Best of the ISP-Lists

How to Research ISP Business Prospects

Members of the ISP-Marketing list discuss finding businesses for a new Point of Presence (POP) in a new town. Tips vary from the simple to the unexpected as members respond from across the United States.

[June 19, 2001]

On the ISP-Marketing list in May, TB asked,

"Does anyone have a suggestion for how to obtain a list of businesses in a city that we are expanding into?"

A number of respondents suggested checking in with local government:

[RC advised] "The Chamber of Commerce should have a very healthy list. When we opened our wireless DSL service to business, that was all we used. After that, word of mouth was the best penetration."

[JG countered] "Try contacting the city clerk's business registration or license office. That information may be available as part of the public record at minimal expense. Chambers of Commerce typically charge an arm and two legs for their lists, which really only involve a small percentage of the businesses in most communities."

Others shared some favorite online resources:

[DD offered] "Try using a website like www.yellowpages.com and filling in the city name and business category. It should give you a list of all businesses in that area and field."

[AD observed] "Probably the best lists available come from www.listbazaar.com. I have used them many times, and they are as up to date as possible: all information is confirmed by phone calls every year."

[FY advised] "Check out www.freelists.org."

TM had the most radical suggestion of all:

"Just pick up a copy of the good ol' Yellow Pages!"

— End

 

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