Delivering complete B2B distributor insights despite a project pivot

Strop was looking to speak with a highly specific set of B2B professionals as part of a qualitative research project. The ask involved decision-makers across two closely linked industry segments, which meant targeting had to be precise, and scheduling needed to stay tight. With niche profiles and shifting research priorities, the project called for flexibility, speed, and constant coordination.

This niche audience presented several challenges:

• Fluctuating availability made scheduling unpredictable, often requiring last-minute adjustments and tight rescheduling windows.
• Midway through the study, the client shifted focus and discontinued one participant segment, requiring immediate realignment of recruitment priorities.
• One interview required troubleshooting support to ensure it continued without disruption.
• Maintaining a high show-up rate was essential, given the limited pool of qualified participants.

CleverX managed the recruitment with a simple, adaptable process that helped keep the project on track despite changes:

• Feasibility aligned fast: CleverX quickly scoped the project and finalized target profiles, timelines, and incentive structures.
• Agile scheduling: CleverX managed interviews across time zones, handling last-minute reschedules and cancellations without delays.
• On-the-fly adaptation: The team swiftly adjusted recruitment priorities when the client dropped one participant segment mid-project.
• Operational control: Real-time coordination, quick decisions, and consistent updates kept everything running smoothly.
• Quick issue handling: Even when one session faced a potential disruption, the team stepped in immediately to keep things moving.

Through agile management and adaptive problem-solving, CleverX delivered measurable results that kept Strop's research objectives on track despite challenging circumstances:

• Interviews completed in full: All targeted sessions were scheduled and completed without delay, even with mid-project changes.
• Clear, consistent communication: Frequent updates and aligned expectations ensured a smooth client experience from start to finish.
• Reliable under pressure: When challenges came up, CleverX responded fast and kept everything moving.
• Built-in trust: The team's flexibility and reliability helped strengthen the client relationship for future work.

The project yielded valuable insights for both companies on effectively managing niche B2B recruitment projects:

• Make room for changes. Projects can shift, and quick adjustments matter more than perfect plans.
• Fast coordination between teams helps avoid delays, even when schedules keep moving.
• Having backups ready makes it easier to stay on track when working with hard-to-reach profiles.