Business Industry Research

**Mack77** · 10-04-2010 08:58 PM

Hi Everyone,

I'm looking to research a few types of business industries and decide which direction I want to move forward with. I'm trying to write a few business plans, sit back and see which one makes the most sense. What are some excellent business trend and research websites to help me in this process?

I've come across Hoovers.com and would like to know if it's worth paying for a membership, or if there are any other websites that may provide better and more complete information on companies and industries for someone looking to both work, and own a business.

I appreciate your feedback!

**akula** · 10-04-2010 09:57 PM

is this what you do?
...sit around and write business plans and then "sit back and see which one makes the most sense"
it sounds like you have a disorder

**Mack77** · 10-04-2010 10:36 PM

To each his own. Who are you to criticize?

I'm considering businesses in different industries, research is necessary to decide which to move forward with. Once basic information is collected, a decision can be made and further research can be conducted. I don't know about you, mate; but before I drop my hard earned money on a business venture i want to be sure of what to expect. That's great on your part as a "moderator", judging and criticizing members. People like you are the reason this site is garbage.

By the way, you're wearing a cute dress in your avatar, isn't cross dressing a "disorder".

**akula** · 10-05-2010 01:01 AM

)) i like that. got a live one ))

well..look..for secondary market research, analyst reports are always good
if you want data on "banking" for example, there would be a lot of analyst reports covering competitors in those area. these reports contain historical/forecasts, porter analysis etc etc

SEC filings are also good. they identify risk factors in the industry which you can use for your SWOT, porter..

however, if you want access to databases that publish reports on industries, there are a number of really expensive subscription databases available through your local university library...you can get access that way

but look..how do people do opportunity selection?
reading secondary research isn't gonna help for a whole bunch of reasons
what you really wanna do is track M&A activity
if lots of startups in your particular space are getting acquired or venture funded, then, it's a good space to be in

what you really want is VC data...and one free location for that is the PWC Money Tree Survey
https://www.pwcmoneytree.com/MTPublic/ns/index.jsp

finally, of course all this secondary data is mostly useless. what does it matter to you if the market for widget ABC is growth a million % a year, there are no industry incumbents, the market share is up for grabs and all the venture guys are falling over them selves to get exposure to this space? It's all just numbers. what really matters is primary market research and whether you can get away from the computer and your precious business plans to go out and survey real customers

**ServiceBizBoost** · 10-05-2010 01:21 AM

Which sector or domain are you intend to do the business research? I am not sure what you are looking for? Could you please clarify.

**generationy** · 10-05-2010 10:06 AM

Sounds like a nice post! Have you checked out this article which helps you find an industry of your choice. Take a look and answer the questions to egt your answers: How To Find Your Niche and How to Start A Business

Hope you love what you find. Just remember, you need passion and love to succeed in whichever industry you choose. Have drive and determination to make it BIG as well. Find something that "turns you on" which you can work on for hours without losing interest and feeling bored. That is something that will take you far. Have fun and good luck!