Six-Week Start-Up. Rhonda Abrams
Читать онлайн.| Название | Six-Week Start-Up |
|---|---|
| Автор произведения | Rhonda Abrams |
| Жанр | Малый бизнес |
| Серия | |
| Издательство | Малый бизнес |
| Год выпуска | 0 |
| isbn | 9781933895451 |
Begin your list with the “My Research Questions” worksheet on pages 50–51. Ask yourself tough questions—it’s much better to uncover unpleasant truths now rather than after you’ve invested your time and money.
After drawing up your list of questions, start looking for answers. Organize your market research data in the files you set up last week. Refer to it frequently as you design your marketing plan, look for funding, and launch your operation.
As you prepare your questions, jot down any ideas about where you might find answers. See “Research Sources” on page 53 for ideas.
Check It Out
Every type of industry in North America has been assigned a NAICS code. You will often be asked for this code when researching business information. To search for your industry’s NAICS code, go to www.census.gov/eos/www/naics
When looking for information for your new business, the very first place to start is with an association serving your industry or related industries. No matter what industry, trade, or profession you’re in, there’s almost certainly at least one association covering yours. Why? Because there are over 37,000 industry and professional associations in the United States!
You’ll find industry, trade, or professional associations to be a highly valuable source of information. Most associations conduct research or collect data on trends of their industry. They monitor market size and demographics, costs, regulation, and a variety of other issues specific to their industry.
Typically, suppliers to an industry also often participate in that industry’s associations. They’ll exhibit at trade shows and be listed on the association’s website or other directories. That makes your industry association an easy place to locate suppliers.
Most important, associations exist to help promote, train, and certify people in that industry. They’ll hold trade shows, seminars, conventions, provide coursework, and offer joint marketing opportunities.
Let’s say, for instance, you’re thinking about starting a dog grooming business. You’re going to want information about suppliers, costs, training, certification, marketing, and as much other information as you can get your paws on. A number of organizations exist to help pet groomers.
MY RESEARCH QUESTIONS
For each of the following categories, list questions affecting the future of your business. Use these questions to guide your research efforts.
Industry
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Target Market
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Competition
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Suppliers/Vendors