Short Version:

I’ve been a member of FocusForward.com for about two months. In that time, I’ve been invited to participate in one focus group, for which I was paid $100 in cash on the spot. All I had to do was show up and talk. Total time involved = about three hours, including travel.

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Long Version:

About two months ago, I signed up for a site called FocusForward.com, which is a focus group facilitator. Based on your demographic information, they connect you with opportunities to participate in focus groups in exchange for money.

I just completed my first assignment with them. A few weeks ago, they sent me a short survey asking questions about my cell phone use. I completed the survey, within a few days spent about fifteen minutes on the phone answering some in-depth questions. At the conclusion of the call, I was given the choice of a one-on-one interview lasting one hour, for $75, or a two-hour focus group worth $100. I opted for the focus group.

Upon arrival, I was shown into a room with about five strangers and two researchers. A video camera was mounted on a tripod and pointed at the group. The researchers showed us a couple of different website designs and asked questions about our impressions of them. We were also asked to fill several out brief questionaires.

At the end of the two hours, we were each given an envelope containing $100 in cash and asked to sign receipts for it.

The whole focus group experience was a little weird – I’m fairly reserved as a rule, and sharing my opinions with seven strangers goes against my nature. On the other hand, I just got paid $100 to eat cookies and sip lemonade. I think I can endure a little social discomfort for that.

Conclusion:

I would definitely do it again. The downside is that focus groups, like surveys, don’t come along every day. The money is nice, but don’t quit your day job.

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