Time is money. You hear this phrase often, yet many companies still spend countless hours searching for each individual market research report, only to find that they are not specific enough or lack the quality of information needed for their specialized vertical. That's why completing your market research in this manner will quickly evaporate your time and budget. And, if you're spending these valuable resources acquiring individual reports, the research had better answer your questions and address your specific needs, right? Unfortunately, this is not accomplished every time and with every report. So, companies must adopt the most effective and efficient methods for acquiring high-quality, vertical-specific research for the best value.

One market research report can answer thousands of questions from hundreds of companies. Catering to a wide variety of needs can even be viewed as one of their most versatile benefits, at least for the publisher. But, when it comes to obtaining specialized information, syndicated reports may not give you the depth and/or specification you need for a particular project. So, in attempts to avoid spending unnecessary time sifting through reports that are too general, or too broad, you are forced to consider alternative market research options.

Return on investment is a tricky thing to prove sometimes. In marketing, advertising, and market research, ROI can be especially elusive, but we all know it’s there. What if a market research expenditure could not only show positive ROI but actually be a profit center for your business? Crazy, right? Not necessarily.

Imagine if you could acquire a large library of market information for a low fixed price and then “sell” off pieces of it to your clients or constituents over and over. Your library spend just became an information investment, and behold, your research tools just became a profit center. The Knowledge Center platform, which features the content of some of the most trusted names in market research—Packaged Facts, Kalorama Information, Simba Information—offers just such a possibility.

In business, it’s not about today – it’s about tomorrow. That’s because the most lucrative markets of the future aren’t necessarily the same ones that are presently profitable. Market research plays a key role when companies are repositioning for emerging markets.

China is anticipated to boast more than 30 million households in 2020 with a disposable income of $30,000, while Turkey should have more than 11 million households earning more than $30,000 in the next decade. To put the latter statistic into context, Canada currently boasts the same number of households earning at that level. Further market research indicates strong growth in several Central and South American countries, India, and across Africa.

Choosing the best credit card for your needs can be a complicated process. You need to understand potential risks, examine the financial effects, and take into account your life-style. With co-branded credit card schemes expanding, this choice is only going to get harder. Here we outline the top 10 credit card features that are the lifeblood of the market. 

Beyond the themed boards and funny images, Pinterest is becoming a powerful market research tool with capabilities that can provide a great deal of useful intelligence to a market researcher. They say a picture can say 1000 words.  If that's the case, then your customers are telling you their life stories through their pins.

From checking e-mails, to editing a business presentation, technology has changed how we go about our day.  Additionally, technology has changed market research.  Advancements are helping us become more efficient and agile. In terms of market research, technology has carved out new opportunities as well as pitfalls for obtaining useful business intelligence. 

A lot of market research material will jump straight to the usual topics: competitors, customer segments, cost, and so on. However, for many modern entrepreneurs, their exact market simply doesn't exist. Like the DVR, mp3 player, and tablet, some markets are invented to disrupt older, existing ones. It can be tempting to move forward without doing comprehensive market research: after all, what is there to research if the product is entirely new?

Everyone knows the Big Five emerging markets. Referred to as BRICS (Brazil, Russia, India, China and South Africa), this quintet represents the largest players. However, they are far from the only ones. The International Monetary Fund estimates that emerging markets will grow two to three times faster than those of developed nations in the coming decade. By examining the latest market research, we’ve identified five more emerging markets around the globe that represent rich opportunities for expanding specialty retail businesses – if they’re targeted correctly. 

There’s no denying the enduring appeal and profit potential of markets in the developed world. However, in order to continue increasing revenues and building consumer bases, companies must look towards emerging markets. To successfully transition from domestic to international success in these markets, companies must take a carefully considered, well-researched approach. Here are seven tactics to help make that transition smoothly.