3. Lurk. Visit online forums that are directed at people in your target audience. No need to post a message… just hang out and see what others are saying. This is another wonderful place to get insights on what people in real world are thinking.

4. Visit. Stop by some of places your target customers might visit. Are you selling back supports to truck drivers? You might need to visit a few truck stops. Just sit back, order lunch special, and keep your ears open!

5. Talk. Want to know biggest complaint about retaining wall contractors? I actually had to find this one out for a client! Talk with those who would hire a retaining wall contractor. I jumped on telephone and made a few phone calls. Amazingly enough, almost everyone I spoke with had same complaints. I was able to use that information to position my client in best possible light before his target audience!

6. Join. Local associations create a tremendous environment for people to express their opinions, discuss pressing issues, and solve problems. Don’t join ones that fit YOU best, however. Join ones that your target customers would join!

7. Think. Put your thinking cap on, and come up with more ways to get to know your target audience. Perhaps you could visit a company that falls within your target customers’ line of work, and observe them for a few hours. Maybe you could host a free conference call where people within your audience could voice their opinions. With a little creativity, you’ll have all ins and outs of your target customer nailed in no time!