Business Lines

Business Resources 2012

2012-01-16T08:26:00.000-08:00

2012 business

View more presentations from Lake County Public Library

Happy New Year!

2012-01-12T12:17:00.000-08:00

Make 2012 the year you visit your local public library. All the resources that are available for businesses may surprise you.

Online Databases - with a library card and pin number you have access to 13 premier business databases.

Magazines & Newspapers - browse the library’s collection of business journals and national newspapers, such as the New York Times and the Wall Street Journal.

Books - the library maintains a current collection of business titles that will guide and encourage the entrepreneur. Many of the titles are also available in eBook format.

Marketing - the library markets its resources through subject booklists, the Business Lines blog and Business Lines print newsletter.

Call or stop in today for a sampling of resources to help grow your business in 2012.

REFERENCE USA

2011-10-28T12:33:00.000-07:00

Reference USA Business databases contain detailed information on more than 12 million U.S. businesses. Details include sales figures, executive names and number of employees. Searches can be performed using these categories and more. Reference USA Residential information covers 102 million U.S. residents and is compiled from more than 3,900 White Page telephone directories.

Want to see how it works? Click on the Reference USA database and view the tutorials.

Don't forget to check out the U.S.New Movers/Homeowners module that contains over 300,000 new weekly entries.

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

NEW BUSINESS BOOKS

2011-09-28T13:18:00.000-07:00

23 Things They Don't Tell You About Capitalism by Ha-Joon Chang
"Thing 1: There is no such thing as free market. Thing 4: The washing machine has changed the world more than the Internet. Thing 5: Assume the worst about people, and you get the worst. Thing 13: Making rich people richer doesn't make the rest of us richer."

Clark Howard's Living Large in Lean Times: 250+ ways to buy smarter, spend smarter, and save money! by Mark Meltzer
"Living Large in Lean Times is Clark's ultimate guide to saving money, covering everything from cell phones to student loans, coupon websites to mortgages, investing to electric bills, and beyond."

Warren Buffett Invests Like a Girl: And Why You Should Too by Motley Fool.
"Warren Buffett and all of the women of the world have one thing in common: They are better investors than the average man, a fact proven by psychologists, scientists, and the value of their portfolios. In this well-researched, eye-opening, and wonderfully witty must-have book, the impresarios at The Motley Fool show that women, with their capability for patience and good decision-making, epitomize the Foolish investment philosophy, and the investment practices of the most successful investor in history: Warren Buffett."

Your Job Survival Guide: A Manual for Thriving in Change by Gregory Shea.
"Change. It’s your job. It just won’t stop. It’s relentless. It keeps coming at you like never-ending rapids in a permanent whitewater river. Change will burn you out if you don’t learn how to handle it. This book is not, however, about mere survival. It is about thriving amidst the challenges of your permanent whitewater world at work."

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

Hoover's Online

2011-08-05T13:36:00.000-07:00

Hoover's Online provides comprehensive up-to-date information through a global database of 17 million companies, 3 million decision makers, 700 industries, and a proprietary data collection process. In-depth company coverage of the leading 44,000 public and private companies is featured.

If you haven't used Hoover's online database for awhile, now is the time to take another look. In response to customer feedback, they have updated the website and made it easier to navigate.

Just click on the Resource Center tab to access training videos to explore the many features of Hoover's. With a Lake County Public Library card and a pin number you can access this database from home or office.

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

New Database: LexisNexis Library Express

2011-06-07T14:01:00.000-07:00

LexisNexis Library Express has long been used by professionals in business, law, and government for research. This easy-to-use online service contains a combination of news, business, and legal information geared for public library users.

The legal module (available on computers in the library only) contains Federal & State cases, Landmark Cases, Federal & State Statutes, Codes and Regulations, Tax Law, and more.

The news coverage includes backfiles and current stories in national and regional newspapers, wire services, broadcast transcripts, international news, and foreign-language sources.

The business module contains company profiles and dossiers on over 43 million companies. Use this database to create company lists and compare companies.

The following video will give you an online introduction to this outstanding database.

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

New Business Books

2011-05-12T07:35:00.000-07:00

Crush Price Objections: Sales Tactics for Holding Your Ground and Protecting Your Profit by Tom Reilly

These days it seems like we're always in a "buyer's market." But even at a time the word "value" is used interchangeably with "cheap," and the Internet is a bargain hunter's paradise, there are ways for sales professionals to regain the upper hand. In Crush Price Objections!, Tom Reilly, bestselling author of Value-Added Selling, teaches field-tested, street-smart tactics for engaging price shoppers and holding the line on profits.

