You can gather information on your competitors. See how they are marketing themselves -- how they're using cyberspace to do business. You can find out information on your competitors latest products and services, and maybe even learn who some of their customers are.
You can also look for information on your prospective customers. Find out what their interests are, what their problems are, who their customers are.
The online environment shines a bright light on everyone who becomes a part of it. There are no secrets that last for long. Everyone can see what everyone else is doing. This is perhaps a frightening prospect for some, but it shouldn't be. Because in the end, if you're committed to quality, integrity, honesty and innovation, you will thrive in such an environment.
You can also gather information on industry trends and issues. Find out what kinds of problems are people having -- and spot the opportunities that come from solving those problems.
Cyberspace can be a source of much of the information you supply to your prospective customers. You can go online and research the various reports and other materials you plan to provide to prospects.
In fact, you may find that you can develop your own information products from information you are able to obtain online. Of course you must take care not to violate any copyrights -- don't steal someone else's work. Instead, integrate the information with your own expertise to create new and valuable insights which other people will find extremely valuable.
© 1995 Ralph S. Marston, Jr. All rights reserved.