Use industry profiles for a broad overview of the industry including the Five Forces
The Five Forces model was created by Michael E. Porter in 1979 to describe how competitive forces impact an industry. The five forces are threat of entry, bargaining power of buyers, threats of substitutes, bargaining power of suppliers, and industry rivalry.
Trade associations are often the only place to find current statistics or trends for an industry. Trade associations (also called trade groups, industry groups, business associations, etc.) exist at the local, regional, national, or international level. Many trade associations publish newsletters or journals geared toward the members: practitioners in the industry. Trade journals are very useful for learning the vocabulary of an industry, the key players, and current issues or trends.
Want to find a trade association for your industry? Just Google your industry and the word "association."
These databases are the best sources for trade publications:
Want to find a trade association for your industry? Just Google your industry and the word "association."
SWOT: Strengths, Weaknesses, Opportunities and Threats
