How Market Research Is Conducted

Market research can be initiated by either a business organization or an agency. Very big business organizations have their own market research departments while most of the big agencies have subsidiary market research companies. There are also many independent research organizations. Some of these units use more than one research technique; others specialize in, say, online shopping audits, consumer panels, industry-wise research, or opinion surveys. Research fields may be different, but the techniques they use to conduct a market research are more or less same. Sometimes they are introduced in latest packages. Some of the very common techniques that will let you know how a market research is conducted. Those techniques are Sampling, Depth Interviews, Opinion Research, Motivational Research and Desk Research. Sampling: Sampling method involves a certain number of people who represents the whole population relevant to the enquiry or research. This population is the total numbers of people, for example all motorists or all mobile phone users or all internet users, who are of value to the research. The sampling size depends on the simplicity or complexity of the questions and the numbers of characteristics that exist in the population. By characteristics we mean different things or kinds of people who must be represented in sufficient numbers so that their opinions, preferences or motives are discovered. By questions we mean documented questionnaire that contains both questions and instructions which the interviewer has to complete for each respondent interviewed. In the case of sampling by questions, a set of questions has to be answered by a respondent who completes the task to show purchases made or services taken. Depth Interviews: Dept interviews are those conducted without a formal questionnaire, questions being answered freely and the interviewer writing these down verbatim, or recording them on a tape. Opinion Research: Opinion research seeks attitudes or shifts of opinion, and questions usually require 'Yes', 'No' or 'Don't Know' answers. Most market research invites preferences for this or that product, packages or services. Motivational Research: Motivational research uses clinical tests, rather like intelligence tests, to identify the natures of the persons forming like sample, and then to reveal their hidden motives. With motivational research, the respondents are usually unaware of the reason for the enquiry and so their answers are unlikely to be biased. Desk Research: Desk research consists of the study of existing or published data ranging from internal reports to those published by the business organizations. It is not always necessary to undertake original research. A wealth of statistics is available from authentic sources like Wikipedia. It is possible to conduct the same enquiry by two different methods and get two different answers, as occurs with election time opinion polls, or happens with newspapers readership surveys. The point is that research does not produce facts, only tendencies. Statistics can be interpreted in various ways. But the inaccuracy of market research does not condemn it. Moreover, while discussing about market research, we are dealing with the social sciences, especially psychology, sociology, and economics, and these are full of contrary schools of thought. There are 'schools' in market research too! Market research is vital for ensuring that a business organization is taking correct measures and ways. So, if a business organization wants to lead the market successfully, then make sure that it has got a market research accomplished. Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Joy_Kumar_Das Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/6739241

Collectibles As Promotional Items Used For Your Business

Have you ever thought of using unique collectibles as promotional items for your next advertising or marketing campaign? Collectibles can be very effective promotional items for your marketing purposes. However, the kind of gift you should use as a promo product or item may depend on some important factors that need considering. What is your target market and how do you want your brand or company to be remembered? There are many different kinds of collectibles that can be used as promotional products and creating a collectible line of items for your company is a valuable marketing and advertising strategy that will certainly work to your advantage and stand you in good stead for the future. Imagine the attention that your company will receive if you were to offer a range of limited edition pins or cards that have your company logo on them. With the huge number of collectors worldwide and the excitement that revolves around limited edition sets, you can be assured of a steady number of people patronizing your products just to get their hands on the promotional gift items that you give out. The kind of items that you use can range from simple round pins that have different designs on them, to miniature figurines. You might also choose to put out a limited edition line of shot glasses, mugs, model cars or even post cards. The options are almost endless and are only limited by your imagination, your budget and the people you are targeting for your marketing campaign. Gareth Parkin is the co-founder of Ideasbynet, the UK's leading online promotional items company based in the north of England. Established in 2001, he has taken the UK promotional products market by storm by the application of modern business thinking and the latest search engine marketing techniques. For more details visit our promotional items blog. Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Gareth_Parkin Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/1445988

Promotional Items For Business Conference

If you are holding a conference or your company is one of the organizers of one, you should consider ordering some promotional products to be given out during the event. Promotional products are a great way to increase the popularity of your company and since they are usually items that we use daily, such as pens and bags, they can give your company the brand familiarity that is needed to gain more customers.

When large companies hold conferences, more often than not, they will give away promotional items that feature their company logos prominently. While most people think that this is one of the ways that they are giving something back to their customers, a little thought will reveal that giving promotional products is actually a clever advertising strategy. Imagine the visibility that your company's name and logo will receive when they are prominently placed on a backpack or a t-shirt. In such cases, the promo items are actually walking advertisements.

