Wednesday, December 26, 2007

January Business at Lake County Public Library

USEFUL BUSINESS WEBSITES

INDIANA ECONOMIC DIGEST - http://www.indianaeconomicdigest.net/
Daily News on Business and Economic Events throughout Indiana

The Digest culls daily news from newspapers around the state and focuses on topics about development-life sciences, expansions and closings, education, taxes and more. This service is made possible by a partnership of the Realtors of Indiana, the Hoosier State Press Association, and the Indiana Business Research Center.

A sampling of December 26, 2007 Indiana articles:
  • Ideas to fix tax system divergent
  • Downtown Columbus mall partially coming down, to be replaced in two years
  • Indiana on wild's side
  • Porter County Commissioner: South Shore rail expansion not worth it
Website also features daily New York Times Headlines. Check out this useful website and you'll return daily for news updates.


NEW DVD TITLES at the Lake County Public Library

Ever wished you had the time for a one-on-one, in person seminar led by a world authority on real estate prosperity? With REAL ESTATE INVESTOR’S COLLEGE on DVD, property investment guru Dolf de Roos demonstrates field-tested strategies and insider techniques designed for novice and seasoned real estate investors alike. This 6 disc set offers an in-depth compendium of how-to tips for creating and perpetuating property income, then allows you to sit in on a series of international question-and-answer sessions featuring specific real estate queries from program participants.

Disc One:
Real Estate Riches


Disc Two:
Discussions with Dolf-The Caribbean

Disc Three:
Discussions with Dolf: Santa Monica/Las Vegas/Cape Coral

Disc Four:
Discussions with Dolf: New York/San Diego/San Francisco

Disc Five:
Discussions with Dolf: New Zealand/Napa Valley

Disc Six:
Discussions with Dolf: Squaw Peak/Minnesota/Seattle


To reserve these titles, contact the Lake County Public Library at 219-769-3541 today.



See more information about the Lake County (IN) Public Library & its services to business at http://www.lcplin.org/research/businesslines.htm



Friday, November 23, 2007

December Business at Lake County Public Library

USEFUL BUSINESS WEBSITES

Better Business Bureau - http://www.neindiana.bbb.org/

The BBB serves the 23 northern counties of Indiana with offices in Fort Wayne, Osceola and Merrillville. Find the information you're looking for whether you are a consumer or a business. It is easy to check a business or charity for its accreditation or any filed complaints using this website.

The online News Center offers timely news, such as the 11/19/2007 posting: "Play It Safe Over the Holidays."


NEW BOOKS*

All the Money in the World: How the Forbes 400 Make--and Spend--Their Fortunes
Peter W. Bernstein and Annalyn Swan, Editors
(On Order)

Since 1982, Forbes magazine has compiled an annual list of the 400 wealthiest Americans, ranked by net worth. In All the Money in the World, authors Bernstein and Swan profile these wealthy Americans and reveal how they made their fortunes and saved, enhanced, and occasionally squandered their wealth. Though familiar names like Donald Trump and Warren Buffet appear, so too do plenty of fascinating and unfamiliar ones. There's plenty here that will appeal to business historians as well as those who just want to know how the super-wealthy achieved such success.


Basic Black: The Essential Guide for Getting Ahead at Work (and in Life)
Cathie Black
(On Order)

Cathie Black, now president of Hearst Magazines, was one of the first women to climb the ranks in American newspaper and magazine publishing--she was also the first female publisher of a weekly magazine (New York), and she convinced Oprah to create O, The Oprah Magazine. In Basic Black, she shares her experiences and accomplishments on the road to success, and inserts valuable lessons on everything from self-confidence to how to recognize (and seize) opportunity. Those interested in the publishing industry or the role of women in business will find much to like in this close-up view of a groundbreaking career.


