IN FOCUS: November 2009
Social Networking
Social Networking is the new word-of-mouth and the new Consumer Reports all rolled into one. Consumers are faced with an increasingly bewildering array of choices and they turn to the web for information, recommendations, and some assurance that they are getting the best value for their money.
For an entrepreneur, Social Networking is both an opportunity and a threat. One bad review, one irate customer whose rant makes its way around the web can become a major problem. On the other hand, using Social Networking technologies effectively and intelligently can open the door to huge potential markets and allow you to connect with customers more meaningfully than ever. In this issue we have assembled programming and resources to help you get the most of what Social Networking technologies have to offer. |
Social Networking for Your Small Business
Thursday, November 12th, 2009, 6:30 PM
Parkway Central Library, Room 108
Learn to use social networking technologies like Facebook and Twitter to market your business and connect with customers.
Our presenter, Gloria Bell, has over 25 years of successful business operations and communications experience and is the owner of Red Stapler Consulting. Well known as a passionate social media practitioner, entrepreneur, blogger and volunteer in the Philadelphia region, Gloria has shown countless entrepreneurs and small business owners how to realize the benefits of online communities and social networking.
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BusinessDecision combines extensive consumer household data, market segmentation data, population forecasts and demographic data with state of the art mapping technology. Essential for researching demographics for your business plan, choosing a business location, deciding where to spend advertising dollars, or targeting a new market demographic. BusinessDecision allows you to create reports and maps showing exactly who and where your customers are. BusinessDecision 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. |
| UPCOMING DATABASE TRAINING SESSIONS
Selected Tuesdays at 6:30 PM and Saturdays at 10:30 AM, Tech Lab, Parkway Central Library, Ground Floor (*unless otherwise noted)
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.
Tuesday, Nov 3rd, 6:30 PM
How Did They Do It: Business & Company Resource Center Database
Saturday, Nov 14th, 10:30 AM
Creating Company Lists: ReferenceUSA and Dun & Bradstreet Databases. *Note: This training will be held in the Regional Foundation Center on the 2nd floor of the Parkway Central Library.
Tuesday, Nov 17th, 6:30 PM
Business Demographics I: BusinessDecision Database
Saturday, Nov 21st, 10:30 AM
Business Demographics II: Participants must first take the Business Demographics I training and set up their free BusinessDecision account prior to taking this advanced course.
Tuesday, Nov 24, 6:30 PM
Business Presentations: Learn to create professional business presentations using Microsoft PowerPoint |
MAKING CONNECTIONS: ONE-ON-ONE COUNSELING
SCORE at the Library
The Free Library of Philadelphia is pleased to offer one-on-one counseling with SCORE small business counselors who can share their experiences and offer advice on starting and growing your enterprise. One hour sessions are available on Wednesday evenings. Reservations are required. Schedule your session by contacting SCORE via their website or by phone: 215-231-9980. |
MAKING CONNECTIONS: ONE-ON-ONE RESEARCH HELP
Business Research With A Librarian
The librarians of the Business, Science & Industry Department are available for one-on-one research training sessions by appointment during regular library hours. Our librarians can help you research your industry, learn how to find competitors and demographic information for your business plan by using our databases, as well as acquaint you with our many resources for entrepreneurs. To schedule an appointment email us or call: 215-686-5394. |
| MAKING CONNECTIONS: RECOMMENDED WEBSITES
Social Networking for Business - This useful article from CBS' BNet covers all the bases - a great place to jump start your thinking about social networking for business.
LinkedIn - LinkedIn allows you to post a professional profile, stay connected with your industry, and find others with similar professional interests.
Facebook - Facebook is the most popular social networking site, with over 200 million users worldwide. Get started with a personal account or click here to learn about Facebook Pages, a special service for businesses.
Twitter allows you to quickly communicate with your customers. Learn how Twitter can boost your business and then get started with Twitter 101: A Guide for Business. Also, check out this interesting article that appeared this summer in the New York Times about how various entrepreneurs are benefitting from Twitter. | | |
Here Comes Everybody by Clay Shirky  ...................................... New Rules of Marketing and PR by David Meerman Scott  ......................................
Facebook Era
by Clara Chung-wai Shih  ...................................... Marketing To The Social Web by Larry Weber  ......................................
World Wide Rave by David Meerman Scott
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