Where to Look for Information, once you have developed your business Idea?

NB: As a future or developing entrepreneur, your time is extremely valuable.

For an entrepreneur, a business idea is a concept that will give you the material to envision and start your own business. Once the business idea is determined to worthy of further consideration, you must assess its potential.
Generally, there is a great deal of useful information that is readily available. Often in Africa, our market research objectives must be modified to use available information. In some cases, you may just watching or choose to survey the market to acquire data geared specifically to your needs.
Here are some common sources of information on potential markets that might help your development and presentation.
Experts in field: Contact well-know entrepreneurs to get advice.
Internet searches: Visit websites of companies with new products or technologies.
Library research: Use college libraries to access references and specialized bibliographies.
Questionnaire surveys: Use mail, phone, Internet or professional interviews. Write and prepare questions to give you the right data.
Existing research: Use investment banking firms, advisory services, or consulting firms to gather data and ask to receive findings.
Professional and Trade associations: Visit Professional and trade shows, and read professional and trade publications.
Market research firms: Hire a firm to prepare a report or market survey for the proposed idea.

In every case, you must apply some judgements to the data since you are trying to project your future prospects.

“The entrepreneur must know how to compete and thrive in a dynamic, uncertain, and risky environment. Now opportunities and threats appear at short notice and usually require a rapid response. Updated practices and information are essential- yesterday’s strategies will leave you and your organization behind the global and technological trends of tomorrow.”

- JACK M. KAPLAN