IN FOCUS: February 2010
The economy is in recession. Millions are out of work. Is now really a good time to go into business? It is a challenging environment to be sure, but a recent article in The Industry Standard, a business technology publication, claims that because banks are reluctant to make loans for large business ventures during a recession now actually is a good time to consider going solo. One person can invest as much of their time and energy into his or her project as necessary to be successful. This may take the shape of consulting, freelancing, or perhaps providing a needed service as a one-person firm. In this edition of our newsletter we will offer some ideas, solutions and inspiration for entrepreneurs considering striking out on their own. |
Free Library Entrepreneur's Group on Facebook
Back in November, we hosted a program with Gloria Bell called Social Networking for Entrepreneurs. Response to the program was great and we decided that it was time to begin practicing what we preach. Please find us on Facebook! We hope that with Facebook, the Free Library of Philadelphia can provide yet another way for entrepreneurs to connect with one another and grow together.
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Successful Solo Consulting for Beginners
With James Chan, author of Spare Room Tycoon
Thursday, February 25th, 6:30 PM
Room 108, Parkway Central Library, 1901 Vine St, 19103
Interest in consulting is reaching a fever-pitch. As businesses cut back and banks hesitate to fund new ventures, consultants are finding a market for their services. A consultant's flexibility can help them ride out a rough patch. Consulting is also a great option for people in career transition.
Please join us to learn more about consulting with James Chan, author of Spare Room Tycoon. James is in his 27th year as a consultant.
New Beginnings for Mature Adults - Open Your Own Business
Presented by Melissa Stewart of the Business Center for Entrepreneurship, this class is designed to help you realize your small business aspirations. Central Senior Services at the Parkway Central Library presents programs to inspire people 55+ to lead lives of purpose and adventure.
Wednesday, February 17th, 11:00 AM
Room 108, Parkway Central Library, 1901 Vine St, 19103.
Information: 215-686-5331
How To Start A Business
Information: 215-685-9799.
All classes are free and open to the public. |
| UPCOMING CLASSES: NEW Business Plan Series!
We are pleased to announce a new opportunity for entrepreneurs! This winter, librarians from the library's Business, Science & Industry Department will offer a three-part class on researching your business plan.
Writing in Information Outlook, Rebecca Jones commented that "a business plan is a roadmap for the organization, showing the destination it seeks, the path it will follow to get there, and the supplies and wherewithal required to complete the journey." Let us help you find the information you need to create the best plan for your business in these challenging times.
This class is designed as a series. We encourage you to attend all three.
Wednesday, February 24th, 6:30 PM
Part 1: Introduction to business plans and market analysis
Wednesday, March 3rd, 6:30 PM
Part 2: Advanced market analysis: finding and using demographic information
Wednesday, March 10th, 6:30 PM
Part 3: Developing your industry and financial plan
All classes to meet in the Tech Lab, Ground Floor, Parkway Central Library, 1901 Vine St, 19103.
Basic computer skills are a prerequisite. For more information or to register email erefbsi@freelibrary.org or call 215-686-5394. |
MAKING CONNECTIONS: ONE-ON-ONE
SCORE at the Library
Small business counselors from SCORE, "Counselors to America's Small Business," will share their experiences and offer advice on starting and growing your enterprise one-on-one. One hour sessions are available on Wednesday evenings at the Parkway Central Library and every other Tuesday evening at the Joseph E Coleman Northwest Regional Library. Reservations are required. Schedule your session by contacting SCORE via their website or by phone: 215-231-9980.
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 other resources for entrepreneurs. To schedule an appointment email us or call: 215-686-5394. |
MAKING CONNECTIONS: RECOMMENDED WEBSITES
PAOpen4Business - Pennsylvania's official web portal for entrepreneurs. Download state forms and find answers to all the most common questions. Essential. .
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Finding Your Niche, Finding Success
Umar Mycka: The Poison Ivy Horticulturalist
When Umar Mycka, a Temple grad and former horticulturalist at the Philadelphia Zoo, wanted to strike out on his own, he thought a lot about his industry, his market, and his interests. He also invested a bit of his time at the Free Library.
Umar credits the library with "impacting my business by showing me how to define the benefits of my business to clients, through research and understanding of the NAICS code, my place in the industry, client demographics and the best opportunities to find partners and workers."
Ultimately, Umar decided to focus his efforts on poison ivy, a common outdoor pest made all the more prevalent by the increase in CO2 in the atmosphere caused by global warming.
Umar's business, The Poison Ivy Horticulturalist, is now a success. He was featured in the New York Times. And most recently, he became a supporter of the Free Library of Philadelphia Foundation's fundraising efforts.
 (Umar Mycka) If you have a success story with a Free Library connection, email: erefbsi@freelibrary.org; we may feature your business. |
| SAVE THE DATE: SMALL BUSINESS RESOURCE FAIR
As part of Entrepreneurship Week (April 19-22), the Free Library, in partnership with the Empowerment Group, will host a Small Business Resource Fair on April 21st, from 4-7 PM. 
This event is for aspiring entrepreneurs who wish to explore the many facets of business ownership. Credit counselors, lawyers, bankers, community development corporations and other businesses join together to give expert advice to the emerging entrepreneurial community. Business vendors, in turn, gain access to a wealth of potential clients recruited through personal, one-on-one interaction. | |
Go It Alone by Geoff Burch  ...................................... Million Dollar Consulting by Alan Weiss  ......................................
Working Solo
by Terri Lonier  ...................................... How to Start a Home-Based Consulting Business by Bert Holtje  ......................................
Complete Guide to Working for Yourself by Beth Williams & Jean Murray
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