How Apple can help your business expand

Talk about researching your customers! A recent survey of iPhone users delves deep into the demographic and technologic characteristics of this group of consumers. If you’re researching mobile communications, use this report to learn more about how people use the iPhone, the “most publicized new mobile device in recent memory.”

• Find out why people use the iPhone (reading, but not writing, email is #1)
• Find out who owns an iPhone (over half of users are under 30)
• Find difficulties owners face (displaying Web pages is #1 drawback)

In addition to offering statistics like these, the report highlights several areas of success that can be directly applied to your small business strategy in general.

First, partner up. AT&T (the iPhone's exclusive carrier) has garnered a huge windfall, estimated at $2 billion in revenue per year, directly related to the iPhone’s success. Can you offer your services to, or through, an industry partner? Are there organizations out there whose customers would benefit from your services? Contact them.

Second, use adjacent markets. More than half of people who own iPhones also own iPods, and another 25% use Mac computers. If you develop a new product or service, the first group of people you should target is your existing customers.

Things are looking up for Apple. A recent survey finds that 40% of college students plan to buy a Mac. Undoubtedly this will translate into increased sales of iPods, iPhones, and whatever other products the company comes up with, as well as increased revenue for Apple’s partners. Following Apple’s lead might not be a bad idea for the direction of your business.

(Source: Read Write Web)