IN FOCUS: May 2009
Green Businesses
As you already know, green business practices are hot right now, but if sustainability is more than a trend, how can you position your business to benefit and lead on this issue? Like many new ideas in business, the answer lies mainly in knowing your market, getting the word out, and making connections. So for our green issue, we are bringing you information on a great research tool, an upcoming marketing seminar, business counseling services, and many more excellent ideas for working responsible stewardship of the environment into your business.
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RDS Business Suite (Formerly, RDS Business & Industry On the Web) is a full-text database containing articles from over 1000 national and international trade and industry publications. You can search for information targeted directly to professionals in your industry. Be sure to check out the Advanced Search option to specify unique Concept and Marketing Terms such as "Green Market" or "Trends." RDS Business Suite is available at all Free Library of Philadelphia locations as well as from your home or office PC when you log in with your library card number and PIN. Visit our database page to get started. |
Low Budget, High Impact Marketing
Wednesday, June 24, 6:30 PM
Parkway Central Library, Room 108 You've got a great product or an exceptional service and the business model to make it all work, but you are still unsure about how to spread the word without breaking the bank. This unfortunate scenario is all too common for small businesses. However, there are techniques you can learn to market yourself and your services affordably. Please join us for "Low Budget, High Impact Marketing." Presented by Iola Harper, a nationally recognized, award-winning advocate for small business, this free seminar will help you get the most from your marketing budget.
Iola Harper is the president of In Good Company LLC a business solution firm that provides marketing and business development to businesses nationwide. Ms. Harper was also named among the Top 50 Women In Business for Pennsylvania in 2008.
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MAKING CONNECTIONS: ONE-ON-ONE COUNSELING
SCORE at the Library
SCORE Philadelphia, "Counselors to America's Small Business," is part of a national non-profit association dedicated to supporting small businesses. SCORE counselors are now conducting one-on-one counseling sessions at the Parkway Central Library. One hour sessions are available Wednesday evenings from 6:30 - 7:30. Reservations are required. Schedule your session by contacting SCORE via their website or by phone: 215-231-9980. |
TRAINING
Database Trainings! Selected Tuesdays at 6:30 PM and Saturdays at 10:00 AM, 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.
Sat. May 9th and Tues. June 16th - Demographic Market Research: BusinessDecision Database
Tues. May 12th - Health & Wellness: Health & Wellness Resource Center Database
Tues. May 19th and Tues. June 23rd - Creating Company Lists: ReferenceUSA Database |
MAKING CONNECTIONS: RECOMMENDED WEBSITES
Environmental Management Assistance Program - Established in 1997 by the PA Small Business Development Centers, EMAP provides environmental assistance to small business across the state.
Serious about the environment? Information about LEED certification and more regarding sustainable buildings for business is available here. | | |
101 Ways To Turn Your Business Green by Rich Mintzer  ...................................... Strategies for the Green Economy by Joel Makower  ...................................... Start Your Own Green Business
by Rich Mintzer  ...................................... Green To Gold by Daniel Esty & Andrew Winston  ......................................
Green Business Basics by Nick Dallas
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