Let's Get Real or Let's Not Play: Transforming the Buyer/Seller Relationship by Mahan Khalsa

Too often, the sales process is all about fear.
Customers are afraid that they will be talked into making a mistake; salespeople dread being unable to close the deal and make their quotas. No one is happy.
Mahan Khalsa and Randy Illig offer a better way. Salespeople, they argue, do best when they focus 100 percent on helping clients succeed. When customers are successful, both buyer and seller win. When they aren’t, both lose.

Pay Attention!: How to Listen, Respond, and Profit from Customer Feedback by Ann Thomas

Make customer feedback work for your business.
Customers are speaking loud and clear through a miriad of mediums. Evidence shows that customers will no longer stand for the hurried and complacent service that has become the norm. They are looking for a positive, memorable experience. Organizations that provide that level of service will earn their loyalty. Customers base their decisions on nothing more than a positive or negative review of your product and/or service.
Pay Attention! paves the way.

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

NEW BUSINESS BOOKS

2011-03-21T14:26:00.001-07:00

Playbook for Success: A Hall of Famers Business Tactics for Teamwork and Leadership by Nancy Lieberman. 2011
In Playbook for Success, Hall of Fame Business Entrepreneur Nancy Lieberman brings her leadership and coaching ability to the boardroom to teach professional women the same rules of success she teaches her players.

The Futures: The Rise of the Speculator and the Origins of the World's Biggest Markets by Emily Lambert. 2011
In The Futures, Emily Lambert, senior writer at Forbes magazine, tells us the rich and dramatic history of the Chicago Mercantile Exchange and Chicago Board of Trade, which together comprised the original, most bustling futures market in the world.

The Little Book of Alternative Investments (Little Books, Big Profits) by Ben Stein. 2011
Bestselling authors Ben Stein and Phil DeMuth know that investors are bored with their typical 60/40 stock & bond portfolios and .... recommend that investors look outside of the box to hedge funds, real estate, gold, commodities, and even art as souces of investment income.

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

Database of the Month - Plunkett Research Online

2011-02-09T11:14:00.000-08:00

With a library card and a pin number Lake County Public Library patrons have online access to this outstanding business database from any location.

If you don't have a library card, you can access the information in this database at any one of Lake County Public Library's eleven locations.

Use this database to conduct business & industry research, create marketing plans, analyze emerging technologies, analyze major companies, develop business plans & sales guides, download prospect lists and much more.

Information is timely and up-to-date with a weekly update schedule.

For an overview of Plunkett's take a look at the following tutorial created by Plunkett Research.

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

NEW BUSINESS TITLES

2011-01-03T09:52:00.000-08:00

Make visiting the library one of your 2011 New Year's Resolutions. While you are at the library, check out one of these new business titles.

The Other Side of Innovation: Solving the Execution Challenge
by Vijay Govindarajan
658.4063 GOVI
Companies can’t survive without innovating. But most put far more emphasis on generating Big Ideas than on executing them—turning ideas into actual breakthrough products, services, and process improvements. Govindarajan guides the reader in the actual execution of ideas.

The Now Habit at Work: Perform Optimally, Maintain Focus, and Ignite Motivation in Yourself and Others
by Neil Fiore
155.232 FIOR
Increase productivity, efficiency, and full-brain power when you apply Now Habit strategies to your business. What if working harder, stressing more, and putting in more hours aren't the secret to success? What if truly effective managers, entrepreneurs, and businesspeople simply use more of their brain to make creative decisions, work in the zone, and live more fully in the process?

globalization: n. the irrational fear that someone in China will take your job
by Bruce C. N. Greenwald
337 GREE
Most supporters and opponents of globalization accept as true certain key ideas that govern the terms of the debate. Globalization, they contend, is the single dominant force shaping the world’s economies both today and into the future; an irresistible and growing part of economic reality. They see the fates of business, labor, and entire nations all determined by their ability to adapt to its dictates. These and other similar notions have become so completely accepted that they are now embraced as the conventional wisdom.

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

Marketing & Sales

2010-11-11T09:21:00.000-08:00

Looking for ways to market your business and increase sales? The Lake County Public Library has many resources to help you grow your business: books, magazines, and databases.

DICTIONARIES AND DIRECTORIES
R658.8003 DACK
Advanced Dictionary of Marketing This advanced dictionary of marketing focuses on leading-edge terminology for use by individuals who are interested in the theory and practice of marketing.

R658.02207 SMAL
Small Business SourcebookA two volume annotated guide to thousands of listings of sources of information designed to help businesses through start-up, development, and growth.

R338.0973 ANNU
Annual Statement Studies This source can be used as a benchmark to compare with your sales and profits. It includes detailed balance sheet analysis of businesses by industry.

R912 RAND (atlas stand)
Commercial Atlas & Marketing Guide This guide features population, economic, and geographic data for more than 124,000 places and includes income, purchasing power, and sales data, and major and basic trading areas.