During conferences, you will have a great opportunity to reach out to your intended target market with imprinted gift items. There is a high probability that the majority of the people attending the conference are already interested in your company's products. Now, imagine what they can do if they use your promotional items everyday. Some of the items that you can give away during the course of your company's event are, key chains, pens, bags and conference folders, all things that can be used on a daily basis by the delegates.

Gareth Parkin is the co-founder of Ideasbynet, the UK's leading online promotional items company based in the north of England. Established in 2001, he has taken the UK promotional products market by storm by the application of modern business thinking and the latest search engine marketing techniques. For more details visit our promotional items blog.

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Improve Your Business Marketing Efforts by Giving Promotional Items

Companies distribute promotional items for two main reasons - to promote their products or services, and to spread a 'thank you' message to costumers. Promotional items are specially designed products imprinted with your company name. They are exclusively made to give away during various promotional events such as trade shows, conventions, seminars, exhibitions, and product launches. Designing attractive promotional items involve a lot of planning and a substantial amount of investment. Still, they can be pocket friendly if selected well. We all like to receive free marketing promotional items distributed by the companies with whom we do business. This is a proven fact that promotional items are keystones in our branding, advertising, and marketing strategies. They help grow our business and also improve existing and budding relationships.

For making any business grow in terms of brand awareness and popularity, you have to undergo a lot of planning, thought process, selection of the right promotional items, designing them, and using them effectively. Among all corporate strategies, promotional items and similar gifts are one of the most useful and time proven strategies. By using the latest printing techniques, you can get your company name, logo, message, contact details, slogan, and website URL imprinted on your chosen promotional items creatively. Promotional items not just improve your business recognition, but also take it to new heights. By distributing promotional items, you not just entice new customers for trying your services or products, but also improve existing business relationships.

The most striking point in advertising promotional items is that they generally create corporate brand recognition by exposing your current and potential customers to your company logo and business information. Promotional products are pocket friendly and buying them in bulk won't burn a hole in your pocket. While dealing with business corporate gifts and items, you have to be smart and should know how to deal with the changing market. As soon as you get this trait, you're far ahead in the game. There are various promotional items available in the market but some of the popular ones are pens, mugs, caps, shirts, umbrellas, mouse mats, keychains, and desktop accessories,.

Since the advent of the Internet, people prefer buying promotional items online. This online purchase not just saves time but also money. With leading suppliers you will come across a wide range of promotional items available in a variety of designs, styles, colours, and forms. Top merchandise companies house some of the best and experienced professionals who make sure you get the top quality promotional items as per your needs and requirements.

Gareth Parkin is the co-founder of Ideasbynet, the UK's leading online promotional items and promotional products company based in the north of England. Established in 2001, he has taken the UK gift market by storm by the application of modern business thinking and the latest search engine marketing techniques. For more details visit www.ideasbynet.com

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All the Top Corporations Are Giving Away Promotional Mugs

Traditional marketing techniques have become quite obsolete and the world is moving over to new marketing and publicity devices. The new tools used today for marketing have a lasting impression on targeted audience. Promotional mugs are one the new age marketing techniques used by big corporations for a variety of purposes, not least among them being creating brand awareness.

Some of the advantages of using promotional mugs are that they can be customised and personalised to look exactly how you want. The company can create brand awareness by printing the logo, along with the company's mission statement or motto, on the promotional mug. These are a great means of promoting business. There is a huge variety of promotional tankards designs to choose from. A suitable design and a colour similar to the company's theme colour will bring to better results.

The mugs can be chinaware, earthenware, glass mugs or plastic mugs. Ordering for these promotional mugs is also not a headache any more. This is largely thanks to the internet. Online businesses are offering very competitive prices to for promotional mug and you can take advantage of this.

Promotional mugs require minimum investment but offer great results. Mugs as a commodity are used by people very frequently. Coffee and tea mugs are used on a daily basis. Hence this is a very useful give away which people will continue to use thereby ensuring your brand presence. It ultimately creates a bond with clients and valued customers. Wherever they use the mugs, the company logo is exposed thus creating brand visibility. This way you attract new clients and customers. Promotional mugs can be printed with company information like company website address etc. so that more and more people can be induced to visit your websites. A mug has enough surface area to print a logo, a motto and contact information. It is small and compact and a practically useful item.

These mugs can be used at various occasions like exhibitions, trade shows, conferences and sponsored events. They are also perfect for giving away as employee appreciation rewards. Customised mugs for this purpose is not difficult to obtain and can be done so in very reasonable rates.

