how do you go about researching a business idea without alerting potential business rivals?
367725
Here are some ways:\n\n1. Check your competitors. The article "Building a Competitor Profile" http://www.powerhomebiz.com/vol4/competia.htm contains links to sources of information you can use to research your competitors and find out what's out there regarding your business idea.\n\n2. Find out what the blogosphere is saying. Use Technorati and search for information about your business idea\n\n3. Use the Web. The article "Free Company and Industry Information: Where to Look on the Web?" http://www.powerhomebiz.com/vol58/freeinfo.htm points to some resources you can use to learn more about your idea. \n\n4. Contact your competitors. Industry sleuthing is not favorably looked upon, but it can yield tremendous information. Email them using a non-business email address and request for information, or call them pretending you're a potential client without asking too many technical questions that can give you away as a competitor.
319101
Try doing a search on www.dogpile.com.  Look for free business proposal that fall under the category you're working on.  that should be a start.  It will at least give you a backbone...topics to start write about or include.
55837
Have you checked out the Better Business Bureau? They can probably tell you if there is anything going on. You can probably even find the information you are looking for online.
995674
Probably figure out existing companies who might value your businesses so much that 2+2 becomes more than 4 (that is your business creates synergy through higher incremental revenues or lower costs).\n\nI dont know of any online marketplace where you can list your company for sale. Investment bankers become interested only when the deal size is big.
925627
Then you shouldnt put your business idea up online someone with more disposible capital may steal it and use it before you
121991
I have a lot of business Ideas, it's difficult to know which one will be good for you. But I can tell you what's hot right now on the market...\n\nTechnology\n- VoIP (Interent or Broadband Services and systems)\n- Storage (Computer storages, Servers)\n- Security (Online Security Software, and Hardware)\n- Computer Repair (Software and Hardware)\n- Smart Homes (Security, Survilance, Remote Systems)\n\nOnline\n- eBooks (Help people do something easy and better)\n- Adsence (Nich information + adsence = money)\n\nOthers\n- Real State (Buying and Selling)\n- Carpet Cleaning Business (Own or Franchise)\n\nDo you research and inform yourself about business and marketing, then apply your knowledge own you new business idea and make it work...\n\nGood luck!\n\nLuis Galarza, Business and Telecommunication Consultant\nGet communication tips at http://www.cogni360blog.co.nr and free business tips at http://luisgalarza.blogspot.com
1080572
Though it can be a little pricey, I would suggest hiring a market research company to conduct research or create customer surveys.  These companies can design, administer, and analyze research projects for your business, and give you the information needed to boost your sales and expand your company.  The following companies are all very good, respected companies in the field of Market Research.  I would suggest using one of these, or one like it, instead of using a cheap online do-it-yourself survey or marketing research company.\n\nhttp://www.infosurv.com/consumer_market_research.htm\nhttp://www.acnielson.com\nhttp://www.surveysite.com
1087694
Associations may be a good avenue to explore as well. These organizations will address many of the thoughts, questions and concerns you'll inevitably have as well as many you haven't anticipated yet. See the source box for some relevant links. \n\nI also posted a link to a handy article.\n\nHope that helps! I wish you much success & happiness in all your ventures!
1070090
First thing you need to do is put an "executive summary" of or your idea (or a more detailed "business plan") together.   It doesn't have to be anything crazy but it should cover the following topics:\n\n1) A general overview of the idea.  Basically, explain the business and describe why you think it is a good idea.  Include as much third party supporting evidence as possible.  You want to show that you (or your group) are not the only one who thinks this is a good idea.\n\n2) Backgrounds/Resumes of those involved.   Investors are investing in the people behind the idea as much as they are looking to invest in the idea itself.\n\n3) Planned Marketing Strategies (How are you going to attract customers?)\n\n4) Operation Summary.  Detail how you plan to operate your business.  \n\n5) How much are you willing to give up to someone who is willing to lend financial backing?  This can be a percentage of ownership in the company, interest on a more traditional loan, a revenue share opportunity, or any combination.\n\n6) Financial Projections (What are your start up costs? What will your monthly expenses be? Are you going to lease or buy equipment? How much revenue will you generate? etc).\n\nNow that you have your idea on paper, you can start looking for investors.  (Well, even if you have all the answers in your head, you can start talking to people.  But, at some point, they will more than likely want all of the above written out.)\n\nIn this case, I'd start talking to friends and family about the business.  You never know who might be interested.  Also, check with your local small business administration.  They can point you in the right direction regarding local investors.
193375
Most large companies will not accept unsolicited ideas for the simple reason that they could later get sued if they came up with the same idea independently.  \n\nIf the idea is so good, either do it yourself or, at least, get a patent on it. Then you'll be in a better position to sell the idea to someone else.
54793
Well this is a good place to start.  I too would love some more information.  However, to advertise the best way to do so is by word of mouth.  Ask your friends, and family.  You can also set up a web page.  You can also use chatrooms on MSN and Yahoo to pitch the idea.  A classified in your paper is also a decent idea, but realize that most people no longer regularly read newspaper.  Those that do mostly read only one or two sections.  However, it couldn't hurt.  You can also start a group on Yahoo of your very own for entrepreneurial ventures.  I hope this helps and look forward to hearing more about your ideas.
68104
Think of a VERY original idea. Even if you base it on other projects you've seen, don't copy any popular projects. Start with something that interests you and ask why or why not?
