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IN FOCUS: NOVEMBER 2008
Home-Based Business
We've all heard stories about "eBay millionaires" and "kitchen table capitalists," those entrepreneurs who have found success in home-based ventures. In fact, analysts predict that in this climate of tightening credit markets and skyrocketing transportation costs the number of home-based businesses is likely to increase. The appeal of the cottage industry, being your own boss and determining your own schedule, is as ingrained as the entrepreneurial spirit itself; ask any child who has ever set up a lemonade stand or helped out at the family yard sale. But is it right for you? In this issue, we have assembled a number of resources that we hope will help you take the next step towards realizing your entrepreneurial vision.
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FEATURED RESOURCE
If you've ever searched the Web for information about starting your own business, you are undoubtedly aware that trying to find quality information amidst the glaring "work-from-home," "no-money-down" scams and the din of countless bloggers offering their two cents worth can be a challenge. Business Source Premier makes it easy. This database resource, provided by the Free Library of Philadelphia, contains articles culled from a wide variety of reputable magazines, trade publications, and journals, such as Forbes, Fortune, Black Enterprise, and Entrepreneur. Try searching for terms like "Home-based businesses," "new business enterprises," and "entrepreneurship."
TO SEARCH BUSINESS SOURCE PREMIER
Go to our databases page: http://search.library.phila.gov/advSearch.cfm
Expand the list under the heading, Business
Select Business Source Premier (EBSCOHost)
When prompted, enter your Free Library card number and PIN
Begin searching.
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RECOMMENDED WEBSITES
Business.gov: Tips and links from the federal government for home-based entrepreneurs, everything from startup to marketing to taxes.
Entrepreneur.com: Ideas and articles from Entrepreneur Magazine.
AllBusiness.com: A blog offering advice and ideas for all things home-based business. |
TRAINING
Database Training
Selected Tuesdays in Nov & Dec, 6:30 pm
Regional Foundation Center, 2nd floor Parkway Central Library
The databases provided by the Free Library are one of your most powerful tools as an entrepreneur. Learn to use them effectively at these training sessions. Free to the public, no registration required, basic computer skills are a prerequisite. For more information write to erefbsi@freelibrary.org or call 215-686-5394.
Tues. Nov 18th Creating Business Lists:
ReferenceUSA and D&B's Million Dollar Database
Tues. Nov 25th Researching Mutual Funds: Morningstar database
Tues. Dec 2nd Demographic Market Research: BusinessDecision database
Tues. Dec 9th Researching Stocks: Value Line and
Standard & Poor's NetAdvantage
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SPECIAL EVENT
Beware of Predatory Lenders
Wednesday, November 12, 1:00 pm
Parkway Central Library, Room 108 (1901 Vine Street, Philadelphia)
Please join us for Understanding the Dynamics of Predatory Lending: For Seniors, Their Caregivers, and You! with Onisha Williams of Bank of America. Learn to protect yourself from predatory loans and manage your debt. Ms. Williams, an Equity Loan Officer with Bank of America, is a Certified Mortgage Planner and a member of the National Reverse Mortgage Lending Association. This program is free and open to the public.
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WHAT WE'RE READING
 Entrepreneurs spend most of their time with their noses to the grindstone, engaged in the nitty-gritty of starting and running a business, but sometimes it pays to step back and take a look at the larger picture. In How: Why How We Do Anything Means Everything... In Business (and in life), Dov Seidman makes the case that in a day and age of instant communication your product or service can be quickly be copied and sold by a competitor and the way you relate to your customers and how you conduct your business matters more than ever. Seidman envisions an open, collaborative business model, one driven as much by values as by the bottom line.
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ONE-ON-ONE-RESEARCH CONSULTATIONS!
Librarians from the Business, Science & Industry Department are now available for one-on-one consultations. We will help with research strategies, identify resources that best meet your needs and provide referrals to other agencies for additional assistance. Our librarians are research specialists, not business advisors. So, while we cannot critique your business plan or help fill out loan applications or incorporation paperwork, we can lead you to resources that will guide you towards success. This service is by appointment only, call 215-686-5394 or email erefbsi@freelibrary.org, to schedule.
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Working Solo
by Terri Lonier
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Spare Room Tycoon
by James Chan
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Mommy Millionaire
by Kim Lavine
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Homemade Money:
Starting Smart
by Barbara Brabec
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The Best Home Businesses
for the 21st Century
by Paul & Sarah Edwards
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