CHECKOUT THESE TITLES
658.8 EVER
The Entrepreneur's Guide to MarketingRobert F. Everett

658.8 HIAM
Marketing for DummiesAlexander Hiam

658.8340835 YARR
Gen buY: How Tweens, Teens, and Twenty-somethings Are Revolutionizing RetailKit Yarrow

658.834082 SKOL
Too Busy to Shop: Marketing to "Multi-minding" WomenKelley Murray Skoloda

658.85 COOK
Sales Blazers: 8 Goal-shattering Strategies from the World's Top Sales LeadersMark Cook

USEFUL DATABASES
Business and Company Resource Center (www.lcplin.org)
A fully integrated resource bringing together company profiles, brand information, rankings, investment reports, company histories, chronologies and periodicals.

Reference USA (www.lcplin.org)
Profiles businesses, residents and new movers/homeowners -- create custom searches by county, area code or zip code and download mailing labels to market your product or business.

Visit your local library today and check out one of these business books. See more information about the Lake County (IN) Public Library & its services to business at http://www.lcplin.org/research/businesslines.htm

New Business Titles to Check Out

2010-08-06T11:25:00.000-07:00

The Upside of Irrationality: The Unexpected Benefits of Defying Logic at Work and at Home - by Dan Ariely
153.4ARIE
In his bestselling debut, Predictably Irrational, Duke professor Dan Ariely addressed the negative effect of irrational decision-making; here, he changes tack completely to concentrate on the desirable outcomes that can sometimes result from irrational decisions. Divided into two sections that address decision-making at home and at work, The Upside of Irrationality features many behavioral experiments that back up Ariely's argument, including one that studies the effect of taking breaks while accomplishing a boring task (it's a bad idea). In addition, Ariely shares more of his own personal experiences, making his second book "enriching and eye-opening" (Publishers Weekly).

The Referral Engine: Teaching Your Business How to Market Itself - by John Jantsch
658.872JANT
When it comes to advertising your business, author John Jantsch argues that word-of-mouth recommendations are more effective than traditional marketing campaigns. Why? Because talking about our experiences (whether they are good or bad) is a very common, human activity, and one that Jantsch suggests you take advantage of by implementing a consistent approach to developing personal connections with customers, employees, and business partners. In case you're mystified by the process, Jantsch breaks it down into simple steps and provides examples from successful and innovative companies like Carhartt, Southwest Airlines, and TerraCycle.

The Pleasures and Sorrows of Work - by Alain De Botton
306.36DEBO
Pondering the meaning and significance of what we do for a living and the elements of a job that make it pleasurable, onerous, or downright awful, The Pleasures and Sorrows of Work portrays the work done in several different settings, from the office to the factory and on into creative or just out-of-the-ordinary spheres (think painting, or the Maldives' Minister of fish). More than just descriptions of career options, this combination of solid reporting and philosophy "expands beyond the workplace to investigate the broader meaning of life" (Publishers Weekly). Pair it with Matthew Crawford's Shop Class as Soulcraft for a closer look at the value of skilled labor.

Visit your local library today and check out one of these business books. See more information about the Lake County (IN) Public Library & its services to business at http://www.lcplin.org/research/businesslines.htm

Home-Based Business

2010-05-07T13:11:00.000-07:00

Starting a home-based business can be a complicated undertaking. Take advantage of the many resources available at the Lake County Public Library: books, magazines, and databases.

BOOKS

331.2567 JOHN

Tory Johnson

Will Work from Home: Earn the Cash - Without the Commute

658.041 EDWA

Paul Edwards

Home-Based Business for Dummies

658.0412 FITZ

Diana Fitzpatrick

The Work from Home Handbook: Flex Your Time, Improve Your Life

MAGAZINES

Some magazines speciallize in information for small businesses. The following titles contain advice for new ventures as well as ideas for expanding or growing an existing business. Check them out today:

BizVoice

Entrepreneur

Small Business Opportunities

DATABASES

Business & Company Resource Center - includes full text articles on home-based businesses and links to trade associations that are useful for the new entrepreneur.

Plunkett Research Online - contains data on 32 major industries. Use this database to conduct business & industry research, create marketing plans, analyze emerging technologies, develop business plans & sales guides, and download prospect lists.

Small Business Resource Center - available through INSPIRE, this database provides over 400 sample business plans.

USEFUL WEBSITES

The Small Business Advocate - http://www.smallbusinessadvocate.com/

National Association for the Self-Employed - http://www.nase.org/

The USA Home-Based Business Page - http://www.usahomebusiness.com/

Visit your local library today and inquire about these useful resources for starting your own home-based business. See more information about the Lake County (IN) Public Library and its services to business at http://www.lcplin.org/research/businesslines.htm

Focus on: Entrepreneurship

2010-03-19T08:02:00.000-07:00

An entrepreneur is a person who comes up with a new idea or invention and brings together a country's resources (land, labor and capital) to take the idea to the marketplace. Entrepreneurs manage and assume the risk of a business enterprise.

