Understand the basics

The key to target marketing is identifying the market groups most likely to buy your product or service and focusing a laser beam of marketing mojo in their direction. Breaking that target market into sub-specialties is known as "segmentation," which allows for even more efficient direct marketing.

I recommend: Apply market segmentation to your business with this checklist from the Center for Business Planning.

Use technology for DIY target marketing

Small companies and entrepreneurs can target-market to customers themselves. It takes a willingness to learn the basics of targeting customers and develop a solid plan for learning more about and addressing customer needs and preferences.

I recommend: MapInfo offers "location intelligence" software and data to allow you to target customers yourself using geographic information. Claritas also offers ConsumerPoint software for segmenting and targeting markets.

Hire professionals

Save time and stay focused on your core business by outsourcing your target marketing.

I recommend: Agencyfinder.com allows you to search for a marketing firm based on size, location, and/or need. Professional organization The New York American Marketing Association publishes its GreenBook directory of marketing research firms is available online and via CD-ROM.