757717
Look around. You are surrounded by businesses - and every one is a potential money-maker for you. The stores and restaurants on the street are obvious, the apartment buildings and single family homes somewhat less obvious as businesses (as opposed to investments), the other assets in the community may be even more obscure. Check out, for example, the utility conduits under your feet: phone services, cable TV, internet service, electricity, gas, water, waste water, etc. Each is a business. \nThis page explains the fundamentals of how each of these businesses works. Part of being an entrepreneur is knowing how a lot of different businesses work, what the essence of each enterprise is. We discuss the most important 4 - 5 numbers for determining whether a business is viable in your area, who you need to talk to if you do seem to have a workable proposal, and terminology you will need to discuss that business intelligently. \n\nBe sure to experiment with the Interactive Business Plan Applets that use your basic assumptions to prepare a summary business plan that can be used to discuss an idea with potential investors and operators. These applets can be run in under a minute, and go a long ways towards helping you understand the fundamentals of the business in which you are interested. A famous real estate investor, Sam Zell, has commented that "If a deal doesn’t work on the back of the envelope, it’s not going to work on the ground". Our business plan applets are designed to be your "back of the envelope". Current Applets available: \n\nPurchase and Operate An Office Property \nPurchase and Operate A Single Family Property \nPurchase and Operate A Multi Family Property \nPurchase and Operate A Data Services Business \nWe have also provided them in a downloadable PKZIPped Microsoft Excel 5.0 format. \n\nHere's a listing of other businesses you can Start In Your Own Backyard: \nCommunity Ventures - Which Would Work in Your Neighborhood?\nBusiness ventures in the community can be subdivided into those that "export" goods and services to the outside world, and those that serve the community internally. A data management enterprise that sells services to downtown businesses is "export" oriented. It brings cash and knowledge of current business practices into the community. Internal community ventures can be just as valuable. They prevent outsiders from pulling cash out of the community (as with a laundromat operated by a company from another state). And they build a sense of local community as residents visit each other more often.\n\n\nGovernment Reengineering - It IS Possible, and Everyone Benefits\nPrograms run by government agencies push cash and services into the community, and suck cash and services out again. Reengineering these flows (everything from primary schools to recycling routes) has the same aim as taking over physical assets: improve the quality of life, and increase the net cash flow to the community.\n\n\nCommunity Assets - Buying and Improving Them\nGetting control of a community’s physical assets means you have to know how to make the purchase, and also what to do with the asset once you find it. In a typical inner city neighborhood, for example there may be an abandoned and decaying 10-unit multifamily structure. Say the city housing authority is offering it for sale, but you do not know how to estimate the cost of buying and operating the property. A quick software analysis (click the "Multifamily" tool below) shows that a purchase could probably be done with no money down and would pay for itself.\nThe goal with community assets is twofold. First, fix them up so that they are truly an asset. Run-down bus shelters are not optimized: they may keep rain off waiting passengers, but they also advertise "crummy neighborhood" to outsiders passing through. And they get residents used to sub-standard facilities. The second goal is to make money for peop
452297
the Small Business Administration website has a ton of resources, including how to prepare a strong business proposal.  Go to: http://www.sba.gov and look under startups
312393
The first step is to evaluate your business concept and to determine to the best extent you can whether the concept will actually work in the real world. Many people have brilliant concepts, but many of these concepts fail. By doing preliminary research beforehand, you can minimize your risk and increase your chances for success.\n\nFrom the article "Evaluating Business Ideas and Products" http://www.powerhomebiz.com/vol13/evaluate.htm here are 12 questions to ask to help you identify a winning business idea:\n\n1. Does it satisfy or create a market need?\n2. Will the product maintain market appeal?\n3. How unique is your product?\n4. How useful is your product? \n5. How much competition exists?\n6. Have you priced your product competitively? \n7. What is the level of difficulty in the creation or implementation of the product?\n8. What are the growth possibilities?\n9. Can I get backend sales?\n10. Is the product safe?\n11. Can my product be promoted with strong advertising copy? \n12. Will you be left with an inventory?\n\nThen you can:\n\n1. Prepare your business plan to help you flesh out the concept more. Part of the process includes making estimates of the startup expenses you will need, cashflow you will need, and other resources you need to make your concept come to life.\n\n2. Line up your funding. Once your plan is complete you can start seeking funding for your business (if you do not have the resources to start it). Decide on the best route for you, whether you will get a bank loan, an SBA- guaranteed loan, find partners and investors, equity financing, etc. Here are articles that can help you decide on where to get financing for your business http://www.powerhomebiz.com/Index/financing.htm\n\n3. Create your business structure. Decide on the best legal structure for your business. The article "Choosing Your Legal Structure" http://www.powerhomebiz.com/vol3/legalstructure.htm gives the advantages and disadvantages of each legal structure.\n\n4. Begin the process of getting permits, licenses, EIN, and other government regulatory approval. Go to your Secretary of State website or visit your county clerk office and ask the requirements you need to start your business. If you are looking to patent your product, be sure to do it before you pitch your business to other investors.\n\n5. Operational process - whether you will create a storefront on Main street or a website, now is the time to do it.\n\nThere's a lot more things to do when starting a business.  I recommend that you read the following books:\n\n- What No One Ever Tells You About Starting Your Own Business : Real Life Start-Up Advice from 101 Successful Entrepreneurs \n- Starting From Scratch: How To Start A Business When You Don't Have Money \n- If You're Clueless About Starting Your Own Business and Want to Know More \n- On the Move : How to Succeed and Survive As an Entrepreneur \n- How to Make 1000 Mistakes in Business and Still Succeed
308190
You might contact those stores. If the idea can make $$$, get a patent or copyright before you approach them-- otherwise they will steal your idea.
1094266
Go to an electronics store during regular business hours and ask to speak to the general manager. Run your well prepared idea across them and see what happens. It will either be yes or no. Keep going until you hit an interested party as not all will be receptive to your proposal. But one is all you need and eventually you will hit paydirt. The only way to fail is to give up! And those who are not receptive one day may be in the mood on another day.