Are you ready to start your own business? These books might help you decide:

Birthing the Elephant: The Woman's Go-For-It! Guide to Overcoming the Big Challenges of Launching a Business - by Karin Abarbanel and Bruce Freeman
658.11082 ABAR
There are thousands of women out there who own or run companies--and thousands more still in the planning process. If you're in the latter camp, Birthing the Elephant (from start to finish, launching a business takes as long as an elephant's gestation--22 months) might be a good place for you to get advice and encouragement. Featuring examples of successful start-ups in a variety of industries and focusing on the emotional side of the process, the authors are "bluntly honest" (Booklist). For another woman-centered book, try Ann Holmes' There's a Business in Every Woman.

The Knack: How Street-Smart Entrepreneurs Learn to Handle Whatever Comes Up - by Norm Brodsky and Bo Burlingham
658.11 BROD
From the basics of accounting to advice on how to maintain good relationships with banks and lenders, this street-smart guide by Inc. magazine columnists Norm Brodsky and Bo Burlingham serves as a sort of print mentor for budding entrepreneurs. And because it includes real-life stories about how companies met various challenges--by identifying potential problems, focusing on goals, and maintaining perspective--it should help you to avoid pitfalls as you start or grow your business. As Booklist says, "this road map for success should be required reading for those planning a new venture."

The Big Idea: How to Make Your Entrepreneurial Dreams Come True, from the Aha Moment to Your First Million - by Donny Deutsch
658.11412 DEUT
If you ever watched Donny Deutsch's CNBC talk show, The Big Idea, you're probably familiar with some of his featured guests--ordinary men and women who made it big by following through on ideas they believed in. In this book, Deutsch's second, he offers up profiles of these entrepreneurs and shares what he's learned from their successes. He also gives practical advice and suggests resources for others wanting to start or build a business. Though his television show is on hiatus, Deutsch's enthusiasm is obvious, so whether you need encouragement or guidance, you'll find it here.

Go It Alone! The Secret to Building a Successful Business on Your Own - by Bruce Judson
658.1141 JUDS
This unconventional business book explains how a lone entrepreneur can build a successful business--with much less risk and startup capital than you might expect. Bruce Judson, a faculty fellow at Yale School of Management, provides case studies of successful go-it-alone businesses to show that keeping a small business small allows entrepreneurs to focus on their particular strengths--and can result in unlimited revenue potential. In addition, he'll help you figure out if you're ready to take the plunge, and show you ways to outsource some of the services you might need. If you're looking for "sound, cogent advice" (Booklist), you'll find it here.

Visit your local library today and check out one of these business books. See more information about the Lake County (IN) Public Library & its services to business at http://www.lcplin.org/research/businesslines.htm

2010 Business & Investment

2010-02-10T14:46:00.001-08:00

Check out this SlideShare Presentation:

2010 Business & Investment

View more presentations from lcplreference.

LCPL December Business News

2009-12-01T10:25:00.000-08:00

NEW AND RECENTLY RELEASED BUSINESS BOOKS

Googled: The End of the World as We Know It - by Ken Auletta
338.761025 AULE
Though the Internet existed well before Google did, for some of us it's hard to imagine life online without it. Certainly it has made its way into our vocabulary in a way that few other companies, products, or services have. Starting with Google's origins at Stanford and its rapid advance towards profitability, media critic Ken Auletta examines the influence of Google on today's media landscape, includes profiles of company founders Larry Page and Sergey Brin, and offers insight into their lucrative business processes. He also looks to the future in assessing the internal and external threats that may inhibit the company's future prospects. "Sharp and probing," says Publishers Weekly.

Adland: Searching for the Meaning of Life on a Branded Planet - by James P. Othmer
658.1092 OTHM
With 20ish years in the ad business under his belt, author James P. Othmer collected enough anecdotes to write a well-received satiric novel about a predictor of cultural trends (The Futurist). He's now also written a memoir, which details not only his experiences in advertising but also its future as traditional branding expands onto the Internet. From the creative highs to the soul-scorching lows, Othmer makes even selling cat litter sound entertaining. Aspiring advertisers will want to read this, as will those interested in the role that advertising plays in influencing popular culture.