The Lies about Money: Achieving Financial Security and True Wealth by Avoiding the Lies Others Tell Us--and the Lies We Tell Ourselves
Ric Edelman
332.6 EDEL

Financial expert Ric Edelman has been writing about investing for many years; in The Lies about Money, he identifies misleading aspects of popular investment practices and offers advice on how to achieve long-term goals. For the most part, he sticks to exposing the dangers of the retail mutual fund industry, but he also peppers this guide with the basic concepts of portfolio management and saving for college or retirement. Publishers Weekly praises Edelman's latest, citing its "clear writing and helpful advice."


The Age of Turbulence: Adventures in a New World
Alan Greenspan
332.11092 GREE

Alan Greenspan spent nearly 19 years as chairman of the U.S. Federal Reserve, presiding over the stock market crash of October 1987, the aftermath of 9/11, and the advent of new technologies that changed the way business is done around the world. These professional achievements, as well as recollections from his childhood, figure in The Age of Turbulence, though Greenspan also delves into economic issues such as income inequality and globalization. Part memoir and part monetary policy, The Age of Turbulence is also "surprisingly frank" (The New York Times).

*Titles and descriptions are from NEXT READS' December Business & Personal Finance Newsletter. If you haven't signed up for this email newsletter service, do so today. Log on to the library's website http://www.lakeco.lib.in.us/ and click on the NextReads icon.


See more information about the Lake County (IN) Public Library & its services to business at http://www.lcplin.org/research/businesslines.htm



Tuesday, October 30, 2007

November Business News at Lake County Public Library

USEFUL ONLINE PUBLICATION - INcontext

INcontext is a publication of the Indiana Business Research Center at Indiana University's Kelley School of Business and receives major support from the State of Indiana (administered by the Indiana Department of Workforce Development) and from the Lilly Endowment, Inc.

You can read this publication online or download a pdf version from a link on the website. Timely articles fill the monthly issues, such as "Offshoring and Near-Shoring: Movement of Work Studies," "Beyond the Front Desk of the Hospitality Industry," and "Monthly Metrics: Indiana's Economic Dashboard."

This website spotlights Census 2010, monthy unemployment statistics, a county profile map, and Quick Links to STATS Indiana, Indiana Business Research Center, Indiana Economic Digest, Access Indiana and more.

Add this website to your Favorites: http://www.incontext.indiana.edu/


NEW BOOKS

The Elephant and the Dragon: The Rise of India and China
and What It Means For All of Us
Robyn Meredith
330.951 MERE
In The Elephant and the Dragon, Forbes magazine journalist Robyn Meredith examines the rise of China and India as emerging international economic powers. In addition, Meredith discusses what America ("buyer to the world") needs to know about the economic strategies of China ("factory to the world") and India ("back office to the world") in order to compete in the global marketplace. She closes this "thought-provoking and well-researched book" (Booklist) with recommendations for the U.S., which include strengthening the educational system and fostering innovation.


Deluxe: How Luxury Lost Its Luster
Dana Thomas
338.47 THOM
Luxury goods were once only available to the truly wealthy, who bought both exquisite craftsmanship and the cachet of owning an exclusive item when they made their purchases. Now, Newsweek and Harper's Bazaar journalist Dana Thomas documents how luxury goods--and their availability--have been both transformed and transforming. In the change from limited distribution by quality-minded family businesses to mass production by profit-minded big corporations, quality has fallen by the wayside and the purpose of consumption has changed. Curious? Look no further than Deluxe, which is "as entertaining as it is informative" (The New York Times Book Review).


Back on the Career Track: A Guide for Stay-at-Home Moms Who Want to Return to Work
Carol Fishman Cohen and Vivian Steir Rabin
650.14085 COHE
This step-by-step reference for stay-at-home moms offers advice on reentering the workforce as well as an exploration of the trade-offs that working moms might face. Along with sample resumés and a list of other resources, Back on the Career Track also discusses career options after time away from the working world and shares tips on self-marketing and reintegrating with formerly junior co-workers. As Business Week puts it, "For those who say you can't go back, this book is the definitive rebuttal."

