I was interested in possibly starting a service business but am not confident in how well it will be received as far as need is concerned. I would like to get some ideas about how to gauge the interest in the local community for the service. Thanks for any help!

Hi There,

Before you can start the task of gauging public interest and demand you need to identify and establish your target market. If you don't know who your prospective clients are it's a waste of time product testing.

Define your target market by sticking to the tried and true methods of market research. What age group will your clients be, what gender,what occupation, what desired income level, family circumstances and overall education.

Find out what makes them tick, what motivates them and what you can offer them to fulfil a need. Once you have established your market you will need to decide what your proposed service can do to help them. How will it appeal to them, what benefits will be gained by them utilising the service etc.

Now you have clarified your target audience you can start the task of guaging demand for your service. Get some trusted friends, family members and work colleagues to give you honest evaluations. Because you are offering a service, highlight all the points you have already established during your target market research. Give each person a demo of your service if it's possible.

Take it to the streets and approach potential clients by asking them directly what they think.

Look up your local business advisory board and discuss it with a professional. Someone who can give you some professional feedback and constructive advice.

Good luck and please feel free to ask more questions if you need me to clarify anything.