Quick. Why should people deal with you instead of your competitors? What do your customers like and dislike?
If you can’t answer those questions confidently, then how can you expect your clients to do so? What is it that you deliver to them? What do they want from you? How can you win their business without having to cut prices? Do people like your organization? Are you doing better now than you were a year ago?
Understanding your marketplace, your competitors, and even your own company is vital. Solid market research improves your ability to market effectively and profitably… often paying for itself many times over. At Lorne Pike & Associates, we excel at local, national, and international research projects, and continually stay abreast of the latest developments and research opportunities.
We were among the first agencies anywhere to develop a research program marrying Facebook to an online research format, and are currently exploring new ways to utilize social media in gathering data.
As an example of the range of our research projects, we offer the following:
- Analysis of international technology markets and Atlantic Canada’s ICT industry, in the development of an Export Strategy Priorities Document for Atlantic Canada’s ICT industries.
- Analysis of business opportunities in the Southeast United States, in the creation of a Current Analysis of Trade Opportunities for Newfoundland and Labrador in the South Eastern US States for the Government of Newfoundland and Labrador.
- Working with Tract Consulting Inc. and PERC, development of a Master Plan for the City of Mount Pearl Department of Parks & Recreation. Our role was to coordinate and conduct: a telephone survey of over 400 residents; focus groups with over 30 community groups and City employees; and a public “town hall” meeting.
- A province-wide telephone survey of over 300 respondents; focus groups with corporate and consumer groups; presentations to the provincial government’s Executive Council; and a far-reaching document review, to help direct the Smoking Sucks campaign of the Alliance for the Control of Tobacco (ACT).
Our market research findings and recommendations have been used to formulate international marketing strategies and direct significant shifts in public policy. But whether our client is a small business or a government department, our focus is always on turning complex analysis into “actionable” conclusions, delivering insights and specific directions in clear, non-technical language. Whatever your market research needs, from telephone, mail, and intercept surveys to qualitative research through focus groups, it’s important to ask the right questions. Like, “What can we do for you?”