Wanting to start own business...need info.

[Fullmoon]

OK you guys, I need some help here. My husband wants to start a business of some kind....one that makes a lot of money. He is miserable at his job and wants to find something he can do on his own. We have had several ideas that we would like to try but when I do research on the business in that specific location, it does not seem to be a good area to go into. Already to many business of the same there, etc.

I had heard of a company(ies) that will do some type of demographic search of an area and see what business would do well in that area. I have tried doing a search but my wording is coming up zip. What would you call that type of company. How can I word it in my search? Any ideas?

[hoppity]

There are companies that will do a marketing analysis for you - that might be what you are looking for?

I've started a few successful businesses, and honestly, when I'm brainstorming, the yellow pages are a great resource for the very first initial idea gathering stage. You can see what competition you have, where they are located, how many companies there are, etc. Of course, that's just the companies that are advertising, but if they aren't advertising they are either not successful enough to advertise, or so successful that they don't need to advertise and it's a bit of a wash. Once you get past that stage, and you need actual data, you can go to a data research company - like a mailing list company, and ask them to give you specific sets of demographic data - like a list of all of the people in your area in a certain income bracket, etc. It's best to use a local company for those kinds of things - they usually have more accurate data.

You should also check to see if there is a chapter of SCORE near you. SCORE is a non-profit organization that helps small businesses to get started - gives advice, helps with business plans, etc. It stands for Service Corps of Retired Executives or something like that. A lot of good contacts can be made there.

Hope that helps!

[Fullmoon]

Hoppity thank you so much for the great information! SCORE looks like the place for me! I just sent in a question via email to them. That is really a great place to get started! I will have to wait to the weekend to get the phone book. I never thought about that!

Thank you!!!!!!!