See more information about the Lake County (IN) Public Library & its services to business at http://www.lcplin.org/research/businesslines.htm






Wednesday, August 29, 2007

September - October Business at Lake County Public Library


USEFUL BUSINESS WEBSITES



http://www.ibrc.indiana.edu/

The Indiana Business Research Center is an extensive resource for data and analysis of economic and demographic information needed by business, government and nonprofit organizations in Indiana and throughout the nation.

Some of the most requested services:

Benchmarking local and regional economies
Business retention and expansion studies
Census 2000 custom aggregations or research
Customized data aggregations
Demographic analysis
Economic impact studies
GIS and mapping
Government efficiency analysis
Population and workforce analytics
Survey research
Targeted industry and cluster analysis
Training — Building databases, using census data, research and more

If you have particular research needs or questions, you may contact the Center:

Indiana Business Research Center
ibrc@iupui.edu
812.855.5507 or 317.274.2979


NEW BOOKS

The Last Chance Millionaire: It’s Not Too Late to Become Wealthy
Douglas R. Andrew
332.02401 ANDR

If you're nearing retirement and are worried that you don't have enough saved, this financial planning guide for baby boomers outlines non-traditional options for securing a financially solvent retirement--regardless of age, income, or current assets. According to financial adviser Douglas Andrew, many age-old beliefs about saving money are out of date, but he's got three "miracles of wealth accumulation" he'd like to share so that you, too, can be comfortable in retirement.


The Last Tycoons: The Secret History of Lazard Freres & Co.
William D. Cohan
332.660944 COHA

Founded in 1848 as a dry-goods business in New Orleans, Lazard Frères is now a giant among Wall Street firms (in 2006, BusinessWeek called Lazard the "granddaddy of M&A"). Author William Cohan, himself a former high-level Wall Street banker, explores the mysterious and secretive world of this profitable investment firm and in so doing presents a compelling portrait of the company, biographies of its most influential men, and "an exciting insider's account of Wall Street infighting" (Publishers Weekly).


Guerrilla Marketing: Easy and Inexpensive Strategies for Making Big Profits from Your Small Business
Jay Conrad Levinson
658.8 LEVI

If you've got something to promote but don't have a huge budget, chances are you're going to turn to guerrilla marketing tactics whether you know it or not. To learn more about using low-budget, unconventional promotional activities, you might want to turn to this expanded and updated edition of the revolutionary marketing classic by Jay Levinson. The many topics it covers include identifying the fastest growing markets, discussing recession strategies, and describing modern consumers. There are even new sections on Internet marketing, the use of new technologies, and cultivating repeat and referral business.


See more information about the Lake County (IN) Public Library & its services to business at http://www.lakeco.lib.in.us/businesslines.htm

Tuesday, July 10, 2007

July - August Business at Lake County Public Library

USEFUL BUSINESS WEBSITES

Indiana Economic Development Corporation - www.in.gov/iedc
IEDC is the State of Indiana’s lead economic development agency. It was officially established in 2005 to replace the former Department of Commerce. Use this site as a guide for starting a new business or expanding or relocating an existing business. It provides links to licenses, permits and regulatory assistance.


NEW BUSINESS DVD TITLES

The Four Factors of Effective Leadership
80 minutes
David J. Rendall leads this live seminar to help viewers create meaningful and productive relationships. Rendall is an international speaker, author and consultant.

The Employee’s Guide to Superior Customer Service
18 minutes
John Herrick has 31 years experience in sales and retail and is recognized as one of the best in his field. Mr. Herrick demonstrates the right ways to serve your customers using actual business settings.

The 8th Habit: From Effectiveness to Greatness
48 minutes
Dr. Stephen R. Covey is one of the most respected gurus of leadership. In this program he adds the 8th key to his 7 habits of effective leaders.

Mastering the Art of Selling
48 minutes
Whether you want to sell homes, cars, financial services or an idea to your family or friends, following these practical, useful tips developed by sales legend Tom Hopkins will help you "close" the sale easily and professionally.