Everyone wants to use a mug. And everyone loves anything that comes free. When company representatives visit existing customers, these mugs can ensure brand loyalty when they are given these mugs. Good quality mugs will cause a lasting impression. At a trade show, when a visitor picks up a free promotional mug, you get the perfect chance to initiate a sales talk which will not appear very high pressured due to the gift of the mug.

A coffee mug grows into a person. A good personalized mug can stay with a person for years all the while silently creating brand awareness within all those who come in contact with it, even during a social even like a coffee with friends at home. Gifting promotional mug is a way of overcoming sales resistance which is very common in customers due to the barrage of advertisements that a person is accustomed to nowadays.

Mark is a business consultant and in his experience, he has noticed the different promotional activities which companies choose to engage in such as using promotional mugs or printed mugs. For further information please visit Promo Mugs who specialise in coffee mugs.

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Oven Repairs

What are the important factors when choosing the best repairer for your oven or stove?

The following list should be a good start: 

• Do you need an electrician or gas fitter?
• Does the technician have the proper certification?
• Does the organisation have the proper Licenses i.e. electrical contractors license?
• What are their charges?
• What Brands do they service?
• How do their warranties compare?
• Do they have the rights parts on board?
• Are they members of a peak body association?
• Do they have published policies and procedures?

Well, seems simple enough, or at least if read enough blogs etc. you will find many variations on the above list stating their method/list/tips are the panacea for your dilemma; how to choose the right repairer!

The reality is vastly different. Most people needing their oven or stove repaired don't have time to make a list and methodically check it off before making a booking. Worse still, in little Adelaide you are limited to a handful of truly professional repairers who repair ovens and stoves for a living, where their skills, resources, stock, parts etc match your requirements.

So what can you do that is quick and easy while still improving your chances of getting a good repairer?? If you don't have time to read the complete article, you can jump to the summary at the end of the article, meanwhile the advice I can give in one sentence is two things: Remember a) most major appliance repairers will tell you what you want to hear. b) you only get what you pay for... If you're lucky!

If your interested in the scenic version, great, we will revisit some of the bullet points above and hopefully fine tune on your bull-dust radar.

Q. Does the technician have the right certification?

A. Yes Remember most will tell you what you want to hear. But the real answer lies in a lengthy discussion. For example; is your appliance electric or gas. Then we need to decide if the problem is electrical or gas. Most gas ovens or stoves have electrical systems within them, which, if the oven or stove is hardwired, requires a registered electrician to carry out the repair. If the oven or stove has an electrical fault and the unit is not hard wired, then the chances are the average refrigeration mechanic can undertake the repair legitimately. But and isn't there always a but, how do you know if the unit is hardwired? And how do you know if the unit has an electrical or gas fault. Most customers won't know! The reason these clever lists are often not all that helpful is that you have no way of knowing if the repairer has told a white lie or not. In truth, they don't either. They need to see the job before making that judgement. And here is the reason they told you what you want to hear; because most will collect a minimum payment at the first visit regardless of whether they can complete the repair or not. The more professional repairer will tell you who you need to call, but for them, the payoff has already been achieved; that being payment for the first visit.

Q. What are your charges?

A. Various. Many will state a call out fee, plus a rate. Most call out fees include some maximum time limit i.e. 1/4 or 1/2 an hour. Some will qualify a fixed charge. Many will exclude the GST. But you, being a switched on individual, googled for a repairer that doesn't charge a call out fee. Well, before you pat yourself on the back too hard, make sure you ask "what the minimum charge will be". Many repairers are responding to the pressures of what we refer to as the "Deal Shoppers" who ring around town and compare prices and select the cheapest price. Those who book a call with the cheapest deal rarely end up getting the best repair. And if they do get a cheap job, there are generally good reasons underpinning that ability, i.e. cutting corners, fitting cheap or second hand parts, not paying insurances, not paying correct wages, not using qualified tradespeople, not being careful to refit covers and alike with all their screws and safety harnesses and the list goes on. Remember, you only get what you pay for.

Q. What brands do they service?

A. Your brand! - Because it's what you want to hear! Most will tell you they can service your brand, and for the most part that's true. On the other end of the scale are the brand specific repairers who are generally proud of the brands they service as it reflects their status in the industry. They hold it out like a badge of honour and will tell toot sweet if they don't service your brand. Specialists will carry more parts for a given brand, so their chances of completing a job during the first visit is higher than someone who repairs everything and anything. The compromise for brand specific repairer is the list of appliances that brand covers i.e. ovens, stoves, washing machines, dishwashers, range-hoods, microwaves, dryers and others. Which means the space for oven or stove parts compete with pumps, and motors and seals and timers of the other appliances. Look for the repairer who specialises in your brand oven or stove.

