Great Research Tools to help with your New Business Idea

Here are some great research tools and websites that I have used along the way and wanted to share with you. These websites can help you find information that will aid you in structuring your new business. So before you skip the process because it seems "hard," start with these helpful tools:

1. IBISWorld. This site prides itself as being "the world’s largest independent publisher of U.S. industry research, IBISWorld’s team of expert analysts covers 700 different market segments. Each industry report is presented in an objective, easy to understand format, providing hard-to-find answers to top market research questions. Each market report is available online in HTML, PDF, or Word format." I've used some of their industry reports and would recommend it for a start-up entrepreneur who wants to gather specific information about their industry and competitors. What I really like about them is the "keys to success" reports about each industry and the industry leader profiles they list. Their information is valuable and also comes with a price. Visit the website and learn about different price options.
2. City-Data.com. This research site analyzes data from different sources to give you city-specific information. If you need to research a city or neighborhood for a startup business idea, this is the website that can help. What I really like about this website is the breakdown of city-specific demographics given; simply by typing in a zip code. The information given can be used for employment, business research, marketing research, feasibility studies, family move information and much more. I've used their website to help gather information for a startup business expanding to another state.
3. Answers.Com. This website has an international directory that helps you find company history quickly and easily. It helps you learn the startup stories of companies easily, and also gives you up-to-date information about industry leaders. What I really like about the website is the easy navigation, easy search, and great historical information. With a simple search for a name or phrase, you can get tons of information about leading companies. I've used this website for article-writing and references.

About the Author: Cheryl Isaac is a Startup Business Planner & Owner of Isaac Business Services, The Business Startup Company. She is also the creator of The 12MonthBizPlan.com; an online business planning center where business owners can work with a personal advisor who writes a business plan that moves with their business for up to a year.