This article is part of Effició’s ‘Research for Business Practice’ series, where we explore how research informs and enhances practical business decisions. In this installment, we discuss the role of research in expanding your expertise and improving the experience you offer to your team and clients.
For small firm owners, research isn’t just an academic exercise—it’s a tool for deepening your understanding and refining your practices. By committing to research, you evolve your experience beyond intuition and prediction, giving you a more authenticated approach to decision-making.
Why Research Is Essential for Small Firms:
- Research provides a structured way to validate and expand your knowledge, helping you move beyond what you already know.
- Engaging with research creates an ongoing process of refinement in your business methods, ensuring you stay informed and proactive rather than reactive.
- Research isn’t just about proving a theory—it’s about gaining a better understanding that informs the way you operate, allowing you to make more grounded decisions.
Practical Steps to Begin Research:
- Your Library: A frequently overlooked but valuable resource for research is your local library, both in-person and online.
- Libraries offer access to specialized databases, business journals, and digital tools.
- Set up an appointment with a reference librarian or use their digital help features to learn how to navigate the resources they provide.
- Explore their business resources to find credible information relevant to your industry.
- Library Websites: Many libraries offer comprehensive digital collections, so you can conduct research from anywhere.
- Utilize their online search features, browse their help menus, and collect resource links for future use.
- You may be surprised at the wealth of information available without needing to sift through less reliable sources on the internet.
Ensuring Your Research Sources Are Reliable:
- While the internet is often the first stop for many, it’s crucial to verify the credibility of the sources you find.
- Make sure your sources are relevant and reliable within your industry.
- Cross-check information with established business databases, scholarly articles, or resources from your local library to ensure accuracy.
- Combining credible internet resources with structured tools from libraries creates a well-rounded approach to research, reducing overwhelm and giving you the confidence to apply what you learn effectively.
By integrating both traditional and digital resources into your research process, you can uncover valuable insights that directly support your business decisions. Whether you’re exploring new ideas or refining current strategies, a balanced approach to research will provide clarity and direction. Taking the time to build a structured research system allows you to stay informed, make data-driven decisions, and enhance the quality of your work for both your team and clients.
Join the next CORE24 Cohort for Further Support
If you’re ready to deepen your business practices with well-informed research, consider joining our flagship CORE24 program. Engage in a 24-month journey designed for company owners who are ready to optimize operations, enhance decision-making, and achieve long-term success.
By embracing research in your business, you’ll enrich your experience and better serve your clients with evidence-based decisions. Join the Next CORE24 Cohort Today to connect with a network of scholars and professionals dedicated to strategic growth and operational excellence.
Stay informed with Effició Research for Business Practice’ series, where we explore practical ways to integrate research into your business operations.
References
Stanikūnienė, B., Kvedaraitė, N., & Žvirelienė, R. (2023). Innovative solutions of public libraries offered to business. Journal of Librarianship and Information Science, 09610006231178569.
Donthu, N., Kumar, S., & Pattnaik, D. (2020). Forty-five years of Journal of Business Research: A bibliometric analysis. Journal of Business Research, 109, 1-14.
Indeed Editorial Team. (2023, January 26). What is applied research? Definition, examples, and benefits. Indeed Career Guide. https://www.indeed.com/career-advice/career-development/applied-research