|
Helpful Links ~ Choosing Online Sources
When researching online, it is imperative to have developed
general expectations of the sources being used. It is most beneficial to
choose sites offering the information closest to the company's needs. When
evaluating online sources, use these ten tips as guidelines:
1.
Examine the subject matter to determine whether the information
presented will be relevant to your research.
2.
Determine if the source is reputable; information gathered from
personal websites may be bias, inaccurate, based on hearsay, or downright
false.
3.
Determine the age of the information being provided. Outdated
information often proves worthless.
4.
Determine how often the sources are updated and with what
frequency (weekly, monthly, quarterly, annual, etc.).
5.
Is the format of the site conducive to information gathering,
searching and quick access to information? Is the site user-friendly?
6.
Are the sites well-presented and free of broken links?
7.
Determine the geographic coverage of the source. Are potential
competitors/products being excluded due to geographic constraints?
8.
Consider pricing options before paying for information.
9.
Determine if customer support is available, if needed
10.
Ask if documents are available in other languages. If documents
were initially written in another language, there is a strong possibility
developments or changes are occurring sooner than anticipated and you are
being hindered simply by translation of source publications.
As a competitive intelligence researcher, always be cautious
about what you're gathering. The quality of the information is essential.
If questions about the information arise, always verify your data with at
least two more sources.
If
you have any suggestions, comments or questions, please contact The Competitive Intelligence Center.
|
