2 at Digital Government Institute’s annual Government Customer Service Conference and Expo at the Ronald Reagan Building in Washington, DC. For more information or to request a copy of the executive summary, contact Mari Canizales Coach. ... Read moreInternational B2B Research Best Practices
November 16, 2010
Localized research critical to international success Many have heard the horror stories of companies running U.S-developed campaigns internationally without first localizing them to individual markets. A well-known consumer campaign example is when Pepsi’s “Come alive with the Pepsi Generation” translated into Chinese became “Pepsi brings your ancestors back from the grave.’ Of course, before they develop tag lines and ads, companies expanding to new international markets need to have a thorough understanding of the relevant cultural differences and considerations. How will the products or services likely be received in different geographies? What is the local competitive landscape? Should the unique selling proposition ... Read moreMarket Connections’ President Featured in Washington Women’s Weekly
November 10, 2010
This week, Washington Women’s Weekly features Lisa Dezzutti, President and CEO of Marketing Connections, as their “Woman on Top.” In the interview, Dezzutti shares insights for penetrating the government market and growing your own business. She relates success stories from working with clients and key strategies she has employed to get through tough times as a small business owner for the past 15 years. Read the full interview Read moreU.S. Department of Education Awards Market Connections, Inc. Research Support Contract
November 9, 2010
Government market research provider will evaluate customer satisfaction with Federal Student Aid Pubs distribution center Chantilly, VA — November 9, 2010 — Leading government market research firm Market Connections, Inc. today announced receipt of a single award Indefinite Delivery Indefinite Quantity (IDIQ) contract from the U.S. Department of Education’s office of Federal Student Aid (FSA). The five-year contract, a small-business set-aside, allows Market Connections to support FSA and the Department of Education’s evaluation services requirements. As its first task order, Market Connections will evaluate customer satisfaction with the FSA Pubs distribution center, a centralized one-stop publications warehouse serving institutional customers such as ... Read moreDeloitte Event: Closing the Cyber Skills Gap
October 15, 2010
Driving real value with Cyber workforce readiness Federal Personnel: Join Deloitte for an Executive Forum on Cyber Workforce Readiness. Get exclusive insights from the new Deloitte Cyber Workforce Readiness study of federal employees conducted by Market Connections, Inc. As Cybersecurity inextricably links our national security and economic security, government leaders are striving to close the Cyber skills gap through cross-industry partnerships and other innovative approaches. But is this enough? Will these programs reduce our risks, drive meaningful results, and make us safer? Date October 21, 2010 Time 7:45 a.m.–8:30 a.m. Registration and breakfast 8:30 a.m.–10:30 a.m. Program Location National Press Club 529 14th Street, NW Washington, DC. 20045 Register Now The U.S. ... Read moreWhat do you think about Open Source?
September 29, 2010
Government employees and contractors, tell us what you think about Open Source Software (OSS) use! Share your candid insights on use of Open Source Software within both the federal government and industry. In this short 5-7 minute survey you will contribute to groundbreaking research to benchmark the benefits and challenges of using Open Source. Read moreFall Research Can Drive 2011 Success Strategies
September 20, 2010
With fall upon us, many organizations are already starting the 2011 budgeting and planning process. Given continued economic struggles, proposed budget cuts in Department of Defense, and the Administration’s plans to outsource less, a lot of government contractors will yet again face tight budgets and sales challenges. As you look for ways to close more business in today’s fast-changing markets, it can be dangerous to rely on assumptions, gut instinct and old data. Only current and carefully analyzed research will arm you with the insights critical to developing a successful strategic plan. ... Read moreHealthcare Reform: The Push for Electronic Health Records
September 8, 2010
Research will ensure usability and adoption of electronic record systems If the government is budgeting to spend millions to implement widespread use of Electronic Health Records (EHR) for facilitation and accuracy of patient information, it is essential to first assess how physicians need to access and use the information. It would be a shame to put invaluable information at practitioners’ fingertips, yet see accuracy decline because users are overwhelmed by the volume or organization of the data. Research could identify desired search techniques and formatting capabilities that will enable physicians of all practice areas to efficiently pinpoint relevant medical history. In an ... Read moreOnly Bad Surveys Suck
September 8, 2010
7 Tips to minimize burnout when gathering the info you need Yesterday our friend Steve Ressler at GovLoop sent a survey request to users entitled, “Surveys Suck…But Not This One!” While we understand that taking time out of your day to take a survey may not top your list, think of all the useful information surveys provide, like how other agencies are using social media, top economic concerns of citizens, and the public’s opinion of how the government is handling current issues. We can’t resist sharing with you some tactics to ensure your next survey gathers data you can use without annoying your ... Read moreTrends and Predictions Driving the Government Market
August 23, 2010
Nick Wakeman, editor of Washington Technology Magazine, last week posted his list of 13 trends and predictions driving the government contracting market. He sees smaller growth; fewer big, new opportunities; increased competition; and higher pressure on profitability, among other things. Wakeman recommends contractors pay attention to what the top 100 contractors in the market are doing, because their moves indicate growth and development in the government market. He asserts that national security will continue to be a “dominant priority for the federal government,” while cyberattacks also remain a “major threat.” Wakeman also predicts that contractors will see new opportunities emerging in support of a new energy reform bill–as soon ... Read more