Too Big to Fail: The Inside Story of How Wall Street and Washington Fought to Save the Financial System--and Themselves - by Andrew Ross Sorkin
330.9730931 SORK
This bestselling account of the recent near-collapse of the U.S. financial system details the events step by critical step. Since so many books have been written on this very topic, you may be wondering what makes Too Big to Fail stand out from the crowd. In this case, it's the author's credentials--Andrew Ross Sorkin is the chief mergers and acquisitions reporter for the New York Times, and he's won the prestigious Gerald Loeb award for his work. Heavily researched and full of behind-the-scenes tidbits, Sorkin's book will give you an insider's perspective of the financial crisis as it occurred.

In Fed We Trust: Ben Bernanke's War on the Great Panic - by David Wessel
332.110973 WESS
Though we haven't yet emerged fully from the financial meltdown that started in 2007, In Fed We Trust is just one of many books examining its causes and consequences that have been published in recent months. This one (which The New York Times calls "essential, lucid--and, it turns out, riveting") is a combination of a history of the Federal Reserve, a biography of Chairman Ben Bernanke, and an account of the steps that Bernanke, former Treasury Secretary Henry Paulson, and others took to minimize the damage to the U.S. economy. Check it out if you're looking to learn more about what happened--and how it could have been so much worse.

If you'd like to receive new business titles like these in your email, click on the link for Next Reads and sign up.

Visit your local library today and check out one of these new business books. See more information about the Lake County (IN) Public Library & its services to business at http://www.lcplin.org/research/businesslines.htm

LCPL November Business News

2009-11-02T13:21:00.000-08:00

Top Business Books of 2009
This list is from the October 1, 2009 Booklist article by Brad Hooper.

The Ascent of Money: A Financial History of the World. By Niall Ferguson
330.09 FERG
A British historian takes a fresh look at the history of money and its ramifications on the evolution of modern life.

Fordlandia:The Rise and Fall of Henry Ford’s Forgotten Jungle City . By Greg Grandin
307.7680981 GRAN
Henry Ford needed rubber for his tires and purchased a land tract in the Amazon, and the result was Fordlandia, a massively overreaching project.

The Impulse Factor: Why Some of Us Play It Safe and Others Risk It All. By Nick Tasler
153.83 TASL
Great ideas and counsel about the nature-versus-nurture debate.

The 100 Best Business Books of All Time: What They Say, Why They Matter, and How They Can Help You. By Jack Covert and Todd Sattersten
650.16 COVE
Out of the countless business books the authors have read every year for a quarter century, they have culled 100 of the best and presented them in review format.

Panic:The Story of Modern Financial Insanity . Ed. by Michael Lewis
338.542 PANI
Lewis presents an anthology of financial writing done immediately before, during, and after the panics that have occurred since 1987 to show how financial markets now operate.

Stealing MySpace: The Battle to Control the Most Popular Website in America. By Julia Angwin VNF.CD.ANGW SMB G45
The author traces the development of MySpace, sorting out its convoluted journey to success.

Why GM Matters: Inside the Race to Transform an American Icon. By William J. Holstein 629.222068 HOLS
Holstein argues that GM is worth saving because for every manufacturing job, there are 10 jobs throughout the whole chain of suppliers that also serve Ford and Chrysler; thus, a defense of GM makes sense.

Visit your local library today and check out one of these new business books.See more information about the Lake County (IN) Public Library & its services to business at http://www.lcplin.org/research/businesslines.htm

LCPL October Business News

2009-10-06T07:58:00.000-07:00

NEW BUSINESS AND PERSONAL FINANCE TITLES

The Cost of Bad Behavior: How Incivility is Damaging Your Business and What to Do About It - by Christine M. Pearson and Christine Porath
658.3145 PEAR
We've all dealt with instances of rudeness--and probably have all been rude to others ourselves--but have you ever stopped to wonder how incivility at work might affect a company's competitiveness and financial success? Having identified a spectrum of behaviors as rude (from texting during meetings to closing coworkers out of a network), professors of management Christine Pearson and Christine Porath then go on to examine their effects on morale, productivity, and, ultimately, the bottom line. Their estimate of the price of rudeness is high, but fortunately they share useful strategies that employers and employees alike can implement to reduce incivility and increase cooperation and respect.

Cheap: The High Cost of Discount Culture - by Ellen Ruppel Shell
381.1490973 SHEL
Generally speaking, mass-produced items have two things going for them--they're cheap and they're readily available. But as Atlantic correspondent Ellen Ruppel Shell shows, they also have long-term economic, environmental, and political costs. By focusing on low prices, Shell argues, competition among producers has led to lower wages (for jobs that have now gone overseas) and standards while consumers are offered a wide array of poorly made gadgets and clothes (and furniture, and food, and so on). If you're at all interested in modern consumerism, Shell's discussion of the hidden costs of cheap goods will definitely have you thinking twice about focusing on price to the exclusion of all else.