Q. What is your warranty?

A. 12 months! Or at least that is the most likely answer, because it's what you want to hear. But this is a complex piece of consumer legislation. There are two facets of warranty, labour and materials. The normal warranty for Labour is 3 months. Both of which the court will throw out the window if it is a matter before them. But these periods serve as a reasonable guide. The catch is in the judgement. If a repairer has to return to a job to repair a recall, how do you judge if the work that was done is the cause or if the cause is a different fault altogether. There is a better than good chance the latter is the case. Those companies that offer longer warranties know that the chances they will have to cover the cost of repairs under the terms of warranty are very low. In fact, it has the added benefit of acting like a loyalty program. If the warranty extends to say 5 years or 10 years or even a lifetime warranty remember you are unlikely to be able to judge if the warranty fault is what was previously repaired. So, for the period of the extended warranty you will call the warranting company first in the misguided belief the work will be done for free, which is true for very few, if any of those return visits. Remember, if it seems too good to be true... it probably is.

Q. Do they have the right parts on board?

A. Yes - Because it's what you want to hear! Service vehicles have limited space, as such high turnover/high profit parts represent the largest volume held. Repairers often qualify the part(s) are normally held in stock. But that does not mean it is in the van that is designated for your job. No repair company doing major appliance service work is able to maintain an accurate up to date van stock. Which means more likely than not, staff taking the booking have no idea what's in the van. Stock held in the van is only one problem, the second is the quality of the part. Elements, thermostats, hinges, door seals, etc. are not made by the brand manufacturer. Elements for instance are made by dozens of manufacturers, but they generally only make elements. Brand manufacturers purchase their elements from the more reputable suppliers, subject to a contract. However those same elements are also made by copy manufacturers. Some are good quality, some are dubious. But the difference is the price. Cheaper elements can be bought for up to 50% cheaper than the higher quality elements.

Q. Is the repairer a member of an Association.

A. Yes - you guessed it, because that is what you want to hear. Electricians are often members of NECA the National Electrical Contractors Association. The question is, how does that help you qualify the repairer is a bonafide, quality operator? Simple, it doesn't! This group are really about electrical contractors who wire building - big and small. AIA Appliance Industry Australia is probably the main relevant association. Sadly in South Australia that will limit you to one repairer, Electrolux. My experience is that the Major Appliance Repair industry is just too small to support the real work necessary to validate a repairer as a bona fide quality operator. Just because the repairer is a member of an association doesn't mean they will be held to a higher standard of repair.

Q. Do they have published policy and procedure.

A. Hopefully yes, but more likely no. However, this is a valid means of improving your chances of getting a quality repairer. But really who wants to or has time to read a companies policy and procedure before making a booking. No one. And then there is always the probability that the written documents, if they are made available are marketing tools rather than the method and means by which the repairer operates. Having access to a repairers policy and procedure is helpful, but only if a) you have time to read and understand them and b) if you can verify they conform to them.

SUMMARY

If you can't be bothered reading the long version above, here's the abbreviated version. 

• Make sure you qualify the minimum payable charge at the outset. No call out fee, does not mean "Free".


• Fixed price repairs is a valid advantage for simple repairs. Because these repairers need to complete the work within a limited period of time and visits to remain profitable. They generally limit their time to half an hour on the first job. Generally they do not undertake complex diagnostics or repairs.


• When engaging a repairer who qualifies "Free quotes" make sure the quote is obligation free and that your appliance remains in your care. Most repairers who offer free quotes recoup their quotation costs via a margin built into the repair work. However, if you don't proceed with the repairs, a fee is normally forth coming.


• Ask if there is additional costs if a return visit to fit parts is required. Most repairers have a margin built into the parts, but others don't and add a charge for travel.


• Cheap or second hand parts are impossible for you to screen for. Here you rely on your gut feel and experience. If they drive a beat up old van, wear greasy - torn clothes, look unkempt you can probably expect to get ripped off. But that doesn't mean, just because they come in a clean van all dressed to impress that they are honest quality operators, but generally your chances improve.


• One of the ways technicians shorten their time on the job is to bend covers, leave screws out and generally damage panels that can't be seen. They fail to re-clip or secure cables etc. Again this is difficult to screen for, but can generally be measured by the number of jobs they book a day. 8 calls a day is a fairly busy day. If they do more than 10 jobs a day or complete jobs in 15 minutes or less you can safely assume they are taking short cuts.


