When researching potential business ideas, it’s important to look at the competition and the marketplace. Due diligence is key, as are early adopters who can promote a great idea, product or service.
Learning About Your Customers
In order to gain a thorough understanding of your market and customers, you must collect and analyze information that’s relevant to your business plan. Start by answering these questions:
- Market Size (How many potential customers are in my area?)
- Economic Stats (What are the Gross Domestic Product (GDP) statistics and employment rates?)
- Location (Where do my customers live, and where can I do business?)
- Supply (How many comparable options are currently saturating the market?)
- Cost (What do my prospective customers pay for those options?)
Direct-to-consumer research can help you gain insight into your target audience. Through questionnaires, surveys, focus groups, and in-depth interviews, you can learn specifics about your customers, from their buying habits to how they respond to your branding.
Utilizing Complimentary Resources
It’s also important to stay up to date on the most recent industry trends and customer demographics. In addition to resources like the Library of Congress, universities’ online learning courses, and TED Talks, there are dozens of trustworthy web resources available available at no cost (and right at your fingertips).
This information won’t necessarily align with your specific market, but it’s an efficient way to get general questions answered, and enhance the content of your future business plan.
Resources
General Business
The North American Industry Classification System (NAICS)
Statistical Abstract of the United States
Census Business Builder
Statistical Abstract of the United States
Census Business Builder
Consumers
Demographics
Economic Indicators
Employment
Income
Exchange & Interest Rates
Production & Sales
Trade
Specific Industries
Get your hands on our plan.
Ready to get started? Download and print the complete Business Blueprint to keep, read and use as a continued resource.