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Section Two: Marketing

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C. Researching Your Market
It pays to know the competition! How many companies similar to yours are in Prince William County? At this site, you can check it out. You can also check out the potential size of your market; for example, if you will be marketing services to bakeries and caterers, this site can help you find potential clients.

• Prince William County Department of Economic Development

You can also check over the membership directory of the Prince William Regional Chamber of Commerce, divided into categories by type of business or service.

• Prince William Regional Chamber
• Where Members Click

Armed with information from these sites, it’s time to conduct step-by-step market research. To find out how, go to:

• Entrepreneur.Com

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Business Start-Up and Growth Guide Menu:

  Select a Guide Section GUIDE COVER INTRODUCTION ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS ------------------------------------------------------------- SECTION ONE: SERVICE/PRODUCT STRATEGY A. Introduction B. Developing Your Product/Service Description C. Developing Your Competive Comparison D. Developing Your Equipment Description E. Developing Your Technology Description F. Developing a "Fulfillment" Description G. Developing a Pricing Strategy H. Developing a Description of Future Products and/or Services I. Sample Business Plans ------------------------------------------------------------- SECTION TWO: MARKETING A. Introduction: What's Marketing? B. Starting Your Marketing Program...Before You Hit the Pavement C. Researching Your Marketing Strategy D. Identifying Your Marketing Strategy E. Develop Your Marketing Plan -- Market Segmentation F. Improving Your "ROI" on Your Marketing Dollars G. Understanding Marketing Tools H. Understanding Market Segmentation I. Marketing to Consumers J. Marketing Through the Prince william Region's Chamber K. Marketing to Local Governments L. Marketing to the Commonwealth of Virginia M. Marketing to the Federal Government N. Writing Proposals O. Creating Your Marketing Materials P. Benefiting from the Small Business Administration Q. Receiving Assistance from Retired Business Executives Additional Reference Websites ------------------------------------------------------------- III. SALES A. Introduction: Sales Plan B. Targeting Customers C. Earning Consumer Satisfaction and Loyalty D. Dividing Sales Responsibilities E. Setting Sales Goals and Measurements F. Forecasting Sales G. Sales and Customer Relationship Managment Software ------------------------------------------------------------- IV. BUSINESS, PROFESSIONAL AND OCCUPATIONAL LICENSE A. Introduction B. Registering a Trade Name or General Partnership C. Registering a Corporation or Limited Partnership D. Complying with Zoning and Building Requirements E. Application Checklist F. Information for Contractors G. Special Trade Contractor H. Worker's Compensation I. Federal Taxes J. State Sales Taxes K. Food Establishments L. Alcoholic Beverage Importation and Sale M. Peddlers and Itinerent Vendors N. Pawn Shop Owners and Dealers of Special Metals and Gems O. Professional Registration License ------------------------------------------------------------- V. OPERATIONS A. Introduction B. Building Management Team and Staffing C. Choosing a Business Location D. Minimizing Utilities Costs E. Insuring Your Business F. Doing Business on the Internet ------------------------------------------------------------- VI. FINANCIAL A. Preparing a Financial Statement B. Business Structures C. Taxes ------------------------------------------------------------- VII. ADDITIONAL RESOURCES A. Introduction