Basic Marketing Research by
(from prev. ed.) This best-selling introductory text breaks the complex maze of marketing research down into seven straightforward stages. A managerial emphasis along with real research studies provide excellent views of modern practice in the field.
Experimentation Works by
Don't fly blind. See how the power of experiments works for you. When it comes to improving customer experiences, trying out new business models, or developing new products, even the most experienced managers often get it wrong. They discover that intuition, experience, and big data alone don't work. What does? Running disciplined business experiments. And what if companies roll out new products or introduce new customer experiences without running these experiments? They fly blind. That's what Harvard Business School professor Stefan Thomke shows in this rigorously researched and eye-opening book. It guides you through best practices in business experimentation, illustrates how these practices work at leading companies, and answers some fundamental questions: What makes a good experiment? How do you test in online and brick-and-mortar businesses? In B2B and B2C? How do you build an experimentation culture? Also, best practice means running many experiments. Indeed, some hugely successful companies, such as Amazon, Booking.com, and Microsoft, run tens of thousands of controlled experiments annually, engaging millions of users. Thomke shows us how these and many other organizations prove that experimentation provides significant competitive advantage. How can managers create this capability at their own companies? Essential is developing an experimentation organization that prizes the science of testing and puts the discipline of experimentation at the center of its innovation process. While it once took companies years to develop the tools for such large-scale experiments, advances in technology have put these tools at the fingertips of almost any business professional. By combining the power of software and the rigor of controlled experiments, today's managers can make better decisions, create magical customer experiences, and generate big financial returns. Experimentation Works is your guidebook to a truly new way of thinking and innovating.
Guerrilla Marketing Research by
Guerrilla Marketing Research destroys the myth that only big companies can afford marketing research. This addition to the Guerrilla Marketing series of books focuses on why small and mid-sized businesses can benefit from conducting focus groups and surveys - and how they can do it for far less than they think. This compelling and easy to read book will take readers on a fascinating journey through one of the most misunderstood and under-utilized marketing techniques. The secrets unveiled and the tips offered will benefit the most sceptical business owner, manager or entrepreneur as to the value of marketing research.
How We Make Stuff Now: Turn Ideas into Products That Build Successful Businesses by
This step-by-step DIY guide shows entrepreneurs how to create and launch new products, package and market to consumers, and build a thriving business. Do you have an idea for a business but don't know where to start? Thanks to high-speed Internet, game-changing technology, and innovative new platforms, you can go from idea to marketplace on a shoestring budget--and join the growing movement of successful Makers who've built their businesses from the ground up. In How We Make Stuff Now, Jules Pieri--cofounder and CEO of The Grommet, a product launch platform that helps innovative products reach a community of millions--guides you through every step of the consumer product creation process. Learn how to: * Develop an idea with vision and heart * Tap into established sources of expertise * Formulate and refine your business plan * Design a product from prototype to perfection * Find the funds you need to launch your business * Explore innovative packaging, manufacturing, and distribution options * Market your product via social media and online sites * Manage your finances and inventory to maximize profits * Expand your business and grow into the global marketplace You'll find fascinating case studies of successful startups--and discover how the smartest entrepreneurs overcome obstacles, solve challenges, and rise above the competition to deliver innovative products that consumers can't resist. It's all here in one easy-to-use action plan. Whether you're a self-starting newcomer to the world of e-commerce, a member of the Maker Movement, or an experienced entrepreneur, the first crucial step in your journey to turning little ideas into big businesses is learning How We Make Stuff Now.
The Small Business Start-Up Kit by
Start your business with confidence using the best step-by-step guide available! Many people dream of running a business of their own -- but often don't know how or where to start. Sound familiar? This is the book you need. User-friendly and loaded with tips, The Small Business Start-Up Kit shows you how to launch a business quickly, easily and with confidence. It explains in plain English how to: choose the best business structure write an effective business plan file the right forms in the right place price, bid, and bill your projects draft and use contracts, online and off manage your finances be prepared for, and file, required taxes reach customers online This edition of The Small Business Start-Up Kit has been fully updated to reflect the latest changes to the law and includes all the updated forms, business planning spreadsheets, and the instructions you need to fill them out. Plus, read expanded discussions on using technology to manage bookkeeping, how social media can be used to promote your business, and employing the latest techniques in search engine optimization to drive traffic to your website. Are you a California resident? Check out The Small Business Start-Up Kit for California
Start Your Own Import/Export Business by
Importing and exporting are trillion-dollar industries -- but that doesn't mean they're just for big business. In fact, small businesses make up about 96 percent of this field. Get your share of an ever-expanding economy with the essential advice in this top-selling guide. As a successful import/export agent, you can net a healthy six-figure income by matching buyers and sellers from around the globe, right from your own home. This book is loaded with valuable insights and practical advice for tapping into highly lucrative global markets. You'll learn every aspect of the startup process, including: * Choosing the most profitable goods to buy and sell * Setting up and maintaining a trade route * Using the internet to simplify your transactions * How the government can help you find products and customers * Essential trade law information to keep your business in compliance * How to choose a customs broker * The latest government policies * Proven methods for finding contacts in the Unites States and abroad Tricks of the trade from successful importers/exporters and hundreds of valuable resources help you become a player in the lucrative world of international exchange.