In the market analysis section of your business plans, how many of you researched your target market? Did you do a deep dive and survey individuals or did you find an existing source online, etc.? I'm at a bit of a loss as to how to conduct research for a venture like this...but I can't just say "lots of business owners and executives need administrative support." I searched the site and didn't really find anything on this topic, so I thought I'd ask. Thanks for reading!

Julia

Julia, what a great question
I've got to admit I didn't do much research - my business plan was and has continued to be very informal - more an ever-evolving notebook of thoughts on business goals, philosophy, and policy, etc.
That's not to say that a more thorough plan isn't a great way to go - I just found that for my purposes (I was not applying for small business loans or investors, etc.) a less formal setup works well.

Now I do recommend reading Google news alerts for specific industries you're interested in to see what the headliners are doing, what business is like for people operating in those sectors, what their pain points are, and to learn more about how you might better position yourself to approach these people with partnership info. Other than that, I'm wondering if anyone else has further suggestions or input on this?

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I think the best way to do first is to study the local businesses at your area. You can also have discussion with people around you to learn their habits in running their businesses, how's the character of general business people, and so on. If you are interested to target the internet business market, it would be easier since you can do your own research through the internet.

I've just started my VA business, and after studying a while I found that business people at my area still do not used to work with somebody they're not familiar with, for loyality reasons. They prefer to recruit a full timer. That's why I'm now switching to target the internet businesses. From then, I am building my business plan, building my website, and all other preparation needed to focus on my business.