Final Survey Summary

On the first day of working on the project in class, we had time to finish writing the script and make any corrections we could think of. Then we paired up and simulated the conversation so that we could practice talking to the manager and make any additional corrections to our script.

Following the weekend, I had not yet spoken to the manager at the Acura store, but I had decided against going there anyway. I had realized that as a car dealership, they are VERY invested in their customers and probably wouldn't let me "pester" their customers with a silly school project. So I've decided to go to the Target on 80th Ave and Bell Road. Now I have adjusted my script and will carry out the survey tonight.

Monday night I changed my mind AGAIN, and went to the Frys Electronics at 3035 W Thunderbird Road. I approached the customer service desk, and asked to talk to the manager about a school project. When the manager got there, I introduced myself and ran through the script. She told me that she was not authorized to give me permission, and gave me the number to corporate office that I could call. When I called the number, they transferred me to the Chief Communications Officer. I got his answering machine, and hung up without saying anything. Scratching that idea, I decided to try Discount Tire at 5990 W. Behrend Dr. I again approached the man at the counter, and he told me that I would have to wait for the manager to get off a phone call. I waited about 10 minutes, and then the same man came out and told me that the manager was on a call with their corporate office and I would have to come back tomorrow. I found it interesting that he did not turn away the man behind me, who also wanted to speak to the manager. I'm sure they were relieved when I didn't show up the next day. Next, I wen to the Home Depot at 6880 W Bell Road. I again approached the customer service counter and explained why I was there. I waited 15 minutes for the manager to come up and talk to me. She was very nice and seemed interested in what I was offering, even having me read off my suggestions. She liked them all. Then she told me that she would have to talk to the day-time manager, and that I should come back the next day and talk to her then.

The next day, Tuesday, after school, I went back to the Home Depot. I brought the business card she gave me and my sheet for recording data, just in case. When I spoke with her, she told me that the manager had given me approval, and asked how long I thought it would take. I responded that I estimated it would take 15 minutes. She clarified that I would submit a report of my findings to her, and I went outside to start my survey. My question was: "Have you eaten at the hot dog stand outside within the last 2 months?" I was conducting the survey outside the front entrance, and was turned down by everyone (probably 15 people) for 5 minutes. At this point, she came outside and suggested that I try asking people as they were LEAVING the store, so I walked to the exit. I had much better success there, and got all 10 responses within the next 15 minutes. I interviewed 7 males and 3 females, of which only 1 male said that he had eaten at the hot dog stand. In fact, he said that he eats there "nearly every weekend." I left after completing the survey.

I went back to the store on Sunday the 16th to ask the manager to sign off on the verification sheet. I was told that she was not there that day, and so I asked if she would be there tomorrow. They told me that she would not be there all week because she was on vacation. I have talked to Mr. Larsen about this.

1. What did you do for the business? Describe your project.
   I conducted a survey of customers to see how many had visited the hot dog stand outside of the store. I asked them as a yes or no question, and noted the gender of each person as they answered.
2. What was the best part of the project?
   The best part of the project was
3. What was the most difficult?
   The most difficult part of the project was interviewing the customers, because it was very stressful for me to approach the customer and ask them them the question.
4. What part of the project are you the most proud of?
   I am most proud of the results of my project, because they are accurate and taken with precision.
5. What did you learn from the project?
   I learned how to go about a business and ask for permission to do something. I also learned how to approach people and ask for help, in this case with a school project.
6. What skill did you develop or gain from the project?
   I developed my skill of talking to people, with both the manager and the customers themselves. I increased my ability to step out and do something that I find uncomfortable.