- Complex target audience: Recruiting senior executives and BDMs from Fortune 500 companies presented a unique challenge. With only 15-20% of executives typically responding to research studies, strict targeting and validation measures were required.
- Validation script implementation: The study required the use of Vepp, a validation script that cross-referenced LinkedIn and other sources to verify respondent authenticity. This added an extra layer of complexity to the feasibility assessment and cost estimation, with an estimated 30% of potential participants being filtered out due to non-matching credentials.
- Project management transition: Midway through the project, project management responsibilities shifted from Simona Balan to Ravi Saisuwan. Ensuring a smooth handover without disrupting workflow was essential to maintaining project momentum.
- Administrative adjustments: A request was made to include APCortex in future invoicing communications to enhance administrative tracking, requiring updates to CleverX's internal processes.
KPMG
Mix
Driving high-quality executive insights for KPMG
Driving high-quality executive insights for KPMG
Fraud-free responses
Recruitment efficiency
Successfully completed

Overview
CleverX conducted a high-level survey targeting C-Suite executives and business decision-makers (BDMs) at Fortune 500 companies. The objective was to collect critical insights from top-level decision-makers to inform strategic initiatives for the end client. Given the niche audience, the project required a highly targeted recruitment approach, rigorous validation measures, and seamless project management.
The challenge
CleverX solution
- Feasibility and pricing optimization: CleverX provided detailed feasibility assessments and pricing models upfront, enabling an informed decision on sample sizes and study requirements.
- Adaptation to validation needs: The CleverX team seamlessly integrated the Vepp validation process, ensuring that all respondents' company affiliations aligned with their self-reported data without impacting project timelines.
- Seamless transition: To accommodate the shift in project management roles, CleverX maintained detailed documentation and real-time communication, ensuring a smooth knowledge transfer between stakeholders.
Approach
- Targeted recruitment strategy: CleverX leveraged executive networks and precision targeting to recruit Fortune 500 C-suite executives and BDMs, ensuring a 100% match rate for study criteria.
- Collaborative validation: The Vepp validation script was integrated into the recruitment process, resulting in a 98% verified response rate, eliminating fraud and misrepresentation.
- Proactive communication: CleverX maintained an agile project management approach, providing regular updates, real-time feedback, and immediate resolutions to challenges.
- Administrative coordination: CleverX updated its invoicing workflow to meet client requirements, ensuring smoother collaboration on future projects.
Impact
- Enhanced data quality: The integration of Vepp validation ensured that only verified C-Suite executives and BDMs participated, meeting high data quality standards.
- Efficient collaboration: A smooth transition between project managers, zero project delays, and real-time communication allowed for efficient execution.
- Optimized recruitment efficiency: CleverX successfully increased recruitment efficiency, reducing recruitment time by 35% compared to similar past projects.
Result
- Successful survey completion: The project concluded with 78 successful completions, fully meeting the objectives.
- Optimized processes: The integration of Vepp validation and targeted recruitment streamlined the research process, ensuring high-quality and fraud-free responses.
- Strengthened partnership: The success of this project reinforced the client's confidence in CleverX, paving the way for future collaborations on high-level executive studies.
Fraud-free responses
Validated C-suite executive participants
Recruitment efficiency
Reduced timeline compared to benchmarks
Successfully completed
Full study objectives achieved
"CleverX exceeded our expectations in recruiting Fortune 500 C-suite executives. The 98% verification rate through Vepp validation gave us complete confidence in the data quality. Despite a project management transition mid-stream, they delivered 78 completed surveys 35% faster than our previous partners. Outstanding execution."
Sarah Mitchell
Senior Research Manager, KPMG