Bill Hobbs passed along this great site that provides links to 117 blogs by industry analysts. It tends to be more tech-oriented, but offers a very rich source of information from a variety of sources. The search engine at this site is also useful.
Not only is industry data like this is critical for effective start-up planning, but also for managing the growth of a business. Business planning should be a process, not an event.
Too often entrepreneurs believe that the business plan that they developed prior to opening should be treated like a detailed blue print. It should be followed step-by-step. Once completed, the business will be like a well built house that will last for decades.
The problem is that the market you are entering is probably under going dynamic change. This change is what in most cases creates the opportunity you are pursuing. You are entering what Peter Vaill calls permanent white water.
Your plan is full of assumptions, not just facts. Assumptions need to be tested and refined. Sometimes they need to be abandoned if proven wrong. The plan is more like a general map of a river. It shows where you will be headed, but the key to your success in navigating this river is in your ability to adjust to all of the things that you could never have planned for. The large rocks in your way that do not show up on any map. The sudden rising of the water due to an unexpected deluge of rain. A tree that has fallen across the river.
All of these require dynamic, real-time adjustments in your planning. Managing with assumptions means knowing those things that you are unsure of, and knowing those things you don't really know, none of which you can absolutely plan for. It is also knowing those things that will likely be changing, and keeping a watchful eye each step of the way.
Your industry is likely to be a volatile and sometimes unfriendly place to operate within. You best tool for this is to keep informed about what is happening so you can integrate these changes into your ongoing business planning.
