resources for small businesses at carnegie library of pittsburgh micro2millions symposium february...
TRANSCRIPT
Resources for Small Businesses
at
Carnegie Library of Pittsburgh
Micro2Millions Symposium
February 20, 2010
Karen RossiManager
Carnegie Library of Pittsburgh -Downtown & Business
http://www.carnegielibrary.org/presentations
/
• What can the Library do for entrepreneurs?
• How do you access Library resources?
What are the Library’s resources for
entrepreneurs?•Online databases•Business Plans & Profiles Index•Government websites•Trade associations•Marketing plans•International business
How do you access Library resources?
• Visit 612 Smithfield Street– Expert librarians are the best search
engines!– Weekly free Business Program series– SCORE counselors
• Visit www.carnegielibrary.org• BizNews monthly e-newsletter• Call 412.281.7141
If you are:• Entrepreneur
– Start new business• Experienced entrepreneur
– Growth / expansion– Marketing
• Small established business– Growth and management
We can help!
What can the Library do for you?
• Information and search experts• Skilled at helping you find
information to: – start – grow – market – manage
Your library card is the key
• Allegheny County resident• Out-of-county with local library card• Photo ID• Proof of permanent address• Free!
Library research resources for entrepreneurs
• Business tools and researchhttp://www.carnegielibrary.org/research/business/
• Business online databaseshttp://www.carnegielibrary.org/research/business/databases.html
Business Plan
• Business Plans & Profiles Indexhttp://www.carnegielibrary.org/research/business/bplansindex.html
• Business Plans Handbook, rq HD62.7 B865
Products & Services
What features and benefits are customers seeking?
• Small Business Sourcebook rqHD2346.U5 S66
• Business and Company Resource Center database
Market Analysis: Industry Overview
What does the industry look like?• Post-Gazette database
Pgh Tribune-Review
Pgh Business Times• Associations Unlimited database• Professional trade associations
Market Analysis: Competition
Who is doing what you are doing?
• Reference USA database• Dun & Bradstreet’s Million Dollar
database
Market Analysis: Market Segments
Who will buy your product or service?
• U.S. census data– Factfinder.census.gov
• Reference USA database – U.S. Residential module
• Demographics USA 2008: County, rqHC110 C6 S847
Market Analysis: Marketing Strategies
How do you convince customers to buy from you?
• Marketing plan• Instant Marketing for Almost Free, Susan
J. Benjamin HF5415.B4292• Know Your Market, David B. Frigstad
qHF5415.2 F73• Tips and Traps for Marketing your
Business, Scott Cooper HF5415.C588
Price and Profitability: Pricing Strategies
How much will they pay?• Online databases• Professional trade associations• The Art of Pricing: How to Find the
Hidden Profits to Grow Your Business, by Rafi Mohammed HF5416.5 M64
Price and Profitability: Cash Flow
How profitable is this business?
• Annual Statement Studies: Financial Ratio BenchmarksrqHF5681. B2 R6
• Professional trade associations
3 key concepts:
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Contact information• www.carnegielibrary.org• Karen Rossi
Manager, Downtown & Business
http://www.carnegielibrary.org/presentations
/
612 Smithfield Street
Pittsburgh, PA 15222
412.281.7141