ESBM 3100 Introduction to Entrepreneurship: Research Process

A little planning at the beginning of your research process will save time. Frame your search strategy in terms of the data pieces you will need for your analysis.

• What types of information will you need in order to understand your idea's potential feasibility?
• What might that information look like? Supplier contacts? Market size? Balance sheets? Demographic trends? Competitive analysis?
• Who might keep track of that information? The Census Bureau? Trade groups? Regulatory agencies? Industry associations? Advocacy groups?
• Is the information likely to be freely available or hidden behind a paywall?
• Is there more than one keyword that could describe the idea?

For information on choosing the right keywords and using them effectively, see this guide.