This summer, the WBCS Education Committee took on the task of creating and implementing a WBE satisfaction survey. This survey was administered via the internet and an overwhelming 23% of the WBE membership responded!
The survey results were compiled and an Executive Summary was created. This summary, along with the report from the Annual Meeting table topics discussions, is instrumental to all WBCS committees in planning next year's events and programs. Special thanks go to Kerry Goldstein, Marilyn Bushey, Harry Benson and Jim Robertson for their devotion to this important project!
EXECUTIVE SUMMARY
The survey was designed with the following objectives:
· To measure overall satisfaction of members.
· To evaluate the effectiveness of existing programs.
· To solicit ideas and suggestions for future programs.
· To compile basic demographic information about the membership.
Selected Demographic Information
64 members responded to the survey, representing 23% of the membership.
· 47% of the respondents have been certified 1 year or less.
· The median age of members’ businesses is 9.5 years. 27% have been in business 5 years or less.
· 25% describe their businesses as “start-ups”, 17% as emerging and 58% as established.
· 48% employ 10 or fewer employees. 14% did not answer this question.
· Median annual gross revenue of members’ businesses is $972,222, with 18% reporting $200,000 or less and 10% reporting over $10,000,000.
· E-mail is overwhelmingly the preferred method of communication, with 78%. Fax, at 2%, is the least preferred method.
1. Overall Satisfaction
· 51% of the respondents indicated a high level of overall satisfaction with the organization.
· 94% of the respondents said they would encourage other women business owners to join the council.
2. Overall Evaluation of Existing Programs and Services
· 89% indicated satisfaction with the certification process, and 95% stated their intent to renew their certification with WBCS.
· Over 60% expressed satisfaction with educational opportunities, customer recommendation and networking opportunities.
· 51% expressed satisfaction with procurement opportunities.
Attendance at Programs and Events
· 64% of the survey respondents attended the Round Up Trade Fair.
· 30 to 40% attended Harvesting Partnerships, Table Topic Luncheon series, Parade of Stars Gala and Top Ten Networking receptions.
· Participation by respondents in the Mentoring program, Golf Tournament and the UT Executive Education Seminar was in the 20% to 25% Range.
Committee Participation and Interest
The Golf Tournament, Round Up Trade Fair and Harvesting Partnership committees show the highest percentage of participation and interest. Event committees are time-limited as compared to member services committees which are year-round. This may contribute to the higher percentage.
Benefit of Programs and Services
Survey respondents were asked to rank existing programs and services according to benefit provided to their businesses. The top ranked programs were Done Deals, Parade of Stars Awards Gala, Golf Tournament and Top Ten Networking Receptions.
All of the top ranked programs provide opportunities to meet new people and promote business opportunities for members. The remaining programs and services provide educational and procurement opportunities, which were ranked, in varying degrees, lower.
Educational Topics of Interest
· Marketing/PR and Alliance/Partnering were the topics of highest interest.
· Sales Training, Negotiating and B2B/E-Commerce were not far behind.
· Respondents expressed interest in 13 other “skill building” educational topics, but clearly the top five are those which teach marketing, sales and new business acquisition skills.
3. Preliminary Conclusions
· The value of the council to members is the facilitation of viable business connections. Events where members can meet people and promote their businesses are highly valued.
· Further analysis of the survey data may provide helpful information on the needs of start-up and emerging businesses, as compared to the needs of those members that consider themselves established businesses. Such information can be extremely helpful in program development going forward.