NEW BUSINESS BOOK TITLES

You, Inc.: The Art of Selling Yourself
Harry Beckwith and Christine Clifford Beckwith
658.85 BECK

Whether you're looking to influence prospective clients or to impress a potential employer, the one thing you have to do in order to achieve success is to communicate effectively. Blending humor with practical advice, bestselling author Harry Beckwith and sales superstar Christine Beckwith will teach you how to do just that. From effective communication strategies to short lessons on the importance of first impressions and creating rapport, You, Inc. is a "refreshing career primer" (Publishers Weekly) appropriate for old hands and new grads alike.


Talent is Never Enough: No Matter How Gifted You Are, These 13 Choices Will Make You Better
John C. Maxwell

Leadership expert John C. Maxwell believes that to achieve your goals and attain success, talent alone is not enough (or, as he puts it, talent is "often overrated and frequently misunderstood"). There are several factors, however, that can enhance talent--these include initiative, focus, preparation, and teamwork. Using anecdotes from the lives of such varied people as athletes, business leaders, and writers, Maxwell makes "Talent-plus" a description anyone can achieve.

Where Have All the Leaders Gone?
Lee Iacocca with Catherine Whitney
303.34 IACO

At 82, former Chrysler Corporation CEO Lee Iacocca has lived through the Great Depression, World War II, and the oil crises of the 1970s--it should come as no surprise that he's got some strong words for America's government and business leaders. Tackling everything from health care and the current crop of presidential hopefuls to energy policies and (of course) the auto industry, Iacocca is an engaging straight-talker--and he's even got a few suggestions. If you, too, are wondering where all the leaders went, you'll want to pick up this thought-provoking book.

See more information about the Lake County (IN) Public Library & its services to business at
http://www.lcplin.org/research/businesslines.htm

Friday, April 27, 2007

May - June Business at Lake County Public Library



NextReads is a new service offered by the Lake County Public Library. Sign up to receive reading recommendations via email! There are 22 different categories and Business Lines is highlighting the Business & Personal Finance newsletter.


After you subscribe, you will receive a confirmation email and the current issue of the newsletter(s) you select. Newsletters will be delivered to your e-mail box monthly or bi-monthly depending on the category selected.

Sample titles from the latest newsletter:


The Definitive Drucker: The Final Word from the Father of Modern Management - by Elizabeth Haas Edersheim
Publisher: McGraw-Hill
Pub Date: 12/01/2006
ISBN: 0071472339

Peter F. Drucker, one of the 20th century's foremost business and management theoreticians, had nearly 40 books to his name when he passed away in 2005. For The Definitive Drucker, business writer Elizabeth Edersheim was able to interview him many times, but she also spoke with dozens of highly placed managers who are also Drucker devotees, such as Jack Welch and Procter & Gamble CEO A.G. Lafley. For an exploration of Drucker's ideas and to see how they are played out in the modern business world, you'll want to check out The Definitive Drucker.



Made to Stick: Why Some Ideas Survive and Others Die - by Chip Heath & Dan Heath Publisher: Random House
Pub Date: 01/16/2007
ISBN: 1400064287

If you enjoyed Malcolm Gladwell's The Tipping Point, you're sure to appreciate Made to Stick, an "entertaining, practical guide to communication" (Publishers Weekly) by the Heath brothers (one's a business professor, the other a teacher). Curious about why some messages "stick" (Wendy's "Where's the Beef" commercials) and others don't? Then read about the six key principles that build stickiness and discover how to incorporate those six factors into a creative thought process. You won't want to waste any time in picking up Made to Stick!



