tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-62893073152956858242011-11-10T20:03:17.395-06:00News about the Evanston Public Library's resources for small business, and items of interest to Evanston's business community.Evanston Public Libraryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07938627893480794456noreply@blogger.comBlogger551100tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6289307315295685824.post-5074992873446292932011-11-10T20:03:00.000-06:002011-11-10T20:03:17.488-06:00

Getting customer feedback is an important part of running a business.  But where to start??  Caron Beesley, of the Small Business Administration, has a few suggestions for the best way to get feedback in her post, "Going Beyond the Transaction – 5 Tips for Getting Customer Feedback Online."  She includes reasons to use social networking tools, online surveys and online polls.  Carol Tice, of

Evanston Public Libraryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07938627893480794456noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6289307315295685824.post-63045470106810759852011-10-11T10:03:00.002-05:002011-10-11T10:06:27.787-05:00

If you are a woman in business, either on your own or as a corporate player, here are some books that will interest you: Birthing the Elephant: The Woman's Go-for-it! Guide to Overcoming the Big Challenges of Launching A Business, Abarbanel, Karin.Goes beyond logistics to prepare women for the emotional challenges they will face, with expert advice on reshaping one's business identity, giving up

Evanston Public Libraryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07938627893480794456noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6289307315295685824.post-67414286205475506752011-10-04T14:15:00.000-05:002011-10-04T14:15:17.303-05:00

Crain's Chicago Business has designated October 3-7, 2011 as Small Business Week.  Dozens of events are taking place, primarily in downtown Chicago.  Events still to come this week include Alternative Financing, Managing Cash Flow, and City Treasurer's Office Small Business Expo.  Check it out!

Evanston Public Libraryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07938627893480794456noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6289307315295685824.post-58139687714009798542011-08-02T17:08:00.006-05:002011-08-02T17:50:13.462-05:00

BUSINESS WORKSHOPS August 1, 2, 3 and 4 Core 4® Small Business Planning Boot Camp:This 10-hour business planning course will give you the information and skills that you need in the four “CORE” elements of planning and sustaining a business: Plan for business success; Plan your business to meet the needs of the market place; Plan for your business cash flow needs; and Plan how your business

Evanston Public Libraryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07938627893480794456noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6289307315295685824.post-38155370876996083302011-05-11T13:46:00.000-05:002011-05-13T15:32:10.182-05:00

Check out these new titles to jumpstart the creative process where you work: Brainsteering: A Better Approach to Breakthrough Ideas, by Kevin Coyne, c2011. (650.1 Coyne.K)  The concept underlying "brainsteering" is to encourage users to focus, to look into an idea deeply rather than ricocheting around it, brainstorming-style.  Disciplined Dreaming: A Proven System to Drive Breakthrough

Evanston Public Libraryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07938627893480794456noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6289307315295685824.post-26815341519796930082011-05-05T14:44:00.000-05:002011-05-05T14:44:11.256-05:00

Lending for Evanston and Northwestern Development, (LEND), is a non-profit student group at Northwestern University that is applying the principles of microfinance to help alleviate poverty within the Evanston community. On Monday, they launched a campaign, Invest Evanston, which will allow the group to use those same principles to finance entrepreneurs in the Evanston community. Donations from

Evanston Public Libraryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07938627893480794456noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6289307315295685824.post-63843714881586536622011-04-05T13:41:00.000-05:002011-04-05T13:41:09.049-05:00

Now that Groupon has become a household name, it's time for a "hot deals" website that targets Chicago area small businesses.  That website is Bizydeal.com, which launced on March 28.  The owners are planning to showcase “provocative” deals to drive attention to BizyDeal over its first two weeks (Ford Motor Co. offered a discount for its Transit Connect light van on opening day), and then will

Evanston Public Libraryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07938627893480794456noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6289307315295685824.post-66394567400322329722011-03-16T16:28:00.000-05:002011-03-16T16:28:55.425-05:00

