Hello, DC members!

Hey, everyone!
I am new here and would appreciate any tips from more experienced users.
So far, by browsing the logo contests, one thing I noticed is that the briefs are usually very short and a lot of clients do not give out much more information other than "what they want" – they don't say anything about their business, they target audience, their competitors...
I have a degree in Marketing & Advertising, and consider that kind of information very relevant when establishing an identity.
Does anyone has the same perspective? If so, how do you deal with this lack of data?
Thanks!
:-)