Commercial: 9 rules on how to run a focus group

1. Don't call it a focus group. 'Meet up' is far better.

2. Hold it on behalf of a really cool company, run by really lovely people. Like, oh, I dunno, these people.

3. Have half of the company come down for the evening.

4. Have it in a really fab, old-style boozer in Clerkenwell.

5. Invite an interesting cross-section of enthusiasts: voluble, knowledgeable, passionate.

6. Keep said enthusiasts well-lubricated all evening.

7. Showcase lots of really interesting new ideas and products.

8. Involve people in visionary conversations about where the company might go...

9. ..and encourage these now excited, early adopter customers become advocates to the wider world.

Simple.