If your company is taking a reactive position in the market, falling behind the competition, or struggling to keep up with changes in the competitive landscape, it’s time to consider Market and Competitive Intelligence as a potential solution.
One of the exercises we do before any project here at Link is to understand the information needs of each client. Conceptually, it seems like something simple to define, especially if there’s a clear problem to solve using Market and Competitive Intelligence (M&CI), such as launching a product or entering a new market.
We have frequently worked with clients operating in commoditized or nearly saturated markets. Typically, in saturated segments, customers readily change suppliers and look for the lowest prices. Consistently, a competitor will begin a price war, compressing margins for all market players. Businesses facing this situation must reinvent themselves and pursue differentiation. Market and Competitive Intelligence (M&CI) provides several alternatives that can help shift the balance in your favor.
What is the role of big data in Competitive and Market Intelligence (IC&M)? It can contribute to market analysis, but it also has limitations, particularly in niche markets or for products with limited online presence. For such situations, qualitative research methods, such as in-depth interviews, can surpass big data and provide deeper insights into consumer behavior.
Here at Link, we’ve been spending a lot of time digging into data. We’re working on two big projects for clients that need us to do a ton of research. We’ve learned that while it’s fun to try out new databases, having a few favorites that you trust is really helpful. We want to share our favorites with you, as they’re a great place to start when you’re doing any kind of intelligence work.