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Starting a Business 3

Customers and Competitors

Sarah Underwood

Most FutureLearn courses run multiple times. Every run of a course has a set start date but you can join it and work through it after it starts. Find out more This course is part of the Going to University collection which has been specifically designed for students at schools and colleges. They provide a taster of undergraduate study at the University of Leeds and help students to decide which subject to study at university. Completion of the courses will also enhance students’ university applications. The courses can also be used as a teachers’ classroom enrichment resource. Courses in this collection are also great for people that want an introduction in the specific subjects discussed in each course.

Topics Covered

Define a market: identifying customers and competitors
The theory of understanding markets: the differences between a market and an industry
Analyse a market: the market size and its potential
How to determine a business’ target market
Competitor analysis
How to target specific customers
The business plan: customers and competitors

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Reviews summary

Introductory course on customers and competitors

According to learners, this course provides a very useful introduction and solid foundational knowledge for anyone starting out in business. Many found the explanations clear and concise, with concepts broken down into manageable steps, making it easy to follow. Key topics like identifying customers and competitors and relevant parts of the business plan were highlighted as particularly helpful. However, reviewers with prior business experience noted that the course was too basic and lacked depth for their needs, suggesting it is best suited for complete novices and students exploring the subject for the first time, aligning well with its described purpose. Overall, students report gaining practical advice and feeling more confident in conducting initial market research.

Provides practical, useful foundational knowledge.

"A very useful introduction to market analysis..."

"overall solid foundational knowledge."

"Very practical advice on identifying target markets and doing competitor analysis."

"The course breaks down complex ideas into manageable steps."

Concepts are explained simply and clearly.

"Clear explanations and good examples."

"The material is presented simply, which is helpful for beginners."

"The lectures were clear and concise."

"The instructor explained concepts clearly and the pace was just right."

Excellent introduction for novices.

"Highly recommended for anyone starting out."

"As a high school student thinking about studying business, this course was perfect."

"It's definitely for beginners... But for someone starting from scratch, it's great."

"Great for someone new to business concepts."

Too basic for experienced learners.

"...lacked depth for anyone with prior business knowledge."

"Too basic. I didn't learn much new as a business professional."

"If you're already running a business, this might be too simple."

Career center

Learners who complete Starting a Business 3: Customers and Competitors will develop knowledge and skills that may be useful to these careers:

Reading list

We've selected 50 books that we think will supplement your learning. Use these to develop background knowledge, enrich your coursework, and gain a deeper understanding of the topics covered in Starting a Business 3: Customers and Competitors.

Business Model Generation

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Provides a widely recognized framework, the Business Model Canvas, for visualizing and developing business models. It's an excellent starting point for gaining a broad understanding of the components that inform a business plan. It is often used as a foundational text in entrepreneurship programs.

Starting a Business 3

Topics Covered

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Reviews summary

Introductory course on customers and competitors

Career center

Reading list

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