The City of Evanston invites Evanston businesses to attend a seminar on how to do business with the city on Thursday, April 28, 2011 from 6-9 p.m. at the Lorraine H. Morton Civic Center, 2100 Ridge Ave.  This is a great opportunity for local businesses to see what other larger-scale and smaller purchase opportunities there are available with the city. Don't miss out on this opportunity on

Evanston Public Libraryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07938627893480794456noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6289307315295685824.post-48529047516921992662011-01-26T11:03:00.001-06:002011-01-26T11:04:58.581-06:00

SCORE Chicago, the local chapter of America's Counselors to Small Business, has made a series of videos available for the benefit of small business owners.  Check them out now, and find tips on business planning, naming your business, marketing your company, managing your social networking tools, and  much more.

Evanston Public Libraryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07938627893480794456noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6289307315295685824.post-79130704330423061002010-12-27T09:55:00.000-06:002010-12-27T09:55:54.484-06:00

A nice write up for long-time north suburban company, Abt Electronics, appeared in the New York Times blog on December 22.  Some of the reasons for their success, according to the author, include moderate, but sustained annual growth, customer service, and continuing to have only one physical location. 

Evanston Public Libraryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07938627893480794456noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6289307315295685824.post-35319302658852524722010-11-30T14:34:00.001-06:002010-11-30T14:34:40.669-06:00

Download a free, 24-page ebook, Better Business Blogging in 2011, and learn the following: how to market your blog in 35 different ways; how to blog with search engines in mind; how to use social media to find new readers; and how to recruit guest blogging for your business blog.  This ebook also contains several case studies of social-media-savvy organizations, offering real life examples that

Evanston Public Libraryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07938627893480794456noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6289307315295685824.post-56456769043294660622010-11-24T14:35:00.002-06:002010-11-24T14:37:19.283-06:00

SCORE, Counselors to America's Small Business, will provide free counseling every Friday, from 2 to 5 p.m, in the Small Community Meeting Room at the Evanston Public Library, 1703 Orrington Avenue.  Sessions begin on December 3, 2010.  Appointments are required and can be made by visiting SCORE's website, or by calling 312-353-7724. SCORE counselors are executives and business owners who have

Evanston Public Libraryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07938627893480794456noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6289307315295685824.post-24549961768296300632010-11-17T11:41:00.001-06:002010-11-30T14:36:28.685-06:00

Is it true that you can be too young to start a small business of your own?  Here are some books whose authors would definitely say you're never too young!.  So whether you're a kid, a teen, or a parent of a budding entrepreneur, check these out! Beyond the Lemonade Stand, by Bill Rancic, one of the winners of television's The Apprentice, and Karen Soenen.  This title includes 20 ideas for your

Evanston Public Libraryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07938627893480794456noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6289307315295685824.post-19638775909384978042010-11-10T10:41:00.000-06:002010-11-10T10:41:08.273-06:00

In the 2010 Small Business Technology Survey, the National Small Business Association (NSBA) found that while 86% of small businesses have a website, only 26% of those surveyed actually sell their goods or services via the internet.  If you need ideas about building or improving your website, Small Business Trends ran a great article in August about free website builders for small businesses. 

Evanston Public Libraryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07938627893480794456noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6289307315295685824.post-90330588978608450752010-09-29T11:07:00.001-05:002010-09-29T11:14:43.457-05:00

Wild west 2.0 : how to protect and restore your online reputation on the untamed social frontier,   Fertik, Michael. American Management Association, c2010.  [ 659.2 Ferti.M] "The book contains tools to help perform an online reputation audit as well as have false information removed from websites. There are a good glossary, informative chapter notes, and lots of additional information available

Evanston Public Libraryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07938627893480794456noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6289307315295685824.post-52339626540021566772010-09-16T11:24:00.000-05:002010-09-16T11:24:11.981-05:00

