Focus groups, also known as market research studies, are conducted by various companies in many larger cities throughout the United States. These groups are initiated by a company with a product or idea that they would like to get consumer feedback on. This company will pay a market research company to screen local individuals to find out which candidates use their product. Once this market research company compiles a list of qualified individuals, they arrange a group meeting, or focus group at the market research company's facility. Participants are usually rewarded for attending these groups with cold, hard cash. Typical focus groups can pay anywhere from $25 to $200 for completion.

Most focus groups take place in select larger cities, such as Atlanta, Austin, Boston, Chicago, Dallas, Denver, Houston, Las Vegas, Los Angeles, Miami, Minneapolis, New York, Philadelphia, Phoenix, San Diego, San Francisco and Seattle. If you are fortunate enough to live in one of these cities, you can go online and search for local market research facilities.

Once you have found these local companies, call each one and tell them you'd like to get into their database for focus groups. Some companies with instruct you to go to their website and register online and others will read you a questionnaire over the phone. Once you have completed this step, you'll have to sit back and wait for these companies to call you with a specific focus group.

When you do get a call, you'll have to go through another screening to see if you meet the needs of the upcoming study. If you meet necessary requirements, you'll be invited to attend the group. A typical focus group consists of six to ten people who meet in a boardroom for a round table conversation. A moderator will take control of the room and ask each individual for his or her opinion. In most groups there will be varying opinions on any topic and it is best not to try and argue your point with other group members. After all, the company that paid to set up this meeting actually wants different points of view.

Once the group is over, you will receive an envelope with cash or a check inside. Most market research companies ask that you do not attend another focus group for at least six months at their facility. Their goal is to provide their customers with new participants with unique points of view at every group. This six month restriction helps keep the same people from trying to attend a group every week.

If you do want to attend more groups, it would be best to sign up with every market research company in your area. If you live in a small town or cannot attend these groups in person, you can go online and search for focus groups or online surveys that pay you for your time. Online surveys usually have a much lower pay scale, but you have the freedom to do them at your own pace. You can make more money by doing multiple surveys per day.

Remember that in the end, these companies are paying for your opinion and it is always best to provide honest answers to their questions. Their goal is to improve their product or sales with your help. Dishonest answers can cost a company both time and money. Try and help this company get proper feedback and while you're at it you'll be making some nice extra cash!