Syndicated Research
Our own research has shown that most organisations that view this site are interested in the syndicated research provided by Cameron Research. These ongoing "industry" studies are available for immediate purchase.
A study of enormous focus of Cameron Research is titled "SMEs Through Time : The Cameron Panel". This is a six monthly analysis of the mind-set and behaviour of a panel of 50 SME Operators, ranging from sole traders to businesses with 160 FTEs. Interviews - which require up to 3 hours to undertake - are supplimented with observational research to truly understand the operation of the business owner, and the implications for organisations wishing to sell to them. Major six-monthly reports are released, as well as a monthly bulletin on research findings. A DVD, comprising some of the more thought provoking commentary and feedback from panellists is also generated from the study and provided to clients. Many of Australia's primary B2B organisations subscribe to the study.
For an example of the footage captured on DVD, click the link to the right.
As well as providing insight into the mind-set of the medium sized business owner and small business owner, our other studies cover such topics as the A profile of the Australian small business market, research into small business technology, banking, insurance, superannuation and investment products, and medium sized business corporate superannuation.
- A profile of the Australian small business market
- Business Owner Insights : An analysis of the mind-set of the medium sized business owner
- Business Owner Insights : An analysis of the mind-set of the small business owner
- The Australian Small Business Market for Financial Services and Professional Advice
- The Australian Medium Sized Business Market for Superannuation
A profile of the Australian small business market
A quantitative analysis of the structure of the small business market, addressing issues such as ...
- Profile of the business owner : gender, country of birth, age, level of education, business education, previous business ownership and founder status of the small business owner (SBO)
- Profile of the business : number of FTEs, number of customers, length of time in operation, legal status, where business is based, existence of a business plan, growth experienced of the small business (SB).
- Financials : turnover, exports, imports, means of receiving payment from customers and making payment to suppliers.
- Technology : willingness to embrace technology, computerisation, internet access, dial-up v broadband access, use of a website.
- Succession planning : whether they’ve considered succession, presence of a succession plan, what they expect to do with their business.
- Accountant relationship : frequency of contact with the accountant, services performed.
Business Owner Insights : An analysis of the mind-set of the medium sized business owner
This study – based on a series of 8 group discussions with medium sized business owners (MSBOs) employing 20-300 FTEs undertaken nationally – helps clients to ...
- understand the current thinking, mindset, attitudes and perceptions of medium sized business owners across the set of issues which impact upon their business.
- get beneath traditional research findings, to understand what truly drives decision making in the medium sized business market.
- better understand what they buy, how they decide what to buy, what channels they buy through, what types of promotional messages are successful, and what they are looking for in their relationships with you.
For the purposes of this study, a medium sized business is defined as being one with 20-300 FTEs.
The study is purely qualitative, and examines MSBO's perceptions and mind-set about issues that they feel are important in running their business. Issues addressed include …
- Pros and cons of being a MSBO
- Challenges and difficulties of running a medium sized business
- Barriers to growing the business
- Strategy setting in the medium sized business market
- Aspirations - for the business – and personally
- How MSBOs define "success"
- Which large businesses market effectively to MSBOs and why?
- What are MSBOs looking for in their dealings with large businesses?
- Which business people do MSBOs admire, and why?
- Banks and the MSB market
- Telecommunications providers and the MSB market
Business Owner Insights : An analysis of the mind-set of the small business owner
This study - based on a series of 10 group discussions with small business owners (SBOs) undertaken nationally - is exactly the same as the medium sized business owner insights research, but repeated in the small business market (eg businesses with 0-20 FTEs).
The Australian Small Business Market for Financial Services and Professional Advice
This qualitative and quantitative study which comprises 7 comprehensive volumes was initially released in 1992, and has been updated in 1994, 1996, 1998, 2000, 2002, 2004, 2006 and 2008. The 2008 study comprised a series of 10 focus group discussions and a telephone survey of 775 small businesses in Sydney, Melbourne and Brisbane. Of primary focus in the study are the areas of technology, banking, super, insurance, investment products and accountants, and SBO's attitudes/opinions/perceptions/behaviour.
The Australian Medium Sized Business Market for Superannuation
This study, initially conducted in 1997, has been updated in 1999, 2001, 2003, 2005, 2007 and 2009. The survey comprises interviews with 400 businesses employing 20-500 persons, and addresses "all things super".
Newsletter/Management Briefings
As a stand-alone service, organisations are able to subscribe to our monthly newsletter/bulletin service, and included in this service is a six-monthly management briefing conducted by Ross Cameron …
Newsletters contain an update on SME developments – ie 'what's going on out there'. Topics of previous newsletters include …
- The mood of the SME Operator.
- Where is the planning gene?
- How are sales and margins holding up for SMEs?
- Organisational structure – how does it change as the business grows?
- 10 common advertising mistakes in the SME market.
- The push for local businesses – is this a new trend?
- The business/personal life cycle.
- Who do SME Operators admire … and why … and who cares?
- Where should you promote your offer to SME Operators?
- The husband and wife team – myth or reality?
Management briefings are provided by Ross Cameron to bring the SME market to life for your team. Depending on content requirements, DVD footage is commonly used in these briefings to drive home relevant themes.
Custom research
Much of Cameron Research's consulting and research work is privately commissioned. Typical methodologies include face to face interviewing, executive telephone interviewing, large scale "quantitative" telephone interviewing, online surveys, and group discussions.