On September 7, the IRS released a draft of the form 8941, that will be used by small business owners to claim a tax credit under the new health care law.  The final version will be available later this year.  The credit is designed to encourage small employers to offer health insurance coverage for the first time or maintain coverage they already have. If you have any comments on this draft

Evanston Public Libraryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07938627893480794456noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6289307315295685824.post-80610588942275271322010-08-31T18:32:00.003-05:002010-08-31T18:37:03.772-05:00

Bring your lunch and join Neil Gardner of Edward Jones, Inc. as he presents Financial Solutions for Business Owners on Thursday, September 23, at noon, in the Community Meeting Room of the Evanston Public Library.  Mr. Gardner will provide ideas for putting the banking, retirement and insurance tools available to business owners to work, to build their wealth and protect their businesses. 

Evanston Public Libraryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07938627893480794456noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6289307315295685824.post-19193660486014816352010-07-26T14:46:00.004-05:002010-07-26T14:51:29.239-05:00

Here are some new titles to check out at the Evanston Public Library. 19 ways to survive : small-business strategies for a tough economy, Spry, Lynn.   (658.022 Spry.L) "This is not a book on economic theory. It's a practical guide for small business owners demonstrating hands-on techniques and ideas that you can start using today...Readers will be presented with the nuts-and-bolts basics on

Evanston Public Libraryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07938627893480794456noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6289307315295685824.post-971477361708635692010-07-15T16:30:00.001-05:002010-07-15T16:32:00.589-05:00

The Central Street Business Association's annual SIDEWALK SALE takes place today, Thursday July 15 through Saturday, July 17th from 10am to 5pm each day. The businesses located between the 1900-2100 blocks of Central Street will be putting their wares out on the sidewalk at heavily discounted prices.   Next weekend, you can visit the SUPER SIDEWALK SALE.  Close to 200 Evanston merchants in both

Evanston Public Libraryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07938627893480794456noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6289307315295685824.post-9368174476724673282010-06-28T14:28:00.000-05:002010-06-28T14:28:47.984-05:00

Participate in Evanston/North Shore Networking's e-B.A.S.H (Evanston’s Business Appreciation Scavenger Hunt) on July 27, 2010, from 5:30 p.m. to 9:30.   The event is a challenge (but not a race).  Participants go to predefined merchants to learn more about the products and services offered by those merchants.  They decipher creative clues and answer questions about merchant offerings, which

Evanston Public Libraryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07938627893480794456noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6289307315295685824.post-53161983340830924222010-06-21T14:43:00.001-05:002010-06-21T14:45:17.163-05:00

Evanston Public Library has books to help you find that perfect home based business idea.  There are several books that compile lists of ideas:  The complete idiot's guide to starting a home-based business (also available as a downloadable e-book); The best home businesses for people 50+ (also available as a downloadable e-book); and Home-based business for dummies.  Or, if you already have an

Evanston Public Libraryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07938627893480794456noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6289307315295685824.post-12446410874716728842010-05-27T17:13:00.000-05:002010-05-27T17:13:37.638-05:00

Here's an interesting factoid, presented by the Kaufman Foundation:  the rate of entrepreneurial startups in 2009 was was higher than anytime in the previous 14 years, which includes the dot.com era... 

Evanston Public Libraryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07938627893480794456noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6289307315295685824.post-27173026745469160112010-05-19T11:16:00.000-05:002010-05-19T11:16:16.761-05:00

Here are some new books and audiobooks that will be of interest to entrepreneurs.  And they're available for free at the Evanston Public Library: Your idea, inc. : 12 steps to building a million-dollar business--starting today! Abrams, Sandy.  Avon, Mass. : Adams Media, c2010.  "Founder and CEO of Moisture Jamzz Moisture Gloves, Abrams started with a business idea-and little else. She went in