Gen BuY: How Tweens, Teens, and Twenty-Somethings Are Revolutionizing Retail - by Kit Yarrow and Jayne O'Donnell
658.8340835 YARR
If you find your interest piqued by books on shopping behavior and psychology (like Paco Underhill's classic Why We Buy), you'll find Gen BuY equally interesting. Or, if you're in the business of selling products to today's tweens, teens, and 20-somethings, you'll find this in-depth look at the buying behaviors of Generation Y extremely useful in keeping your business relevant. Covering what motivates Gen-Y-ers to buy, how their combined purchasing power is affecting the American market, and which companies are already successfully marketing to them, Gen BuY is a must-read for marketers everywhere.

Start Small, Finish Big: Fifteen Key Lessons to Start--and Run--Your Own Successful Business - by Fred DeLuca with John P. Hayes
658.041 DELU
Fred DeLuca, founder of the Subway restaurant chain, had never made a sub before opening his first sandwich shop at the age of 17. Now he's president of the highly successful company and runs a nonprofit organization that makes microloans to entrepreneurs. In 2000, he drew on his experience building and running Subway to present the 15 principles he believes that successful small business owners must stand by, such as "Believe in Your People" and "Continuously Improve Your Business." Using examples from other entrepreneurs, DeLuca illustrates what it takes to achieve your goals. If you're looking for inspiration as well as instruction, Smart Small, Finish Big is a great place to find it.

Alpha Dogs: How Your Small Business Can Become a Leader of the Pack by Donna Fenn
658.022 FENN
It's a tough climate out there for many small businesses these days, but there are practical strategies that small business owners can implement in order to boost sales and achieve growth. In Alpha Dogs, journalist Donna Fenn highlights eight successful entrepreneurs and the businesses they built--from a 12-location ice cream store in Austin, Texas, to the Thor-Lo sock company--and provides a guide to the practical and effective steps they took on their way up. From superlative customer service to creating community connections and keeping up with technological innovations, these business owners have what it takes; with this book you, too, can benefit from their success.

Visit your local library today and check out one of these new business books.

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

LCPL September Business News

2009-09-02T13:54:00.000-07:00

NEW BUSINESS DATABASE - Value Line Research Center

The Value Line Research Center includes on-line access to Value Line’s leading publications covering stocks, mutual funds, options and convertible securities as well as special situation stocks.

This service is available through Value Line’s website only and includes full subscriptions to:
□ The Value Line Investment Survey
□ The Value Line Investment Survey – Small and Mid-Cap edition
□ The Value Line Fund Advisor – PLUS
□ The Value Line Daily Options Survey
□ The Value Line Special Situations Service
□ The Value Line Convertibles Survey

If you need help using this online source, click on the Education Tab at the top of the page to access the print overview or watch one of the short video clips.

The Education Center also offers Value Line University courses on basic investing as well as tips for building an investment portfolio.

Value Line Investment Survey, the most heavily used of the VL publications, includes the Part I Summary & Index, Part II Selection and Opinion, and Part III Ratings & Reports. Weekly reports are posted online on Mondays at 8 am Eastern Time.

If your interests lie with small & mid-cap, mutual funds, options, emerging companies or convertibles, try one of the other publication links.

Call or stop in today for a demonstration of The Value Line Research Center.

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

LCPL August Business News

2009-08-19T07:16:00.000-07:00

NEW BUSINESS DATABASE: FIRST RESEARCH

First Research is an online library of industry profiles covering over 700 key industries and 50 State and Canadian Province reports to aid users in understaning the challenges, opportunities, and operations for a variety of industry segments.

Each industry overview includes the products, finances, competition, and regional as well as international issues affecting the industry.

Core Tools:

Industry Profiles - easy to read and updated quarterly in-depth industry summaries
Call Prep Sheets - one-page industry overviews help with sales calls
State & Province Profiles - concise view of economic and business issues using state & province specific employment data, real estate info and more

Sample questions that you can answer with this new database:

1. Is landscaping a good business to start? Using this database, find information on the landscaping industry as well as local real estate information.

2. Do you have a job interview or are you making a sales call on a business? Do your research with First Research and print a Call Prep Question sheet before you go.

Call or stop in today for a demonstration of First Research.

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

July Business News at Lake County Public Library

2009-07-16T08:19:00.000-07:00

Business and Personal Finance Titles from NEXT READS

NEW AND RECENTLY RELEASED!

Stealing MySpace: The Battle to Control the Most Popular Website in America - by Julia Angwin
VNF CD ANGW SMB 645
Like many great enterprises, social-networking giant MySpace started small--it was also underfunded and not exactly up to par technologically. But from its shaky beginnings it rose to become one of the most popular destinations on the Internet. Exactly how the founders--two marketing executives who once sold wrinkle cream online--started a site that was eventually bought for $600 million by Rupert Murdoch is, if not the stuff of legends, then at least, as seen in Stealing MySpace, "entertaining and drama-filled" (Publishers Weekly).

