Hi,


Sort of a complicated question so I would really appreciate any input as I don't believe there is necessarily one right answer here.


My question mainly concerns how to ensure the business you are starting is in line with market trends. I find much of the advice and books I come across that deal with starting a business presuppose that the business idea is already suitable.

I suppose it's easy to think "just do some market research", but that's where things get tricky for me. Should I first look at a specific demographic and see if there is a gap in their needs and available products and services? Should I look at a particular industry and see if it is growing (or generating less revenue) and again perform a gap analysis to see if something is missing? Should I look at a given region to see if there is a product or service they don't have yet that others do? Alternatively would it make more sense to review my interests and experience and then try to find a promising industry that aligns with them?


Basically I guess I am asking if there a proper order or methodology to employ when attempting market research. If anyone has any advice or can recommend some good books that might assist with that I would appreciate it.


Thanks