It came to pass on 04/14/96 that KEN VAUGHAN wrote concerning New Business...

KV> I am thinking of starting a home based business using a computer,
KV> but before I do I would like to do my own market research without
KV> using a outside company.

See if you can find a second hand marketing textbook. I'd suggest that 
at the first stage, your probably best going on your gut feelings. Just 
talk to people, get chatting and try to spot what people are looking 
for.

KV> So I would like to know has anyone got any suggestions on ideas on
KV> how I can conduct my own market research including business plan,
KV> who will use the service, as this is a new business how can I work
KV> out how many people would use the business etc etc etc etc etc.

There are books about these subjects, and magazines. My suggestion is to 
find your first client. When you have some dough coming in, then you can 
focus on your business plan.

After a year of self employment I am finally realising that I might need 
to do a business plan. But if I had done one before, it would have been 
a waste of time because I did not have the experience to really know 
what I could plan for.

Don't take the business planning too seriously, plenty of very 
successful people had vision and imagination and never wrote it down. 
It is a good idea to have a business plan but it is much better to have 
an inner drive and direction that is adaptable and takes advantage of 
situations. Too much hard planning may just shut the door on some 
opportunity which would be a boon for your business, but does not fit 
the plan.

INMO, Matt

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