Data collection for marketing plan

Since the U.S. government is one of biggest data collector and publisher, I will start looking up data and statistics through the usa.gov website. Other than the federal government, I will also look at state and local government website to explore data that is related to a local population. Gapminder.org by Dr. Rosling will be a good place to look for data and statistics around the world, and also see the trend throughout different time period. Besides, some public and academic libraries also offers subscription databases like Simmons, which contain data sets. I will see if I will be able to gain access to those resources through my local public or academic libraries. Depending on the scope of the marketing plan, it is also possible to conduct online survey in order to collect data from the users.

To understand and learn about the types of customers in the market that I have been assigned, I will research on their cultural value and explore related subcultures. Also, I will find out how each type of customers connect with others within their social circles. As opinion leaders can have a powerful influence on consumer's buying decision, I will also identify opinion leaders within the social circles. Besides, I will pay attention to the lifestyle, perception, attitudes and motivation of the customers.

Once data are collected and analyzed, I will convey and provide insights about my findings through a visual presentation. The presentation will includes the followings components, based on the characteristics of the target audience:

• The believe
• The benefit
• The statistics
• The implementation
• The results

As demonstrated by Dr. Rosling, statistics can be presented in a non-boring ways. Charts, graphics, or even interactive graphics helps convey the messages behind the statistics.