Is It Time to Partner with a Research Expert? 5 Signs to Watch For

As companies grow, they often face the decision of whether to partner with a research expert to gain deeper insights into their target market. If you’re unsure, check our market research services to learn more about our services. If your organization is serving communities, managing grants or launching programs without a dedicated research team, you’re not alone.Many cities, counties, and nonprofits reach a point where bringing in a research expert makes all the difference. A trusted research partner can provide the insights, evaluations, and community feedback you need to maximize impact without stretching your internal resources thin. Here are five signs it may be time to partner with a research consultant.
1. Your Team is OverextendedWhen your staff is focused on delivering services, research and evaluation often get delayed. If important questions about impact or community needs are going unanswered, a research partner can step in to design and manage the process, allowing your team to stay focused on what they do best.
2. You Need Community Feedback, but Lack Research ExpertiseEffective community engagement research requires more than just sending out surveys, it demands the right questions, culturally sensitive methods, and careful analysis. A professional research agency ensures you capture authentic voices and translate findings into action.
3. Grant Funders Require Program EvaluationOften, grant funders expect detailed program evaluation to justify funding decisions. A research partner can help you meet these expectations with strong data, clear reporting, and measurable outcomes.
4. You Struggle to Tell your Program’s Story with DataYou know your programs are working but stakeholders, boards, and funders want some proof. A program evaluation consultant can help you gather meaningful data and package it into compelling stories that demonstrate real impact.
5. You Want a True Research Partner, Not Just a VendorGood research isn’t a transaction, it’s a collaboration. If you’re looking for someone who will listen to your needs, design custom studies, and deliver actionable insights not just reports then partnering with an experienced research consultant is the right move.

Partnering with Hola Insights

Whether you need a needs assessment expert, community engagement study, or program evaluation support, we work alongside you to deliver research you can trust and use.
If any of these signs sound familiar, it may be time to explore how a research partnership can strengthen your work.
Learn more about our program evaluation services.