9 sources for market research that companies do not take advantage of

1. 9 sources of research information you probably aren’t taking advantage of – but SHOULD be!

2. 1. Your Employees When was the last time you bought lunch and asked line employees what is frustrating your customers the most?

3. 2. Your top 50 Customers Methodology: Telephone Call – 2 questions How would you rate your overall experience with us on a scale of 10, with ten being the highest? (If < 10) What would we have to do to increase our score to 10?

4. 3. Your top 50 Prospects Methodology: Telephone Call – 1 question 1. What do our competitors do better than we do?

5. 4. Bulletin Board Focus Groups Industry Decision Leaders: Customers and Prospects: 2 Questions What will be the number one challenge facing your company/business over the next 5 years? What keeps you up at night?

6. 5. The Census Bureau Hours of blissful research – and it’s FREE! http://www.census.gov/econ/census07/www/data_release_schedule/whats_been_released.html

7. 6. Chambers of Commerce in your Major Markets Sure you’re a member. But are you aware of all of the reports they prepare annually on the state of business in your locality?

8. 7. Department of Commerce Bureau of Economic Analysis. Did you know they publish information by State and Municipality? http://www.bea.gov/regional/index.htm#gsp

9. If you’re not using Twitter, shame on you. If you’re using it just to pound messages, forget it. Social Media has to be 2-way. 1. Use your account to connect with customers and prospects, 2) ask questions, 3) listen 8.

10. 9. Radian 6 Brings together your brand’s entire Social Media World. So you can be a part of the conversation. http://www.radian6.com/

11. Next steps Of course, it’s not as much the information that matters as what you DO with it. Use the information to help you with strategy, tactics and planning. And MONITOR at least quarterly! Frank Martin | Martin Research | 800-386-2177