|
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:
- Examine the subject matter to determine whether the information presented will be relevant to your research.
- Determine if the source is reputable; information gathered from personal websites may be bias, inaccurate, based on hearsay, or downright false.
- Determine the age of the information being provided. Outdated information often proves worthless.
- Determine how often the sources are updated and with what frequency (weekly, monthly, quarterly, annual, etc.).
- Is the format of the site conducive to information gathering, searching and quick access to information? Is the site user-friendly?
- Are the sites well-presented and free of broken links?
- Determine the geographic coverage of the source. Are potential competitors/products being excluded due to geographic constraints?
- Consider pricing options before paying for information.
- Determine if customer support is available, if needed
- 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.
|
