Observation, focus group and surveys are three amongst the several ways to get primary data on potential targets while conducting business research. Your business plan should be the result of your business research. Among the many tools, the survey is the most simple and popular option for many businesses. There are several types of surveys used in business research; such as, telephone surveys, one-on-one interviews, mail surveys, or email. Telephone surveys are famous because they are cost effective and convenient. Budget and the need of the business will decide which survey to use.

Once you are done with the selection of the survey method, you are ready to develop the questionnaire. One of the main tools to acquire data is questionnaire. You need to develop a simple questionnaire that is easy to fill out. Here are some basic guidelines on how to create effective questionnaire for business research:

1. Keep the questions to the point
2. Ask short and relevant questions
3. Give clear instructions on how to answer the questions
4. In each question, use only one sentence
5. Ask different types of questions as per need
6. Keep your questions in order, ideally from general to specific
7. Do not ask for identifying information
8. First pretest your questions on your friends, family, or employees.
9. Do not use tricky questions
10. Maintain the objectivity of the questions. Try not to influence the response.
11. Try to use neutral language
12. Disclose your company’s name
13. Clearly mention the purpose of the business research
14. Appreciate the effort of respondent
15. Thank the respondents for their time

While preparing quality questionnaire, if you follow these guidelines for the survey, you can perform good business research that can contribute to the success of your enterprise.