The 21st Century Economy: A Beginner's Guide: With 101 Easy-to-Learn Tools for Surviving and Thriving in the New Global Marketplace - by Randy Charles Epping
330.9 EPPI
This comprehensive beginner's guide to understanding the global economy defines key ideas and commonly used words and phrases (such as carbon footprint, WTO, economies of scale, NAFTA, and more) to explain the rapidly changing way business is done in the 21st century. The author also pays close attention to the terms we've all been hearing more and more often over the past year, such as credit default swap and subprime debt. Between the glossary, the topically organized chapters, and the accessible explanations, you'll soon be reading the business page with ease.

Financially Ever After: The Couples' Guide to Managing Money - by Jeff D. Opdyke
332.024 OPDY
Ok, so you've said "I do." Now what? How do you go from being responsible for only your own financial needs to sharing those responsibilities--and needs--with another person? Whether you've just tied the knot or have been married for a while and are still struggling with sharing finances, you'll find a lot of practical advice in Financially Ever After. From the sorts of questions you should ask your partner to plans that divide financial chores, Jeff Opdyke, the long-time "Love & Money" columnist for the Wall Street Journal, handles it all in a "sensitive and sensible manual" (Publishers Weekly).

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

June Business News @ Lake County Public Library

2009-06-03T08:38:00.000-07:00

Plunkett Research Online is LCPL's newest business database. This database contains data on 32 major industries. Use can use it to conduct business & industry research, create marketing plans, analyze emerging technologies, analyze major companies, develop business plans & sales guides, download prospect lists and much more.

The top 500 companies in each industry sector are profiled. Information is timely and up-to-date with a weekly update schedule.

NOTE: It also has a Job Seeker Resources & Tools Center. This is not only a great resource for job seekers but for the employer as well.

Call the library or come in today for a demonstration.

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

May Business News at Lake County Public Library

2009-05-06T12:23:00.000-07:00

Are you engaging in foreign importing or exporting in your business? Need contact information on foreign companies? Take another look at D & B's Million Dollar Database - we've added new modules to our subscription.

Dun & Bradstreet’s Million Dollar Database allows users to access company information by searching numerous search fields such as company name, SIC number, NAICS number, Ticker Symbol, or type of industry, just to name a few.

D & B’s Library Market Database includes all businesses in the U.S., Canada, & Mexico regardless of size, plus international businesses with $500,000+ sales or 20+ employees.

So if you're looking for a list of manufacturers in a particular industry internationally, try a D & B search. Or if you interested in knowing the top ten businesses in Lake County by sales, click on this database.

Data is timely and is updated every 60 days.

Call or come in today for a demonstration of D & B's improved features and search selects for businesses throughout the world.

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

April Business News at Lake County Public Library

2009-04-08T10:15:00.000-07:00

This month we'll take a look at an old friend - REFERENCE USA.

The Reference USA Business databases contain detailed information on more than 12 million U.S. businesses. Details include sales figures, executive names and number of employees. Searches can be performed using these categories and more. Reference USA Residential information covers 102 million U.S. residents and is compiled from more than 3,900 White Page telephone directories.

Some examples of improvements and enhancements:
Search by 800 Numbers - Quickly narrow your search results to display companies that either have or do not have an 800 number.
Search by Brands & Products - Access to more than 60,000 brands, trade names and products, and the companies they are associated with.
Display Executive Biographies - Displays a description of the executive's professional status, education, employment history, and when available, interests and hobbies.
Nearby Businesses - This feature shows you the 10 businesses nearest to your record of interest.

Data downloads now include customization - select the fields that you want and need for business records.

Best of all library patrons can now download twenty-five records remotely.

Call or come in today for a demonstration of REFERENCE USA 's new improved features and search selects.

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

Business at Lake County Public Library

2009-02-12T12:38:00.000-08:00

With the downturn in the economy all eyes are on the Economic Stimulus Package - take a break and check out some of these new business books at the library.

New & Recently Released Business Titles

The Wall Street Journal Complete Home Owner's Guidebook: Make the Most of Your Biggest Asset in Any Market - by David Crook
643.12 CROO
Whether you're considering buying your first home or are working off that monthly mortgage payment, this must-read will give you the complete picture of home ownership, even in a troubled real-estate market. Arranged in "chronological" order (from before-you-buy to free-and-clear home ownership), this book can be read straight through, or dipped into at the part of the cycle relevant to you. Can owning a home save--or even earn--you money? Read author David Crook's book to help you figure out whether the biggest purchase of most people's lifetimes is a sensible one for you to make.