Evanston Public Libraryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07938627893480794456noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6289307315295685824.post-48440018392728906662010-04-27T16:53:00.001-05:002010-04-27T16:53:57.044-05:00

Firms get deal on money-saving signs | Evanston NowPosted using ShareThis

Evanston Public Libraryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07938627893480794456noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6289307315295685824.post-7711336469643221542010-04-26T14:38:00.008-05:002010-04-27T13:42:14.075-05:00

body {font-family:helvetica,sans-serif;font-size:12px;} a.stbar.chicklet img {border:0;height:16px;width:16px;margin-right:3px;vertical-align:middle;} a.stbar.chicklet {height:16px;line-height:16px;} As we have become more environmentally aware, many business owners are wondering how they can be more green, without adding red ink to their balance sheets.  The Small Business Administration has

Evanston Public Libraryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07938627893480794456noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6289307315295685824.post-57343921623021985592010-04-22T10:53:00.001-05:002010-04-22T10:57:35.529-05:00

An article in Evanston Now announces that Brinshore Development LLC will hold an informational meeting about subcontracting opportunities for the City of Evanston's $18 million federal Neighborhood Stabilization Program housing rehabilitation grant at 7 p.m. on Tuesday, April 27, at the Civic Center. (Read article) If your small business can benefit from this opportunity, be sure to make plans

Evanston Public Libraryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07938627893480794456noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6289307315295685824.post-20025199318036752602010-04-21T16:46:00.002-05:002010-04-22T10:55:09.142-05:00

Do you want to keep up with the best of the Small Business blogs that are out there?  Forbes Magazine has weighted in with their choices for the Best of the Web blogs to follow. Included are recommendations for Duct Tape Marketing, Small Business Trends, and more. Or ar you just interested in local news?  Both the Chicago Tribune and Crain's Chicago Business have their own business blogs. 

Evanston Public Libraryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07938627893480794456noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6289307315295685824.post-77730598297788158732010-04-08T11:42:00.004-05:002010-04-08T11:47:55.969-05:00

Here are some recent acquisitions at the Evanston Public Library that may interest the small business owner or owner-to-be: Awakening the entrepreneur within : how ordinary people can create extraordinary companies,  Gerber, Michael E.  Collins Publishing, c2009. Michael E. Gerber is the legend behind the E-Myth series of books, which includes The E-Myth Revisited, E-Myth Mastery, The E-Myth

Evanston Public Libraryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07938627893480794456noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6289307315295685824.post-69243576423885989822010-03-31T16:39:00.000-05:002010-03-31T16:39:45.447-05:00

Small business owners sometimes need someone to consult when they need advice, especially in tough economic times.  There are a number of non-profit organizations that will supply the expertise of advisory boards for just this purpose.  One of the largest and most well know is SCORE, Counselors to Small Business.  SCORE offers free and confidential business advice through Ask SCORE online,

Evanston Public Libraryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07938627893480794456noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6289307315295685824.post-69233731696031442102010-03-15T11:58:00.000-05:002010-03-15T11:58:18.648-05:00

Spring is in the air, and taxes are on our minds.  The Wall Street Journal has advice in the form of "The Best Tax Breaks for Small Business."  The Nolo Small Business center provides a "Small Business Taxes FAQ", posted on the website of the magazine, Inc., and the IRS provides an online, Virtual Small Business Tax Workshop.  You can find J. K. Lasser's Small Business Taxes at the Evanston

Evanston Public Libraryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07938627893480794456noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6289307315295685824.post-9602566353014591942010-01-12T14:59:00.000-06:002010-01-12T14:59:20.014-06:00

An eight week internship program sponsored by Kellogg's Levy Institute for Entrepreneurial Practice offers entrepreneurs the opportunity use Kellogg students' passion and business skills toward completing critical projects, and offers first-year MBA students the opportunity to experience entrepreneurship first-hand.  As a business owner, you will be matched with an exceptionally talented business

