The article analyses the main non-traditional and non standard methods of information gathering (in particular, semi-open and closed) in analytics and management. Authors note that modern analysts, being intermediaries between managers/businessmen and investigated objects (processes, phenomena), are forced to use any opportunities to obtain the necessary information to provide the customer with as high quality information product. New conditions force a specialist to seek and use any objective sources of information, and to do this, apply all possible methods and means for quickly obtaining the necessary information that is especially relevant for the business environment. Particular attention is paid to the study of the causes of the emergence of the phenomenon of competitive business intelligence in the analysis. The concept of «new analytics», the emergence of which is conditioned by new challenges and trends in the development of society, is considered, and the most characteristic features of it are determined. Authors separately investigate four layers of information analyst has to work with. The question of organizing information gathering is analyzed. Authors mark that there are many methods/techniques for information collecting, and therefore, it is an overwhelming task to describe them all, so the authors stopped only on non-standard methods for collecting semi-closed and closed information in competitive business intelligence. One of the best methods for collecting implicit information from external sources is telephone conversations. The optimal strategy for collecting information during telephone conversations is presented. One of the easiest ways to conceal for concealed the study of the object the authors named the external observation. Interesting is the method of collecting information so to speak under cover. The authors paid a lot of attention to the method of involving the agent to collect the necessary information. Particular attention in the study deserves the use of technical channels of unauthorized reading of information. It is concluded, that the study of non-standard methods of information gathering only starts to become relevant in domestic science and requires further thorough consideration

analytics; business; method; competitive intelligence; information gathering/collection; closed information