Market Smarts - What is the Real Key to Success

Over a year ago, I was considering launching a program.I was so sure it would go. But, the more I thought about it, although *I* was convinced it would work, I still wanted confirmation.

I'm sure you expect that I launched the program immediately.

Nope.

Instead, I decided to write up a small survey, posted it on a web page, and asked a few other ezine publishers to run the link for me.

What we got, was over 500 responses. I asked questions like, What do you think is most effective for advertising?
(*Multiple submissions were allowed*)
Responses:
Search Engines 35%
Free For All Links 31%
Ezine Advertising 30%
Banner Ads 26%
Link Exchanges 26%
Classified Ads 19%

This is just one of the questions (out of about 15).
Realizing the success of this, I went on to host another
survey in November of 1999. Take a look at the results
of the exact same question:

Search Engines 41%
Ezine Advertising 34%
Free For All Links 31%
Link Exchanges 26%
Classified Ads 18%
Banner Advertising 18%

It was interesting to note the changes, even small.But did I leave it at that? No. I went past that. I realized, that this was an effective way of knowing what my clients wanted, what their opinions were on other matters, and so on.

Humorously (to me :), over the past few months I've seen *other* marketing professionals announce this as if it's a major breakthrough in marketing.

Considering I've been doing this for over a year, *and* the fact that I told others about this in my "From Puzzle To Picture" Ebook last year, I just laughed. It wasn't new to me, and those who've been a subscriber to the former Biz Opp Ezine, know this as well.

I'm not trying to knock down anyone at all. In fact, I applaud them for seeing the same benefits I have.

The truth of the matter is, you can have the greatest ideas on what to launch next, what product to develop, and so on.There's nothing wrong with this - in fact, it's a major step toward success.

However, to really capitalize on your success, and ensure you're on the right track, survey your clients. We've put up an example at
http://www.activefeedback.com/af/user/form.cfm?formid=67958457
for our Spring 2000 survey. (We do this 2 times a year).
(Activefeedback.com allows you to post your own surveys as well!)

You may find you're on the right track with your idea.... you may find it needs a bit of "tweaking", or, you just might discover a market niche you hadn't even considered as viable.This means, instead of trying to find a market niche, it's come directly to you.

Having a market niche, will set your success in motion.In closing, create a simple survey, ask some ezine publishers to help you get some responses, and look closely at the results. Next, compare it with your current ideas. Tweak them for maximum success, then give your clients and visitors what they want.

And that, is being "Market Smart".

About the author

Amber Jalink President, DIME Consultants © 2000 Amber Jalink, All Rights Reserved.

Mrs. Jalink is continually researching effective ways to market on the 'net, and has been doing so successfully online for 3 yrs. Keep an eye
out on http://www.pathways-to-success.com and http://www.dime-co.com for special new site announcements and resources coming shortly.
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