• Long waiting times for parts are common in this industry. Some are valid and some are not. Some repairers use parts as a means to improve their scheduling efficiency. These repairers know you won't wait very long for the initial visit, but when they have collected money for the initial visit you are committed to wait for the return visit. Try to get a gauge for how long parts will take before making the initial booking. This wont overcome the problem, but might help manage your expectations.

Remember... you only get what you pay for and only if you're lucky. That is a fundamental law of business, as rock solid as the law of gravity. Make sure you know why the differences exist; only then are you ready to make an informed decision on repairs.

Finally, being a deal shopper doesn't mean you will get the "best repair". The 'best repair' is buried in the fine detail and only those people with lots of time to diligently check of their list of do's and dont's can be confident of getting the best deal. Deal shopping is shortsighted and ultimately the most likely means to getting a shonky repair rather than a quality one. For those of us who are time poor and have better things to do with their life than trawl the internet for hours and hours, the best way to be confident of getting a good repairer is to look for those repairers who specialise in your brand product, be prepared to pay a fair price and if you are happy with their results tell your friends and hang onto their business card.

Paul Rohal
Adelaide Whitegoods Specialists Pty Ltd
phone. (08) 8377 7115
web. http://www.awsco.com.au
email. paul@awsco.com.au

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What Does Desire Have to Do With Business?

I bet you are a little curious how desire has anything to do with business. Desire is the starting point of all the things we want in our lives. Desire comes about in the form of wanting more; more in your life, more in your finances, more in your relationships, more in your career. Simply more! That is the starting point. Your hearts desire.

Let me put it a little simpler. I always ask my clients what they want from their business or life. The standard response is "I don't know". I always say "Yes, you do". A lot of the time no one has asked them before so they haven't really thought about it. Sometimes I get a response about wanting financial freedom, wealth, a new car, a new house, things like that. All of this is all perfectly fine. I want you to go deeper and look at the desire that lies in your heart.

That is exactly what I want to speak to you about your hearts desire-your true desire.

We all have it. It's inside of you. It's the conversations you have with yourself inside your head. You play as if it were a movie "What a Wonderful Life" - "Your Wonderful Life". This life in your head has no boundaries, no ridicule, no judgment, no money attached to it and no obstacles attached, it just is.

We don't speak about it for fear of what others will think about what we want, that others will think we are crazy or what you want is impossible to do. I want to tell you it is your right to want what ever it is that you want.

For me, my desire began when I was working for a successful Financial Advisor. I knew I wanted more. I began getting restless; I began having anxiety, and soon becoming physically ill. I knew I wanted more out my life.

To live my true hearts desire I had to leave my JOB. I knew I wanted to teach, encourage and help people, to do exactly what I am doing now. I also knew that I had to leave my job. I didn't know how I was going to do this or what was coming next. It didn't matter to me. Once I got really clear about what I really wanted all the opportunities came flowing in.

I want you to get honest with yourself and answer this question "What do I really want". You don't have to tell me, your partner, your friend, you don't have to tell anyone. The only person who needs to really know this is YOU. You owe it to yourself to be honest with yourself.

You have the right to want and have anything that you want. It's not wrong to want what want.

We tend to get comfortable in the life we are living and we just start tolerating all the stuff we really don't like. That is not living. That is suffering.

Take a few moments and answer the following questions. Write them down. You don't have to show them to anyone.

1. Ask yourself if you understand your true desire.
2. Now take out all the judgment, obstacles and money. Answer #1 again. Can you see the difference?
3. What would I have to believe to begin taking action on this desire right now?
4. Is your life filled with things you desire or tolerate?

The first time I answered this questions it touched me deeply and yes, I cried. I had finally admitted to myself what I really and truly wanted. What was in my hearts desire.

Until Next time...
Loretta

Loretta Morrison has worked with many business owners across Canada as well as globally. Loretta specializes in teaching her clients where they stop in their business while showing them how to increase their revenue up to 50%, or more. Loretta knows the challenges of building a successful business and exactly what it takes to build a successful thriving business. With the right guidance, tools and support it can be simple and easy. Loretta teaches her clients...
• How to consistently attract their own ideal clients
• How to create more revenue in their business
• How to successfully sell their products and services authentically
• How to charge what you are worth and get it.
• And much, much more
...all while having all the free time you want

If you need more clients, visit: http://www.goldenkeycoaching.com for free articles, compelling client testimonials and info on private coaching

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