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Starting Your Own Business ? Hints & Tips Entrepreneurial Advice Suzie's Blogs ... |
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Starting Your Own Business ? Hints & Tips Entrepreneurial Advice Suzie's Blogs ... |
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The internet is a powerful tool for finding information on a variety of topics. Personal visits - If possible, visit your competitors' locations. Observe how employees interact with customers. What do their premises look like? How are their products displayed and priced? Talk to customers - Your sales staff is in regular contact with customers and prospects, as is your competition. Learn what your customers and prospects are saying about your competitors. Competitors' ads - Analyze competitors' ads to learn about their target audience, market position, product features, and benefits, prices, etc. Speeches or presentations - Attend speeches or presentations made by representatives of your competitors. Trade show displays - View your competitor's display from a potential customer's point of view. What does their display say about the company? Observing which specific trade shows or industry events competitors attend provides information on their marketing strategy and target market. Written sources: General business publications Marketing and advertising publications Local newspapers and business journals Industry and trade association publications Industry research and surveys Computer databases (available at many public libraries) Hope that gives you a heads up. Always be prepared. Thanks for taking the time to read my blog. Suzie's Blogs Like to eat safely? Visit my Food Blog Posted: Thursday 3rd March 2005, 1:00 AM |