Evanston Public Libraryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07938627893480794456noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6289307315295685824.post-89850779889533140262010-01-07T11:36:00.001-06:002010-01-07T11:40:34.109-06:00

Small business owners face a different set of tax issues than do individuals. Since many entrepreneurs start out by turning their hobbies into money-making ventures, they don't always realize what the implications will be at tax time. An article in the Small Business section of the New York Times discusses some of the bookkeeping and tax problems you may encounter as your business grows. There

Evanston Public Libraryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07938627893480794456noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6289307315295685824.post-31587075620299279212009-12-21T15:50:00.001-06:002009-12-21T15:52:21.860-06:00

Award to honor businesses that support the arts | Evanston Now The Arts & Business Committee of the Evanston Arts Council is seeking nominations of a local businesses that have been supportive of the arts for the third annual Arts Leadership Award. Posted using ShareThis

Evanston Public Libraryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07938627893480794456noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6289307315295685824.post-85150813108126491952009-12-15T13:50:00.001-06:002009-12-15T19:09:19.688-06:00

On November 23, 2009, the SBA began the transition period from two of its Recovery Act programs. The funds made available from the Recovery Act eliminated the upfront guaranty fee for loans with maturities greater than 12 months as well as provided higher SBA guaranties to lenders for most 7(a) loans. The SBA Recovery Loan Queue has information about what this might mean for your small business

Evanston Public Libraryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07938627893480794456noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6289307315295685824.post-16521423678159703202009-11-23T13:16:00.006-06:002009-12-15T19:10:38.690-06:00

More and more small businesses are using Facebook to help them market their products and services to their target audiences. In addition to just setting up a Facebook account, you can take advantage of Facebook Pages, and use the "vanity" URL, www.facebook.com/yournamehere. This allows you to be visible even to folks who aren't Facebook members, to be found in a Google search, and to stay in

Evanston Public Libraryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07938627893480794456noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6289307315295685824.post-41416477045635521822009-11-03T14:50:00.005-06:002009-11-03T16:38:19.297-06:00

Several Evanston small businesses made the news during October! PRWire reports that the Joel Warady Group, a boutique marketing consulting group, placed 15th on Brill Street's Top 50 Generation Y Employer Program Chicago. MightyNest.com, a resource to purchase and learn more about safe and environmentally friendly products, was featured int a Sun-Times article recently. The Chicagoist website has

Evanston Public Libraryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07938627893480794456noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6289307315295685824.post-52192766483989111532009-10-05T14:29:00.004-05:002009-10-12T11:37:56.887-05:00

The Evanston Public Library has some new books that will help you ensure you are getting the most out of your small business' web presence: Do the web write : writing for and marketing your website, Furman, Dan. Self-Counsel Press, 2009; Six pixels of separation : everyone is connected : connect your business to everyone, Joel, Mitch. Business Plus, 2009; Million dollar website : simple steps to

Evanston Public Libraryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07938627893480794456noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6289307315295685824.post-56607335995079456232009-08-20T10:01:00.005-05:002009-10-05T14:51:55.799-05:00

Check out these recently acquired books that may help you plan, manage or market your small business: The complete idiot's guide to guerrilla marketing, by Susan Drake; Business plans that work : for your small business, published by Toolkit Media Group; e-Riches 2.0 : next-generation marketing strategies for making millions online , by Scott C. Fox, or Turn your hobby into a business--the right

Evanston Public Libraryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07938627893480794456noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6289307315295685824.post-22204935732497497352009-07-22T11:13:00.002-05:002009-08-20T14:50:00.947-05:00

The New York Times has a "Self-Service Advertising" feature aimed at small businesses. According to NYT, "If your online advertising budget is less than $10,000 per campaign, Self-Service Advertising from NYTimes.com is right for you."This self-service advertising feature offers a "complete on-demand banner advertising solution" on the NYT website. You can select and customize one of the ad

