The surge in popularity of social networking sites has seen an increase in the number of groups dedicated to market research professionals. While some are of interest to the consumers of market research i.e. the client most are of interest to market researchers.

I have to admit I was pretty dubious of these sites and wasn’t really expecting very much from them. To date my main interaction with other market researchers (apart from direct colleagues) has been via the Market Research Society (of which Rock Research is a proud member of) and I have found it a pretty guarded atmosphere.

What I have found with these groups is some really rigarous, interesting and sometimes entertaining debate. One of things I have found really cool and refreshing is the openness and willingness to share information that exists in these networks.

One group that I have found partuclary useful is Next Gen Market Research on LinkedIn. Next Gen Market Research while focused on the US has over 3000 memebrs and seems to be growing strongly.

Some of the groups worth checking out are:

LinkedIn Groups

• Next Gen Market Research (NGMR) The fastest growing Consumer Insights group

The market has changed, the customers have changed, why should consumer insight be the same? Marketing Research/Consumer Insights have changed little since the mid 90’s and still offer only 1.0 Insights. This is a group for US professionals with 7+ y/exp who want more than traditional MR

• OnlineMR

This is a group of people working in Online Market Research industry and wants to network for exchange of ideas and opportunities. With technology driving research industry today the online research is the next big thing and we want to expand the knowledge and information among our members.

• Market Research

This group is dedicated to all such professionals who are working in the field of Market Research using Internet as primary tool.

Facebook Groups (There are lots, here are a couple of notables)

• I work in Market Research & no I don’t stand in the street with a clipboard

For all those who have been asked at a party “Oh do you stand on the street with a clipboard?” just because you work in Market Research!!!!

• Market Research Rocks! (hell yeah it does…)

We’ve all heard that market research is a “small world”, so let’s see if it’s possible to contact every single person in market research on Facebook. In doing so you may just find your next co-worker, boss or best friend…who knows.

And for the really keen there are even dedicated Market Research social networks.

• Market Research Space

A place for market and social researchers to share views, to look at new tools, to explore job opportunities, and to simply hang out.

Please feel free to add any others that you think are worthwhile.