How She Does It: How Women Entrepreneurs Are Changing the Rules of Business Success - by Margaret Heffernan
Publisher: Viking
Pub Date: 01/18/2007
ISBN: 0670038237

According to former CEO Margaret Heffernan, women-run companies are more likely to stay in business, grow faster, and show profits sooner than the average American firm. Why is that? Heffernan interviewed hundreds of women business owners to find out--and she discovered that the work-related talents that the women felt had not been supported in male-dominated corporate America were actually highly beneficial to a successful entrepreneur. While not a how-to, this is certainly an important book for all women looking to run their own companies.



Women & Money: Owning the Power to Control Your Destiny - by Suze Orman
Publisher: Spiegel & Grau
Pub Date: 02/27/2007
ISBN: 0385519311

Calling all women who want more control over their personal finances! In her latest book, money master Suze Orman explores the complex relationship between women and their finances. More than just a laundry list of suggestions to get you started, Women & Money offers a streamlined five-month plan that, by its end, will have you saving and ready to invest. If you want to learn more about managing your money, if you don't have a clue where to start, or even if you're afraid to look at your monthly bills, check out Women & Money and get started on the road to controlling your finances.


See more information about the Lake County (IN) Public Library & its services to business at http://www.lcplin.org/research/businesslines.htm







Friday, March 02, 2007

March - April Business at Lake County Public Library

NEW DVD BUSINESS TITLES:

BUILT TO CHANGE 54 minutes copyright 2006

In today’s highly competitive business environment, organizations must be ready to change and change frequently. Edward Lawler and Christopher Worley discuss methods for creating strategies, structures, communication processes, and human resource management practices that are designed to facilitate the ability of an organization to change.


ADAPTIVE ORGANIZATION
55 minutes copyright 2006

More than half of the change efforts at any major organization will tend to fail. Well-meaning leaders often neglect to follow through to the end of the project’s lifecycle. The answer is to engage every employee on the individual level, and challenge each one to make a personal commitment to the success of the organization.


FINDING UNTAPPED GROWTH IN EXISTING MARKETS 53 minutes copyright 2006

Managers are under constant pressure to grow, but it is often difficult to find new avenues of growth within an existing line of business. It is important to understand which customer behaviors make-and lose-money for your organization. Learn how to examine existing markets from a fresh perspective so you can uncover hidden, and perhaps unexpected, opportunities.


STRATEGIES FOR SELLING 47 minutes copyright 2006

Selling is not an event but a process. This process is ever changing, and requires a solid strategy to achieve positive results. Jim Healy explains how to manage the four dynamic and interactive functions of selling: analyzing the opportunity, positioning the solution, aligning with the power base, and overcoming resistance to buying. Believing that selling is a science as well as an art, Healy describes the skills that good sales people need to learn in order to develop an effective selling strategy.

Call the library at 769-3541 and make an appointment with one of our reference librarians for an overview of Lake County Public Library's business databases and a tour of our facility.

See more information about the Lake County (IN) Public Library & its services to business at http://www.lcplin.org/research/businesslines.htm

Thursday, January 18, 2007

January - February Business at Lake County Public Library

International Business....
Are you planning to expand your business into the international market this year? Check out the resources that are available to you at the Lake County Public Library:

Reference & circulating materials on International Business

Databases:
· Business & Company Resource Center – contains the latest business information drawn from the following sources: Encyclopedia of Associations: International Organizations, Encyclopedia of Global Industries, International Directory of Company Histories, and World Market Share Reporter
· Disclosure – Directory information on companies publicly traded on U.S. exchanges.
· International Businesses: One Source – Global Business Brower including Asia – Pacific Edition, European Edition, and U.K. Edition. Three million international businesses and in depth data on more than 100 major industries
· STAT USA – GLOBUS & NTDB – a comprehensive source for credible trade leads and timely market research
· Worldscope – Basic financial information on public companies worldwide

Library Tours & Speaker Service

Booklists & brochures

Call the library at 769-3541 and make an appointment with one of our reference librarians for an overview of Lake County Public Library's business databases and a tour of our facility.

See more information about the Lake County (IN) Public Library & its services to business at http://www.lcplin.org/research/businesslines.htm