Business Research Tips & News
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Featured Web Resource: Business Insider
I don't know how I came across the Business Insider website but so far I've been impressed with the currency and insight of the content. Business Insider is mainly a business news site but has other sections such as sports, like other major news sites. What makes this site different from other business news sites is he layout is modern, easy to read, and the articles always have enticing headlines that make you want to click on it and read it. Maybe many of you already regularly check this site but if you haven't you should, you might find some interesting tips.
Featured Resource on the Web: Marketing Charts
I came across another good website for market research information, as some of you know this kind of information is hard to find, so I am happy to share a resource when I find one. Marketing Charts offers easy to read, um well, charts on varied topics. For instance, did you know more and more moms are using their mobile phones to shop? Why would that be interesting? Well, what if you have this new fabulous baby product that you'd like to sell. This information would tell me that I should probably look into either having a website optizmized for viewing on cell phones or maybe even an app. I think even if you are not trying to sell anything, you will find interesting factoids on Marketing Charts to get a sense of what the trends are.
Reference USA: Free Online Trainings
Reference USA is offering our customers free online training throughout April, May, and June. If you have never used Reference USA before or are an experienced user, you will find a training that will interest you. All you have to do is register online.
Small Business Workshops at the Santa Teresa Library
If you haven't already you should check out the free Small Business Workshops that have been happening at the Santa Teresa Library every 2nd Saturday of the month. The next workshop on April 14th from 10:30 am-12:30 pm will cover business plans.
From Complexity to Simplicity: The Fastest, Easiest Way to Write a Business Plan
The guest speaker will be Lynnea Hagen, founder of The Abundance Company. Lynnea is a speaker, trainer, author, consultant, as well as founder and owner of The Abundance Company. Her specialties include: Advanced leadership skills and “Success-Driven” strategic business plans for entrepreneurs and corporate professionals. She has been a consultant to Silicon Valley-based corporations since 1981, and a coach to corporate professionals since 1986.
In this Workshop you will learn:
1. How to organize your business ideas into a One-Page Business Plan.
2. How to create a "Living Document" out of your business plan.
3. How to get unstuck: go home with a working rough draft of your business plan.
The library has Free WiFi and plenty of electrical outlets so laptops are most welcome.
There will be time for networking as well.
Are you Interested in Franchising?
Starting a business from scratch is not for everyone, finding a location, marketing, and building a brand can be daunting tasks for new businesses. What is the alternative if you still want to be a business owner but don't want to start from the ground up? Have you considered a franchise? Some of the benefits of franchises are established brand and name recognition and centralized marketing/ advertising support. If this is something that you might be interested in learning more about, FranNet can help. FranNet provides free consulting and can help you decide whether you are a good match for a franchise.
