Frequently Asked Questions

1. What kind of business expertise does M.J. Barney Associates (MJBA) provide?

• Feasibility Studies

  M.J. Barney Associates can help you determine if your new venture or product has a high probability of long term success. As an unbiased third party drawing from a wealth of experience, we can provide you with all of the data and possible scenarios you'll need to make the right decision.

• Business Development

  We help you define your target market, evaluate alternative methods of marketing, sale and distribution, gauge the effectiveness of your marketing efforts, evaluate (or establish) your marketing strategy and marketing plan, consult on how to promote your business, and make available to you other successful strategies we've implemented.

• Research

  New product potential, new business concepts, business expansion, investment justification/due diligence, trade area evaluation, international development options, customer opinion (consumer and business).



2. How is MJBA different from a market research company?

   MJBA performs traditional surveys and focus groups, but we also perform custom research and feasibility studies. Often, companies have problems or questions that cannot be solved with a survey. We take your situation and use numerous methods to investigate and obtain the specific information you need to make important business decisions.




3. Why use an outside firm instead of doing in-house research?

   • Objectivity

     Most companies know a lot about their business, but knowledge about the outside world tends to be incomplete or biased because of partial information and opinions from employees and vendors. an unbiased party with years of experience working with many different types of companies in many industries, MJBA is able to provide the unbiased, objective information you need to make a level headed decision.

   • Expertise

     MJBA knows what to look for and where to look. We have methods and sources of information that are not widely known and may not be cost-effective for most companies. By reviewing our client list you will see the wide range of experience we've had helping many different types of companies in many different industries.

   • Experience

     With over 25 years experience, MJ Barney and Associates is able to draw from our past successes and apply them to your situation. Though all projects are unique, MJ Barney is able to integrate components of some of the many past projects we've worked on and apply them to your situation.

   
   
4. Are your consulting or research services expensive?

   MJBA works on either an hourly or project basis. In either case, we discuss your needs and give you a written estimate along with a proposal that describes the nature of the project and what work will be done on your behalf. By using us only as much as you need us, you control the cost and avoid the need for employees who are dedicated to research projects.



5. How can you be confident of professional results?

   M.J. Barney Associates is a certified professional consultant to management. We are a member of the World Trade Center and Chamber of Commerce as well as being an expert designated business analyst for the State of California. Our client list is also an excellent indicator of our capabilities.



6. Is it important to use a local company?

   MJBA performs projects from our home office and on location for clients located throughout North America and abroad. Location of either the client or the project is not a concern. We utilize the latest information and conferencing technologies to communicate with our clients.

These are some of our most frequently asked questions. We welcome your call to answer any additional questions you may have.

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