INDUSTRY: Information Sources

I will preface this by saying that most of the resources I found here with the "key players" and governmental organizations telling us to "Shape up America" are the number 1 reason we are in the situation we are in. Nutrition guidelines that promote weight gain (too many grains, not enough fat) and an industry that promotes chronic dieting and an overall unhealthy approach to our relationship with food, exercise, and our bodies.

The Library Resources I have initially selected are as follows:

IBISWorld Industry Report OD5451 - Online Weight Loss Services in the US, September 2014  |  Britanny Carter
This report covers internet membership programs which assist in consumers losing weight/maintaining desired weight. Just like my business, the revenue is generated through subscription-based accounts and product sales. 

IBISWorld Industry Report 81219a - Weight Loss Services in the US, February 2016  |  Sarah Turk

Companies in this industry provide nonmedical services to clients and assist these individuals with losing or maintaining a desired weight. Services typically include individual or group counseling, menu and exercise planning, and weight and body measurement monitoring. Industry operators may also sell food supplements and other weight-reduction products.

IBISWorld Industry Report 51913b - Internet Publishing and Broadcasting in the US, September 2015  |  Gavan Blau

This industry includes organizations and individuals that offer nonphysical products, such as news, music and video, exclusively through the internet. Revenue in this industry is derived from the sale of advertising space or subscriptions to consumers.

Weight Reduction Services by HOOVER
This report gives a good overview of the key players in the weight loss industry. This also gives numerous links to additional relevant information I will need for my business plan.


Entrepreneur on Fire Podcast Sponsorships
I had some trouble finding podcast sponsorship information in the library, but I know this resource shares their financials each month. The business model of earning income from selling sponsorships while also using the show as a sales tool for the coaching services offered is the same as what I am doing. 

M7 Now Offers Podcast Marketing and Production Services

I would like to follow this company and see what information they share about their podcast marketing services. Best practices for podcast marketing are important to me and knowing what to look for in a marketing company for my podcast is something I need to do.

Weight Watcher's Report

While I may not agree with how Weight Watchers does it, there is definitely something to be learned by watching what they do. There is a lot I can learn from their success and the statistics in this report will be beneficial when writing my business plan.

Radio Broadcasting in the US
While this report xcludes operators that function solely online, I found it contained valuable information pertaining to podcasting.