Grow Your Business Using
Free or Low Cost Information
Many Marketing Viewpoint subscribers say that keeping the pipeline
filled with new leads is their biggest marketing challenge. Accessing
databases is a good way to identify and qualify new leads. Subscriptions
for some databases are very costly, but other databases provide free
business information. Still others provide limited use at no cost but
require a subscription for full access to information and services (e.g.,
Hoovers and Zoom Information, Inc.).
Free Information
Libraries
For free access to business databases, check with your local public
library, the library at your alma mater, or the public library in the
nearest major city. The BPL subscribes to Dun & Bradstreet and many
other expensive business databases. Massachusetts residents can access
databases at the Boston Public Library for no charge if they have library
cards in their own communities. Remote access is available to many library
databases.
Google Alerts
(http://www.google.com/alerts).
Use Google Alerts to track prospects, partners, competitors, industry
trends, and other topics that you specify. You can choose to receive
updates as things happen or receive daily or weekly updates. Sources
used include news articles, blogs, and videos.
AllBusiness
(http://www.allbusiness.com).
AllBusiness provides free downloads and discussions for small- and medium-size
businesses. AllBusiness also offers free templates for tasks related
to Marketing, Finance, and Operations and 14 other functional areas.
Examples include a Commercial Terms Agreement Worksheet and various
types of Business Plans. However, if you register with AllBusiness,
the company may give your name to other businesses.
Other Options
If you have a short-term need, you can subscribe to some databases
for a day or two or a month. However, The Consus Group and other services
will automatically renew your subscriptions without telling you.
The Consus Group
(http://consusgroup.com).
Named after the Roman god of counsel, the Consus Group is a California-based
company that provides intelligence about contracts, deals, industries,
and companies. Use this source to learn about prospects and competitors.
For instance, the website lists eleven types of contracts signed by
Mattel, Inc. Previews are free, but you must subscribe to see the full
document.
Hoovers
(hoovers.com). Take
advantage of Hoovers' free trial subscriptions. You can generate lists
of leads searching by industry, location, company size, or number of
employees. You can delve further and find a brief company description,
plus address, phone number, and names of two or three senior executives.
A number of free newsletters are also available from Hoovers.
Info~Tech Research Group
(www.infotech.com/sem/industry-report-business-professional-service).
Info~Tech Research Group provides IT research, tools, advice and project
help. It also offers free reports.
Business research of all types requires skill and time. Call or email
to learn how we can help you obtain the information you need when you
need it. Copyright � 9/11 Ruth Winett. All rights reserved.
Copyright � 9/11 Ruth Winett. All rights reserved.
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