There are several ways to get started. You can check telephone books for names of similar businesses located in noncompeting communities. Call up or visit businesses that are similar to yours. You will be surprised how willing most people are to help you. Another way to find information about your industry is to get involved with trade associations.
Most libraries have a book called The Gale Encyclopedia of Associations .
This reference book lists the names and addresses of associations involved with your industry. The Small Business Sourcebook , also published by Gale, gives lists of reference books, trade associations, trade shows and trade periodicals connected with 300 specific businesses. These reference books will give you a start in finding out more about your industry. From there, you can call the associations listed, pick up copies of the trade magazines, and start compiling answers to important questions that make up your industry study. It's helpful to create a chart to compare yourself with your competition.