- Setting the perspective for your research
Before commencing your research, you need to make some initial decisions.
You need to decide how you will answer the research questions. What stance
will you take? Your business will determine the stance.
If your business only provides services, then research the following questions
from that stance (accounting, childcare, auctioning, golf lessons, or career
planning).
If your business provides product and services, then research the following
questions of the basis of the products, categories of products, or the product
mix (health preparations, gardening supplies, desktop publishing, or waste
collection).
If your business has several market segments then you should answer the
questions for each of them.
You might want to use these questions to research your kind of business
(hardware, coffeehouse, accounting firm, video store, tourism, or multi-level
marketing).
- Locating the information for your research
The following is a list of other research sources that can be helpful. All of these
should be available at your local public library. (See The Business Plan—
Appendix for other resources.)
Canadian Business Directory
Business Opportunities Sourcing System:
Made In Canada: BOSS
Canadian Trade Index
Fraser's Canadian Trade Directory
Consumer Reports
Sources DirectoryScott's Directories
Contacts Target Marketing
Market Research Handbook
Financial Post Canadian Markets
Compusearch Market and Social
Research Ltd.Common sources for market research information are government,
industry, and consumer publications.
Local business organizations like the Chamber of Commerce are also good
sources.