Market research is an important part of any company's business strategy. That's why, before moving forward with a new product or service, it's best to consistently carry out either general or area-specific research based on the size and scope of your intended market. In fact, the market research itself can guide you in determining the size and scope of the market you can realistically expect for your product or service—a factor critical to the development of any new or ongoing business plan.

As far as market research companies go, NC holds its share of firms. By outsourcing to market research firms in North Carolina, you'll help your business find the crucial data you need to effectively market your product or service. Market research companies in North Carolina can help you determine your company's potential market share in that state or elsewhere, through your choice of either online or in-person research methods. Here are some advantages you'll enjoy when you choose one of the many marketing firms in North Carolina to handle your research for you:

1. Experts who understand local markets;

2. Close, convenient office locations;

3. Optional firsthand viewing of market research;

4. More personalized service; and

5. Greater control over your research.

Action Steps
The best contacts and resources to help you get it done

Check out a few market research firms in North Carolina to get an idea of what they offer

By investigating several market research firms in your own region, you'll get a better idea of not only the services that market research companies in general provide, but also the specific focus of each of the local companies you'd likely deal with.

I recommend: A few individual market research firms in NC that you can investigate are Strategic Market Intelligence, Fountainworks and L&E Research, Inc. Each of these firms has valuable experience with market research in North Carolina.

Find sites that provide info for numerous market research firms in North Carolina

Quite a few websites provide a valuable service to those seeking market research firms. By presenting often-lengthy groupings of companies located in various states, they make your job of tracking down the right local firm that much easier.

I recommend: GreenBook, SalesVantage.com Inc., MarketsDirectory.com and Respond all make North Carolina marketing research comparison shopping a breeze, providing information on numerous NC market research firms.

Look for market research firms in North Carolina that do your research online for greater speed

Some websites provide info on numerous market research firms that offer online research services. Such web-based services can prove a convenient alternative to in-person research methods, which are more time-consuming and often more costly. Some local and remote firms also provide online options along with their face-to-face services.

I recommend: Online focus group and advertising survey providers, assembled in one convenient place by GreenBook, make your search for web-based market research services a snap. A few non North Carolina market research firms are Amplitude Research, a firm which provides web panel services, and MarketTools, a company which offers web-based custom panels, also help make your market research easier.

Tips & Tactics

Helpful advice for making the most of this Guide

• •  As you seek the market research firm that will best match the needs of your business, look for a service that understands and agrees with your company's philosophy and mission statement. As you discuss your options with the firm's representative, you should soon begin to sense whether or not you'll be able to relate to and develop a rapport with a particular North Carolina market research firm and therefore whether or not it will be able to adequately represent your best interests through its market research activities. If you have any doubts at all, keep looking.