Integrated marketing firm BBMG has an interesting report on what they term "conscious consumers". According to the report summary:
"While consumers continue to prioritize personal and practical concerns like health, safety, price and quality, they are also looking to make a difference in the world," said David Lubensky, founder of Bagatto, a San Francisco based ethnographic research firm. "We see a trend toward 'self-centered consciousness,' whereby consumers want companies to meet their personal needs and postively impact society."
While BBMG and the study focus on large international brands, their research results are very relevant to small businesses serving consumers. Consumers are looking for companies that have products that meet their personal needs and small businesses are very well positioned to provide customized or specialized products. Also, according to the report conscious consumers are interested in supporting local businesses and buying products made in America. Small businesses easily can meet these requirements.
I saw a "made in usa" trend coming back in may. This is why I started my business. It's essentially a service to the customer and small business. When I started the database, I didn't realize that it would be the small businesses that would benefit. That point is pretty clear now. See madebyyankees.com (blog) and madebyyankees.net
Posted by: Yankee617 | November 28, 2007 at 02:35 AM