 Hi there.
It's that time when we take stock of the year gone by and look to the future. It's a great opportunity to ask your customers and members for feedback about what they'd like to see from you in 2010. In this issue of Hints & Tips, we'll discuss how to make an annual planning survey an effective one.
Speaking of planning for next year, you're going to notice some changes to Hints & Tips starting with our January issue. Based on feedback we've received each month, and the introduction of our Event Marketing product, we'll be covering Online Survey, Email Marketing, and Event Marketing in each issue, to show you how using all the online marketing tools available to you can result in greater business success. We hope you like the changes, that you'll find our new format interesting and informative, and that you'll share your feedback to let us know. If you decide that you don't like the new format of the newsletter, you can unsubscribe at any time.
For now, I'd like to know what you thought of this issue. After you've read the articles, please click here to share your thoughts.
I hope you have a very happy holiday, and experience much success in the new year.
Martin
You may be busy wrapping up 2009, but take the time now to start planning for next year
 Hooray, you survived 2009! Make sure 2010 is a banner year by allocating resources wisely. How? Ask your customers for input so you know how to spend your time and money in the New Year. It's more critical than in the past that you know what your customers, clients, and members want and need from you as an organization. Then you can build and execute plans to meet or exceed those expectations.
Here are some ways to prepare a survey that will give you the insights you need to make 2010 a better year for you and your business or organization.
 This theatrical customer has found that Online Surveys drive show bookings and influence parking plans
 
Morrison Center for the Performing Arts
List Size: 3,136
Website: http://mc.boisestate.edu
The Morrison Center for the Performing Arts is a 2,000-seat theater nestled on the bank of the Boise River, and a part of Boise State University. Its mission is to encourage cultural and intellectual activities for the benefit and enjoyment of all Idaho residents. It features local arts groups such as the Boise Philharmonic and Ballet Idaho and popular national acts such as Jerry Seinfeld.
The Morrison Center staff has grappled with a handful of challenges this year. For example, the slow economy and a fewer number of touring acts have softened ticket sales and bookings, reports Scott Bodmer, the center's business and marketing director. Overcoming these obstacles means it's important for the Morrison Center staff to keep close tabs on what type of shows the community wants to see at the hall.
In support of this effort, Virginia Treat, the Morrison Center marketing assistant creates numerous online surveys to gather customer feedback on future events, post-event follow-up, and general operations. "Our patrons love giving us their feedback," Scott says, noting that survey links are usually the most clicked-on in the center's email newsletter. "The information from Virginia's surveys help us select the shows audiences want to see. It helps us reduce our risk."
Recently, an opening in the in the Morrison Center's 2010–2011 season calendar became available that could accommodate one of two touring Broadway shows. Fortunately, both shows were included in an earlier patron survey that gauged their interest in the shows. The Morrison Center staff was then able to refer back to the survey results and select the show the patrons said they preferred. "Having that information, we confidently selected the show our patrons preferred as opposed to making a decision based on our personal preferences. We actually had hard evidence we could turn to," Scott says.
Surveys do not just influence show selection at the Morrison Center. One customer satisfaction survey resulted in a number of complaints regarding difficulty exiting the center's parking lot after shows. As a result of the feedback, the center implemented a more effective exit plan to alleviate the problem; the plan's success has been verified in more recent surveys.
While all survey responses are appreciated, some generate a chuckle. "One of our patrons recommended we bring in Annie Get Your Gun," Scott says. "She was sure it would appeal to the 'typical Idaho man.' Apparently, Idaho men go for those spunky, pistol packers."
No matter what the suggestion, though, the Morrison Center always shares feedback with its supporters in future email newsletters. Scott says this lets survey-takers know how their opinions compare with other respondents, which has its benefits as well. "By making the results available, it creates a greater interest in our e-newsletter and improves our open rate," Scott says.
Do you have an online survey success story? Share it with us, and you may be featured on Constant Contact's website or in a future edition of Hints & Tips. Click here to share your success story!
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