|
Business 2 Assignments - Week 3:
Market Research
"...the only activity that has more bearing than any other on how quickly you find a good job - apart from your qualifications - isn't what most people think. It's not how solid your resume is or how smoothly and convincingly you answer interview questions. What it is, in a word, is research"
"Research is digging up information. And being good at it gives you an enormous edge in the job market. The right research helps you uncover job leads that wouldn't normally come to your attention...
"... job leads aren't like apples. You don't pluck them or shake them from a tree branch. You have to dig them up..."
Job Hunting for Dummies
Once you've determined what you're good at and what the market needs, it's time to roll up your sleeves, ask a lot of questions and do some research.
You can't very well launch a job search or business without a product or service to offer and someone to sell it to. This week, we will explore how to "dig up" those leads using effective research and networking.
You will need to find accurate, reliable information about your industry, your market and who you will compete against. Much of this information will be obtained from guest speakers, trade organizations, Internet, and the library. You'll also be doing a lot of investigating on your own:
- Talk to Potential "Buyers"
Who will you be selling your product or service to? Contact some of these photographers or clients and ask them if they would be interested in service/product such as yours. Find out what they would be willing to pay for it.
- Talk to People Already in the Business
This is an excellent way to learn the pitfalls and nuances of running a photography or assisting business.
- Contact Trade Associations
Trade groups often publish member directories that can be useful in tracking down potential leads or potential competitors.
- Read Trade Publications
Trade publication often run articles that focus on recent trends and industry developments.
- Consult Demographic/Census Data
These sources are extremely useful for viewing your market. Also contact local chamber of commerce. Since they are looking to encourage businesses to locate in their areas, they can provide you with information on population trends, income characteristics, etc.
MARKET RESEARCH ASSIGNMENT
This assignment is to be included in your final Marketing Plan Week 10
Read and study the following:
- Chapter 3, The Photographer's Assistant.
- Chapter 2, The Photographer's Assistant Handbook
The following resources are good places to start:
- Bureau of Labor Statistics. Salary data.
- US Census Bureau Population and employer data
- Tip #1: Go to "Quick Facts" - Florida (Population Data)
- Tip #2: Go to American Fact Finder (Employer Data)
- Tip #3: Geographies - Florida
- Tip #4: Industry Code NAISC: 541921 (Consumer) or 541922 (Commercial), Newspapers (51111), you'll need Individual Codes
- Tip #5: To find the number of photographers in a specific county, add county to Geographies.
- PDN Class Handout: "Market Report: Miami"
- AIFL Library
- Local Chambers of Commerce
List and describe a minimum of 25 prospects that could use your service/product.
The following are suggested resources:
|
|
