BSI
IN FOCUS: December 2010
Looking Behind, Looking Ahead

As 2010 comes to a close, small business people face an uncertain environment.  Is the economy improving?  Is unemployment getting worse?  Will the cost of energy continue falling?  Is inflation a genuine threat?  Traditionally, this is the time to look back over the year that has ended and forward to what lies ahead. In this issue of our Entrepreneur's Business News we have assembled a collection of resources to help you take stock and evaluate what worked as well as what didn't in 2010.  We also hope to help you look ahead to 2011, set meaningful goals, adjust your business priorities, identify emerging trends, discover what's new and plan for success in the coming year. 

2010 has been a good year for small business services at the Free Library of Philadelphia and we hope to continue helping you find success with the best in free programming, information, research trainings, networking, and more.  
WINTER 2010-2011 PROGRAMS
QuickBooks 101 
Tuesday December 7th, 6:30 PM
Parkway Central Library, 1901 Vine St 19103 
 
QuickBooks can be an effective tool for small business bookkeeping.  Learn the basics and then some with Ethel S. Parsons, CPA and QuickBooks specialist Gita Faust of Fast Trac Consulting.  In this session you will learn to use QuickBooks to:
  • Setup and the 'company file'
  • 'Chart of accounts' and various lists
  • Handling of customers and sales
  • Vendors and purchases
  • Banking, deposits and credit card payments
  • Financial statements and other reports
  • Journal entries, inventory, and payroll

Presented in partnership with SCORE Philadelphia.


Click here to register or call 215-686-5394.
    ______________________________________________________

Tools of the Trade
Tuesday January 18th, 6:30 PM
Parkway Central Library, 1901 Vine St 19103 
 
Are you ready to start your own business? This workshop will help you ask the right questions and show you practical steps you can take towards self-employment. Learn the essential start-up skills, evaluate your personal financial situation, and brainstorm with other budding entrepreneurs.

Each attendee will receive a workbook and exercises to complete at home.

Presented through the Free Library by Empowerment Group.

Click here to register or call 215-686-5394.
FEATURED RESOURCE:

ProQuest
 
As another year comes to a close, entrepreneurs will be stepping back and taking stock.  This is an excellent opportunity to survey your industry.  What did you learn over the past twelve months?  What can you expect in the year to come?  One effective way to gain an industry-wide perspective is to catch up on your professional reading. 

Most industries have specialized trade magazines tailored to meet the hands-on needs of business owners.  Take a look at the issues and trends facing your industry to keep ahead of the game and the competition.  The ABI/Inform Trade & Industry database from ProQuest is one-stop shopping for up-to-date, specialized magazine and journal articles on your industry and market.  Access this resource from your home or office PC when you log in through the Free Library's website with your library card number and PIN.  Visit our database page to get started.

UPCOMING TRAININGS

 
Business Plan Series - Let our librarians teach you to research your industry like a pro!  This three-part class will show you how to use library resources to create a great business plan.  Research your market, find the competition, profile your demographic, and estimate your financials.  Free and open to the public.    
Business Plans I: Researching Your Competitors 
Wednesday, January 26, 6:30 PM
Parkway Central Library
1901 Vine St., 19103
For information: 215-686-5394 
 
Business Plans II: Researching Your Demographic
Wednesday, February 2, 6:30 PM
Parkway Central Library
1901 Vine St., 19103 
For information: 215-686-5394
  
Business Plans III: Researching Your Industry & Financials
Wednesday, February 9, 6:30 PM
Parkway Central Library
1901 Vine St., 19103
For information: 215-686-5394
Classes meet in the ground floor Tech Lab.

First come, first served.
Basic computer skills are required.
SCORE at the Library: Business Advice & Counseling

Free and confidential one-on-one business advice and counseling is now available at Free Library locations throughout the city.  Counseling is provided by SCORE PhiladelphiaReservations are required.  Contact SCORE online or call 215-231-9880 to schedule your appointment. 
 
Business Research with a Librarian

The librarians of the Business, Science & Industry Department are available for individual research training sessions by appointment.  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. 

FEATURED BUSINESS
Catching the Green Wave
Joseph Kaminer: JTK Green Solutions
As you step back and take a look at your business in the coming weeks, you could get lucky and find a way to position yourself ahead of the next big trend before the competition.  That's just what Joseph Kaminer did when he launched JTK Green Solutions, an environmentally friendly commercial and residential cleaning service, in 2007. Joseph provides environmentally conscious home and business owners with services that are safe, healthy, and clean. 

Joseph's business got a big boost when he attended a training session at the Free Library and learned to use our resources to generate a list of sales leads which led to several ongoing cleaning contracts. 
Check out JTK Green Solutions and remember to keep on the lookout for ways you can take advantage of the resources in your community to stay ahead of the game. 

JTK Green Solutions










Do you have a success story with a Free Library connection?  Email: [email protected]; we may feature your business. 
MAKING CONNECTIONS: LOOKING BEHIND, LOOKING AHEAD

The librarians of the Business, Science & Industry Department have assembled a few links to help jump start your year-end review.  These articles offer practical tools, tips, and formulas to get you thinking critically about where your business is going in 2011.
Calendar of Events
Business Databases

Looking for a great relationship?

 

Single, public business

library seeks friends!

 

 flp lion

Become a friend of the
Business, Science

 & Industry Department!

  • Strengthen the community
  • Support and recommend business programs
  • Network
  • Volunteer
  • Advocate

 Watch future newsletters for details!  Learn more about Friends of the Free Library of Philadelphia.

Bookshelf

Click : The Magic of Instant Connections 
by Ori Brafman

 click

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

Making Ideas Happen: Overcoming the Obstacles Between Vision and Reality
by Scott Belsky

Making Ideas

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

The Orange Revolution:
How One Great Team Can Transform an Entire
Organization
 by Adrian Gostick

orange

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

Shift : How to Reinvent Your Business, Your Career,
and Your Personal Brand
 by Peter Arnell

shift


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

The Illusions of
Entrepreneurship: The Costly Myths That Entrepreneurs, Investors, and Policy

Makers Live By
 by Scott A. Shane

illusions

 

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