Market research, is a term that often produces
the same type of anxiety as calculus, inter-net
service providers, or the dreaded, some assembly
required on the box of the child's new bicycle.
Relax. Market research is much easier than
you may think, and a task we're constantly
engaged in, though often sub-consciously.
Hi, I'm Peggy Collins, and I'd like to take
the stress out of conducting market research
for you. Let's begin by understanding the
terms that comprise market research. Market
simply means the target you're aiming at,
or supplying with your product or service.
It may be specific consumers, such as surfers
or business travelers. It may be specific
businesses or industries, such as telecommunications,
or automobile dealerships. Your market may
be broader and include both consumers and
businesses. The key take away, is, you have
a specific group in mind. Research is simply
the activity associated with diligent or systematic
investigation, to discover or revise facts
and theories. When you check the local weather
forecast, you're conducting research. When
you ask a customer what they are looking for,
you're conducting market research. When you
check the thermostat in your home, you're
conducting research. The key take away is,
you're engaged in these activities for a specific
purpose. So, market research is simply investigating
a specific group, for a specific purpose.
Herein lies the cornerstone or foundation
of all good market research. That is, you
must decide who it is you want to investigate,
and what do you want to know? Once you've
determined who and what, you have three options.
Conduct the research on your own, hire a consultant
to assist you in conducting the research,
hire a consultant to conduct the research,
and deliver the information to you. Conducting
your own research requires basic knowledge
of different types of research, such as primary
and secondary, qualitative or quantitative?
If these terms are unfamiliar to you, please
consider at least speaking to a professional
that can help guide you through the process.
I'm Peggy Collins, wishing you good luck,
and good business.