What is Accountability Information Management (AIM)?
AIM is well known for our work in advertising measurement when we began our business in 1990, but since have expanded to become a major company in B2B. Starting with “Behind the Numbers,” which was published in Market Research magazine that established a new way of measuring print advertising, our work for media outlets and advertiser-clients has provided us with a rich source of knowledge about the behavior of advertising communications. Each year, we interact with thousands of facility managers, designers, architects, mechanical and electrical engineers, and C-Suite about a variety of services and products that our clients offer. Our services include customer satisfaction research, market research, advertising metrics, competitive intelligence, and loyalty program development.
Established in 1990 and headquartered in Palatine, Illinois, AIM has clients throughout the United States.
Learn more about us here.
AIM is a unique research company that conducts research used by companies to improve product quality and customer satisfaction and performance.
- Bases its research on feedback from thousands of professionals.
- Compiles studies that serve as industry benchmarks for measuring quality and customer satisfaction.
How does AIM conduct its research?
AIM surveys B2B professionals by mail, telephone, and e-mail. We use focus groups, online and in person, panels and other research techniques. We make sure that respondents are chosen at random or profiled in a way to achieve results for our clients, and that they have experience required to “grade” and “discuss” the product and service. For example, research on specification of a product come from architects or engineers who specify such products. As a result, AIM research is grounded.
Why does AIM have an Opinions page on its website?
Professional opinions are important. AIM seeks out professionals or encourages dialog on an ongoing basis with clients and others in the industry. We believe this section of our website will become a key component in the ongoing conversation about key issues like privacy, data aggregation or big data which are increasingly the core issues we face as a business society today.
How can AIM information be unbiased if manufacturers pay for studies?
When AIM goes to work for a client, we become their advocate. In other words, we go into the research “as them,” to uncover information they couldn’t get on their own. Often, a company’s customers or prospects don’t talk the same way to the company as they do to a third-party. Once we absorb the information and play it back to the client, our work is completed for that client.
But the knowledge resides at AIM. It’s not like in a courtroom, when the judge tells the jury to “ignore that last statement.” Indeed, once the judge points that out, a juror is probably more likely to pay attention to the statement itself because the order to “ignore” emphasizes the statement.
We absorb knowledge. It resides with us. We respect the proprietary nature of information; however, we also see trends when we conduct our surveys across different industries. The result is better information. The result is also we can guide our clients more successfully in achieving their objectives.
What kind of companies hire AIM?
Our customer base is made up primarily of manufacturers, architects, media outlets and service companies.
What list sources does AIM use?
AIM uses outside and internal, proprietary lists for our research, depending on the scope and intent of the research objectives. The accuracy and completeness of the contact list is perhaps the most important part of the research assignment, and AIM is resourceful at acquiring the best lists available. Today’s culture of 24/7 contact makes that a difficult task.
How does AIM handle incentives?
AIM, through our sister company MarketNet Association, Division of Interline Creative Group, Inc., studies spiff and loyalty programs. As a result, our use of incentives is carefully crafted to ensure proper response to the questions – not the incentive itself. This takes planning and execution. From the early years, where a $1 bill was not only the base incentive, but the one that always worked best, AIM has watched that transition to $5 Starbucks® cards, or iPad drawings. We manage the incentive process internally.
What countries does AIM service?
AIM works exclusively in the United States. If required, AIM will partner with associates in different countries. Within the U.S., we also work in different languages, including but limited to for French Canadian, Spanish and bilingual English/Spanish for printed research.
What research organization affiliations does AIM have?
AIM, or its sister companies, have affiliations with major associations that are aligned with our clients’ markets. For example, AIA, ASID, IAMPO, NKBA and others are associations we engage with.
What are AIM’s Technology and Software Capabilities?
AIM utilizes a variety of software, most of which is proprietary and created for the client’s project. We have full-time programmers for custom programming on staff. Unlike standard off-the-shelf products, AIM believes that customization is the only way to get the truth of the project. In many cases, surveys have branches which are based on a prior question. Our call center is a part of our entire company, so that all our employees can, when required, conduct phone research. Unlike dial-for-dollar centers, our approach is personalized and customized to fit the project.
Do customers test AIM’s program before implementation?
Yes, we send you password protected access to specific surveys.
How does AIM provide Quality Control?
AIM utilize training, briefings, supervision for control of the quality of our calls. We adjust continually, and we train our callers to “go off the script” if an opportunity is sensed. This is very important in uncovering the unstructured data around a call, which is sometimes more valuable than the structure itself. We practice Kaizen (continuous improvement) because it helps achieve superior results.
What is AIM’s typical turnaround time for proposals?
Time for proposal preparation depends on the scope of the project, and can range from 24 hours, to a week or more. Sometimes the proposal requires preliminary research which AIM conducts as part of our preparation work, and at no cost to a client. In other cases, AIM would require an advance to begin the proposal. We are very flexible in our approaches.