Articlr

It seems that lately, there is a never ending string of phone calls from telemarketing firms wanting me to buy something or donate to some organization.  Whether it is because of the time of year, or just the increase of telemarketing firms, the inflow of calls has gotten out of hand.  It makes one get a little frustrated - but I encourage you to listen to one group of telemarketers: those doing surveys.

You see, there are a few companies out there looking for your opinion on a wide variety of subjects.  Some of their research on your views and opinions are done over the phone, while some of the better ones will arrange meetings in person.  In the past we have hung up on these telemarketers as well, but this past summer, we had a good experience.

I won’t mention the name of the survey company here, but we had never heard of them before.  Over the phone, it was explained that this firm looked for opinions and reviews on a wide variety of subjects, and this time they were looking for people to form a discussion panel to talk about storing nuclear waste.  The government had contracted them to see if their nuclear waste storage policy was on the mark - or not.  So, we decided to commit to attend the panel and check it out.

We attended the panel at a hotel in town, and we were asked to wait outside the room.  Talking to the other people waiting there, no one had any idea of what we had gotten ourselves into.  We were all then asked to enter the room and then the panel began.  We spoke about the nuclear waste topic for two hours, and received a $100 gift for attending!

So, next time you are asked about participating in a survey over the phone, or even online, check it out.  You never know what you might receive for participating - and it sure can be worth it!