Evanston Public Libraryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07938627893480794456noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6289307315295685824.post-38521432815570980992009-07-06T15:21:00.003-05:002009-07-06T16:06:36.429-05:00

The Small Business Administration has devoted a section of its website to the 2009 Recovery Act, and what the bill will mean to small businesses. Recently, as part of the Act, a change was made to the CDC/504 Loan program. The Wall Street Journal explains the impact of the changes in an article from the June 26, 2009 issue. Entrepreneur Magazine gives information about the new ARC Loan

Evanston Public Libraryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07938627893480794456noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6289307315295685824.post-48985354435428502682009-05-27T13:14:00.002-05:002009-05-27T13:35:27.625-05:00

The Economic Stimulus package of 2009 has received a lot of press. But what does it mean for a small business owner?A presentation produced by MyVenturePad, in cooperation with SCORE, Counselors to America's Small Businesses, provides some in-depth discussion of how the Stimulus Package will benefit small business. The authors are Steve King, who runs Emergent Research,Barbara Weltman, a national

Evanston Public Libraryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07938627893480794456noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6289307315295685824.post-85768114016397369622009-05-27T10:06:00.004-05:002009-05-27T13:13:43.191-05:00

Insuring your small business is a wise move. The folks at MyOwnBusiness.org, a non-profit group specializing in educating small business owners, have put together a lesson about the types of insurance your small business might need. Using videos and text, they explain the various types of insurance most businesses need, i.e., property, liability, workers' compensation, etc., and offer some "Do's"

Evanston Public Libraryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07938627893480794456noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6289307315295685824.post-22053895740695176522009-04-30T15:42:00.003-05:002009-04-30T16:10:13.133-05:00

For small business tips in the form of short videos or podcasts, be sure to check out SBTV.com. The videos include marketing tips, franchising information, legal advice, and more. For example, here's a video titled, "Small Business Sales Strategies for 2009." You can also find podcasts provided by StartUp BizCast with Steve McMullen. "SBTV.com is the first television network on the web devoted

Evanston Public Libraryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07938627893480794456noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6289307315295685824.post-33155415057707052742009-04-22T10:39:00.012-05:002009-04-22T11:50:51.192-05:00

No, you’re not crazy for thinking about doing just that. Time has shown that many successful small businesses start-up during economic hard times. Why? Well, for one thing, being laid off after working for 20+ years means that you have skills and ideas and experience that can help you launch a new enterprise. Also, it can be easier to find vacant space for your storefront or office, and that

Evanston Public Libraryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07938627893480794456noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6289307315295685824.post-80229704498773888642009-01-12T14:19:00.005-06:002009-01-12T14:52:35.309-06:00

On February 28, 2009, Evanston Public Library's subscription to ReferenceUSA will expire.We will soon be adding access to LexisNexis. Remote access will be available only to Evanston Public Library cardholders; anyone can sign on to the database when in the library. Here is a description of what LexisNexis has to offer:News, current events, and commentary-Newspapers and new magazines, including

Evanston Public Libraryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07938627893480794456noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6289307315295685824.post-40928419571817988422008-10-16T15:05:00.003-05:002008-10-22T13:55:01.296-05:00

TryIt! Illinois is a program provided by the Illinois State Library, offering free access to a number of fee-based electronic resources for the months of October and November. The business related databases include Standard & Poor's NetAdvantage, Morningstar Investment Research Center, Ebsco's Business Source Complete, Gale's Business and Company Resource Center, to name just a few. There are

Evanston Public Libraryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07938627893480794456noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6289307315295685824.post-40007336401620790052008-09-26T10:17:00.003-05:002008-10-16T16:55:36.385-05:00

As a small business, you can use sites like Facebook, MySpace and LinkedIn to increase the size and scope of your network, and to increase your web visibility. The more sites there are in cyberspace that include your name and link back to your web site or blog, the better it is for your company and your marketing plan. If you create a YouTube video, have some conversation with any commenters, and

