Market Survey

**lhlalyam** · 07-10-2007 10:58 PM

I've been running my service business for the last 6 years on a part time basis. Basically, I've been doing this because I've been enjoying the comfort of a full time job at the same time.

Lately, I've decided that I need to make the bigger jump of doing my business full time. I have a number of excellent clients and know that there is an excellent market to further my business.

I am a little stumped when it comes to Marketing & Surveying potential customers. What would you suggest that I do for this so that I can layout a good marketing plan?

Lhlalyam

**Osc** · 07-10-2007 11:02 PM

What services does your business offer?

**zoobie** · 07-11-2007 01:00 AM

Originally Posted by Osc

What services does your business offer?

Anyway, welcome to YE!

**lhlalyam** · 07-11-2007 11:09 AM

I offer computer services. This includes repair, networking, website development and instruction... the people that I serve locally are mainly for computer repair and networking... for the website development and computer instruction... I usually travel to remote communities... I hope this gives you an idea of what I do and who I serve.

Back to my question: "I am a little stumped when it comes to Marketing & Surveying potential customers. What would you suggest that I do for this so that I can layout a good marketing plan?"

Thank you for your quick responses.
Lhlalyam

**jasaunders** · 07-11-2007 01:16 PM

There are a lot of excellent books to give you a jump start on beginner marketing tactics and attracting more customers. It kind of depends what direction you want to go in though.

There are good general books such as:
Principles of Marketing by Kotler and Armstrong (more of a textbook)
Word of Mouth Marketing by Sernovitz (sp?) and Kawasaki (An excellent book about buzz marketing, may or may not be useful for you)
A really good book for you might be Duct Tape Marketing, The World's Most Practical Small Business Marketing Guide by Jantsch ( a very good book for business owners who don't have any prior marketing education or experience)

You may also want to check out these specialty books that are more specific to unique types of marketing:
Guerrilla Marketing- Secrets for Making Big Profits from Your Small Business by Levinson
The New Rules of Marketing and PR: How to Use News Releases, Blogs, Podcasting, Viral Marketing and Online Media to Reach Buyers Directly by Scott (Excellent new book! But may not be applicable to your business)
There are tons more. I would suggest looking at books by Sernovitz if you are interested in more.

If you don't wish to follow this path and learn about effective marketing techniques, metrics, and/or market research, then you should consider hiring a marketing firm.

**lhlalyam** · 07-11-2007 02:41 PM

Thanks Jasaunders!

went out to a book store and picked up a copy of the Gurrilla Marketing. Definitely will look in the book stores for the Duct Tape Marketing to purchase as you had recommended.

Any good websites that deal with marketing also?

Lhlalyam

**lhlalyam** · 07-11-2007 06:05 PM

I noticed that this link, input needed - a gift of thanks for feedback, was frowned upon. Do you think it is a good or bad idea to do this to my target market for my business?

Haven't made it out yet... to get that book... will do that today for sure... but thought I'd ask this question.

Lhlalyam