Research. Love it or despise it, few deny that without it, risk goes up. Risk that your assumptions are off-base, causing targets to be missed by a mile. Risk that foregoing it will end up costing more time and money, through failed initiatives, costly redesigns, etc.

In this issue, we hope to get you excited about an important part of the work that you may have mixed feelings about. We begin by providing an overview of the current market research landscape, and give attention to some new research methods that can expose different or deeper insights than traditional methods. Then, we examine new uses for an old research method that many marketers now consider indispensable. Next, we offer actionable advice on how to create a sensible research plan to help you meet your objectives. Finally, we take a close look at social media analysis as a growing research trend.

We hope you find this issue of The Source informative and, as always, we welcome your feedback.

Tony Brinton Creative Director & Editor in Chief