Evanston Public Libraryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07938627893480794456noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6289307315295685824.post-88288308502919226192008-09-24T14:42:00.001-05:002008-09-24T17:57:06.765-05:00

YouTube can be a useful marketing tool for small businesses, provided it is done well. A useful article found on Hubspot.com, "6 Tips for Making a Business Marketing Video," gives you some great advice for making a professional-looking and effective video. Among the points made by the author, Catie Foertsch, are these: use a script, use effective lighting, don't use the built-in microphone on

Evanston Public Libraryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07938627893480794456noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6289307315295685824.post-6850632338225273962008-08-27T10:31:00.000-05:002008-08-27T11:05:08.499-05:00

Networking has always played an important role in small business marketing. Now web-based social networking tools have created new ways to reach your audience. You've probably heard of Flickr, the photo sharing site, but have you wondered if you could use it in your business? Here is an excellent article from the blog, Small Business Search Marketing, that can get you started. With the new

Evanston Public Libraryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07938627893480794456noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6289307315295685824.post-36698584316393595842008-08-05T16:48:00.000-05:002008-08-07T18:00:28.041-05:00

These are difficult economic times, but if you are trying to decide whether or not to sell your small business, this article about Skokie business, Schaefer's Wines, Foods & Spirits, in the August 5, 2008, Chicago Tribune, says that the economy should not deter you. Of course it also means that you should not be deterred from buying a small business in this economy either! It does take planning,

Evanston Public Libraryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07938627893480794456noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6289307315295685824.post-37240270653751014022008-07-31T10:28:00.000-05:002008-07-31T10:40:39.805-05:00

Naming, or branding, your business is an important step in the start-up process. In this article from the March 17, 2008 issue of the Wall Street Journal, Suzanne Barlyn reports on issues to consider when selecting a unique name. And don't forget to include researching the legal issues involved in the naming process. Inc.com summarizes what you need to know.

Evanston Public Libraryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07938627893480794456noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6289307315295685824.post-65026513265950739132008-07-30T11:04:00.000-05:002008-07-30T11:17:11.548-05:00

Answering the callSkokie telecom hopes to create a buzz with phone solutionsJuly 29, 2008BY SANDRA GUY sguy@suntimes.comSkokie tech innovator Ifbyphone is giving marketers and small businesses a fast, cheap, Web-based way to set up a virtual call center in the form of an application to be unveiled at the digital Ad:tech conference in Chicago next week.

Evanston Public Libraryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07938627893480794456noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6289307315295685824.post-41626316024544512202008-07-29T16:51:00.000-05:002008-07-29T16:57:10.856-05:00

Grocer may be in store for Evanston downtownBy Brian Cox Special to the Chicago Tribune10:08 PM CDT, July 28, 2008Evanston aldermen have begun to open the door for a Trader Joe's grocery store to set up shop...

Evanston Public Libraryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07938627893480794456noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6289307315295685824.post-42703639598534685012008-07-28T16:41:00.000-05:002008-07-29T16:50:58.562-05:00

Panel eyes limited 4-hour parking July 24,By BOB SEIDENBERGbseidenberg@pioneerlocal.comThe city is exploring whether to extend metered parking to four hours in some areas in response to long-voiced concerns from restaurant patrons and others about the current two-hour limits...

Evanston Public Libraryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07938627893480794456noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6289307315295685824.post-38396540515613001062008-07-22T18:59:00.000-05:002008-07-29T13:09:45.639-05:00

Check out some of the new titles at the Evanston Public Library:Web marketing for small businesses : 7 steps to explosive business growth, Diamond, Stephanie. Sourcebooks, Inc., c2008.The complete guide to working for yourself : everything the self-employed need to know about taxes, recordkeeping, and other laws, Williams, Beth. Atlantic Publishing Group, c2008.

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