identify market for the product:

Often I am asked, "What is the volume we can sell in the ___ market?" It is the right question. Unfortunately, people tend to ask this question last. It should be understood before moving forward. If the numbers make sense in financial terms, then you should take the next step. In order to maximize time and money, you need to know the size of the market or how much you are able to sell in the market. If you have a product and do not know how many units you are able to sell in a particular market, you may be wasting your resources.

customer analysis

Each potential customer has it's unique niche in the market. We need to know who your potential partner is before you enter into any agreement.

Marketing is also about understanding your competition--not just listing off who they are. It means thinking about their competitive reactions, their objectives and capabilities. It means understanding competitive forces in an industry.