BSI
IN FOCUS: FEBRUARY 2009
Your Source for Information
       
In an uncertain business climate, it is more important than ever to plot your course wisely. Where do you hope to be this time next year? There will be new opportunities for the savvy entrepreneur and with careful planning, you can position yourself to act quickly when the time comes. The Free Library can help. In this issue, we have assembled our most powerful sources of business information for entrepreneurs - databases, community resources, library programming, and the newest ideas - to help you learn about your market, make contacts, and be ready.  
FEATURED RESOURCE
 
RefUSA Logo
ReferenceUSA is the most popular business database offered by the Free Library of Philadelphia. It is a valuable tool for entrepreneurs, job seekers, sales people, marketing professionals and many others.  ReferenceUSA contains detailed information on 14 million US businesses, information that is verified for accuracy and updated monthly.  The flexible search interface lets you easily make connections, locate partners, and create lists of businesses based on criteria you select.  To access ReferenceUSA visit the Business, Science & Industry Department at the Parkway Central Library (1901 Vine St).  You may use one of our public computing terminals, or bring your laptop and take advantage of unlimited connectivity with our wireless network. 
MAKING CONNECTIONS: ONE-ON-ONE 
 
One-On-One Research Consultations
Librarians from the Business, Science & Industry Department are now available for one-on-one consultations. We will help you create a research strategy, identify the resources to best meet your needs and provide referrals to other agencies for additional assistance. Let our librarians lead you to the resources you need. This service is by appointment only, call 215-686-5394 or email erefbsi@freelibrary.org, to schedule. 
 
SCORE Business Counseling: Coming Soon!
SCORE Philadelphia, "Counselors to America's Small Business," is part of a national non-profit association dedicated to supporting small businesses. SCORE counselors will be conducting one-on-one sessions at the Parkway Central Library in the spring of 2009. We will publicize these sessions as the date approaches. In the meanwhile, visit SCORE on the web to learn more about their services.
PROGRAMS & SEMINARS
 
How to Make Money in Consulting
Tuesday, February 17, 6:30 PM
Parkway Central Library, Room 108

Presented by Dr. James Chan, author of Spare Room Tycoon.
More than 2.5 million people lost their jobs in the past year.  If you happen to be between jobs, consulting is one way to generate needed income. If you are already a full time consultant, you may want to know the key to making money on a long-term basis.
 
James Chan is entering his 26th year of running a one-person consulting firm based in Center City, Philadelphia.
 
To reserve your seat or for more information call 215-686-5394 or email: erefbsi@freelibrary.org
 
Clinic for Small Businesses and Start-ups
Tuesday, March 31, 6:30 PM
Parkway Central Library, Room 108
 
Questions about your business?  If you have questions about what your legal structure should be, how you should set up your finances, how to get financing, or the type of insurance you need, this free seminar is for you.  Take the opportunity to speak directly with experts in law, accounting, credit management, banking, and insurance.  Provided by SCORE Philadelphia.
TRAINING
 
Database Training - NEW Weekend Sessions!
Selected Tuesdays at 6:30 PM and Saturdays at 10:00 AM, February-March
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. Feb 24th - Demographic Market Research: BusinessDecision Database 
Sat. March 14th - Creating Business Lists: ReferenceUSA and D&B's Million Dollar Database
Sat. March 21st - Demographic Market Research: BusinessDecision Database    
Sat. March 28th - How Did They Do That? Searching for the secrets of successful businesses: Business & Company Resource Center Database
MAKING CONNECTIONS: RECOMMENDED WEBSITES
 
SCORE Philadelphia - "Counselors to America's Small Business," provides free advice to entrepreneurs.
 
Philadelphia Commercial Development Corporation (PCDC) - "Assists small businesses through financing, business development services, and advocacy."
 
Women's Business Development Center - Delivers resources that enable individuals to start new businesses and grow existing ones.
 
Women's Opportunity Resource Center - Offers a "Self-Employment Training Program" for people interested in starting a business.
 
Wharton Small Business Development Center - Helps entrepreneurs conceptualize, build, transition, or expand their small business.
Calendar of Events
Business Databases
Bookshelf
 
The Snowball : Warren Buffett and the business of life
by Alice Schroeder

Buffett Book
......................................

A Sense of Urgency by John Kotter

sense of urgency book

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Back of the Napkin
by Dan Roam

Back of the Napkin book

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The Illusions of Entrepreneurship : the costly myths that entrepreneurs, investors, and policy makers live by by Scott A. Shane

Illusions of Entrepreneurship book

......................................

Groundswell: winning in a world transformed by social technologies by Charlene Li and Josh Bernoff
 
Groundswell book
 
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