WHAT DO CLIENTS REALLY THINK ABOUT THEIR SBI EXPERIENCE

SBI clients offer a unique perspective on the SBI project's success. This study explores in detail what is important to SBI clients, the SBI project's specific business impact and suggestions for improving the client's SBI experience. Surveys were returned by 55 clients who had completed their SBI projects from one to six months previously. Almost all respondents were satisfied with all aspects of their SBI experience, found it useful, and would recommend it to others. About half said they would be willing to pay for the SBI project. The SBI project's most frequently cited impact was on client awareness. Most clients reported no economic impact on their businesses. Perceived benefits included gaining an outside perspective and help with research clients lacked time, money, or expertise to conduct themselves. Exploratory sub-analyses and comparisons with a previous study of clients one to four years after their project provide more descriptive information on client perceptions. Specific implications for future SBI clients, students, instructors, and program directors are discussed.