Identifying a Client Update (as a Sourcer) & Preparing It For the Writer

Review the Sourcing page for detailed information on properly Sourcing client requests.

Primary Search Methodologies & Sourcing Strategies

1. Sourcers will utilize common-sense and basic search strategies to begin looking for the answer or a way to triangulate an answer. This typically involves looking for pre-compiled information from credible sources (or older information that can be used with CAGRs to determine current values).
2. If these strategies yield no results, the Sourcer will maintain an outline of the strategies attempted, including links to paid reports or other useful sources.

Secondary Search Methodologies

1. Sourcers will utilize secondary search methodologies (like advanced Boolean or X-ray searches) or will attempt triangulation based on available data/figures. When we triangulate, it is critically important to clearly explain each and every calculation, so the Writer can clearly outline it for the client - and the logic is credible and easy-to-follow for everyone!
2. If these strategies yield no results, the Sourcer will maintain an outline of the strategies attempted, including links to paid reports or other useful sources.

Tertiary Search Methodologies

1. Sourcers will contact others on Slack - asking for suggestions or recommendations on other ways to find and/or triangulate the answer. These methodologies will be attempted.
2. Sourcers will attempt to find a creative-yet-logical method for identifying a related (or similar) answer or triangulating from available-and-related data. Any assumptions that go into triangulations should be clearly and thoroughly explained.
3. If these strategies yield no results, the Sourcer will maintain an outline of the strategies attempted, including links to paid reports or other useful sources, and the response will be a Full Client Update. If these strategies yield partial results - and a closely-related answer can be determined - then the response will be a Partial Client Update.

IMPORTANT NOTE:

If you can use a creative strategy with assumptions to triangulate an answer, it is NOT a Client Update! Check out this example of a strong triangulation using assumptions for a request with really limited data.

Identification as a Client Update (Partial/Full) & Notes to the Writer

If a Sourcer determines only a partial answer or no direct answer can be found, the item must be identified as a Client Update. In the Sourcing Options, you must select “No Reasonable Way to Triangulate”. Then, follow the steps in answering the questions below.

• Box 1: “Why doesn’t this information exist pre-compiled?” Sourcers should give a detailed description of primary, secondary, and tertiary search strategies - and whatever results they yielded. Sourcers should also provide links to paid reports or other relevant/useful sites.
• Box 2: “Why is there no possible way to triangulate a reasonable estimate for the client?” Sourcers should give a thorough explanation of what figures/data are available (related to the question) and why those figures/data do not provide enough information for triangulation. All assumptions made toward any triangulations should be included. This is where you detail the Methodology section of the request (see the section titled “Template: Methodology”). Also, offer suggested paths for additional research (as it logically relates to finding the answers).
• Box 3: “What relevant insights did you come across in your research that will be helpful to the client?” Sourcers will provide detailed relevant/related informational insights for the Writer to provide to the client as “helpful findings”. This should include as much information as possible, or at least 5 - 7 data points with descriptions. Be certain to identify (by number) which sources provide which data points, as well as information on how each data point is relevant to the client’s questions.

Preparing A Strong CU Methodology for the Writer

The Methodology section of a Client Update:

• Must clearly explain any logic used in the research so that any person reading it will quickly and easily understand the Analyst’s thought processes.
• Must be extremely detailed and thoroughly explain every search strategy utilized, as well as the results of applying those strategies to the questions. Must detail each variation to the query that you performed toward finding the answer (or something related), and explain why you thought that variation might work.
• Must include any assumptions that were factored into triangulations, as well as why those assumptions were made.
• Must include links to sources where related information was found (or where none was found at all, but a thorough search was performed). Links to any paywalled reports of the requested information.

Suggested Paths for Additional Research

This information should be included as part of the Methodology in offering suggestions to the client for potential other avenues to use in finding the answers they’re seeking (but we’re not able to find). You can suggest making adjustments to the focus, to the region, to the timeframe, etc etc - in widening or more-tightly-focusing their search. You can also offer paywalled reports (including links) where the client can find exactly what s/he is looking for through a simple purchase.

Helpful Findings / Related Info

This section proves to the client that, although we did not find the exact information s/he was hoping to find, we were able to pull together relevant key findings that are likely to offer insight into the topic of interest.

In effect, it proves we performed due diligence in our job! For each part of the client’s request, detail 5 – 7 data points of related information. Remember – this is not just basic industry information (the client already knows this!); rather, it is insightful information that directly relates to the primary focus of the client’s question.

You may need to get creative on this, but we believe in you, and know you’ll come up with terrific info to keep a smile on the client’s face! Since every request is different, this section (or sections) will be different for each Client Update.

Best Practices

1. Be as specific as possible.
2. Explain everything simply and clearly.
3. Identify (by number) which sources go with which search strategies and which findings.
4. Provide ample helpful findings to ensure a robust brief.