The Big Idea: How to Make Your Entrepreneurial Dreams Come True, From the Aha Moment to Your First Million - by Donny Deutsch
658.11412 DEUT
If you've watched Donny Deutsch's CNBC television show, The Big Idea, you're probably familiar with his stories of ordinary men and women who have made it big by following through on ideas they believed in. In this book, Deutsch's second, he offers up profiles of the entrepreneurs from his show and shares what he's learned from their successes. He also gives practical advice and suggests resources for others wanting to start or build a business.

The New Paradigm for Financial Markets: The Credit Crisis of 2008 and What It Means - by George Soros
332.0973 SORO
In The New Paradigm for Financial Markets, financial speculator and philanthropist George Soros tackles the origins of the current financial crisis and explores the implications it has for the future, both within the U.S. and globally. In the midst of what Soros calls ''the worst financial crisis since the 1930s," he uses his knowledge of financial markets to explain the credit crisis and to suggest some solutions, but most importantly he shares his philosophy on how markets operate. For those of you familiar with the weaknesses of the efficient markets theory, Soros' ideas--developed decades ago--will be of much interest.

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

Business at Lake County Public Library

2009-01-06T08:01:00.000-08:00

It's a new year and I'd like to introduce a website new to me. If you are planning to go international with your business this year or would just like to see economies around the world, browse this website.

bp Business Planet

Mapping the Business Environment

Business Planet maps online databases of the World Bank Group that support private sector-led growth and financial market development in developing countries. The map is powered by Google Maps but Business Planet adds the disclaimer that country borders or names are not necessarily reflective of the World Bank Group's official position.

Click on the Doing Business link and take a trip around the world to discover how easy (or difficult) it is to do business in 181 countries.

If you click on a color marker, you will learn more about each economy, such as getting construction permits, getting credit, paying taxes, employing workers, trading across borders, and much more.

Data profile(from website):

-Year: 2008

-Ecomomies: 181

-Objective: Provide objective measures of business regulations and their

enforcement

-Source: Doing Business

For more information on Business Plans, Marketing and the library's Business Databases, contact the reference department at 219.769.3541 and make an appointment today.

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

December Business at Lake County Public Library

2008-12-08T07:14:00.000-08:00

HOLIDAY GIFT IDEAS for the person who has everything....check out these new business titles at the Lake County Public Library.

The Smart Cookies' Guide to Making More Dough: How Five Young Women Got Smart, Formed a Money Club, and Took Control of Their Finances - by The Smart Cookies with Jennifer Barrett
332.024 SMAR
Two years ago, five friends created the Smart Cookies Money Group when they realized that, despite good jobs, they had $35,000 in credit card debt between them and very little savings. Spurred by an episode of Oprah featuring financial advice, the women took it upon themselves to learn the basics of spending, saving, investing, and paying down debt. In one year, they paid off nearly half of their debt, saved $15,000, contributed to retirement accounts, and even began the process of buying homes. In a straightforward and accessible manner, they present their stories, and, more importantly, the steps they took to achieve their success.

Saving the World at Work: What Companies and Individuals Can Do to Go Beyond Making a Profit to Making a Difference - by Tim Sanders
658.408 SAND
According to former Yahoo CSO Tim Sanders, the business world is facing a revolution--the "Responsibility Revolution." Sanders argues that mindful consumers want to work for, invest in, and buy goods and services from companies that focus on social responsibility as well as on the bottom line. To that end, he offers concrete suggestions--and examples--for transforming corporate cultures into ones that support both community involvement and a "green" approach to day-to-day operations. Check out the book--and his website--to learn how you, and your company, can make a difference, and a profit. Don't think you can do it? Think again.

The Snowball: Warren Buffett and the Business of Life - by Alice Schroeder
B BUF SCHR
A lot of books have been written about legendary investor Warren Buffett, but for an up-to-date portrait of the life and career of the "Oracle of Omaha," author Alice Schroeder's hefty biography is a good place to start. Thanks to her extensive access to Buffett himself, Schroeder sheds new light not only on his career, business principles, and strategies, but also on his private life, a topic on which he is usually quite silent. For another biography, try Roger Lowenstein's Buffet: The Making of an American Capitalist (first published in 1995); for something by Buffett himself, try The Essays of Warren Buffett: Lessons for Corporate America.

Planet Google: How One Company's All-Encompassing Vision Is Transforming Our Lives - by Randall Stross
338.761025 STRO
Sometimes it's hard to imagine what life was like before Google, but if you're curious about the chain of events that led to the creation and rapid growth of this Internet leader or about Google's business goals and strategies, you'll want to check out this "spellbinding behind-the-scenes look" (Publishers Weekly) at the company's history--and future. Drawing on unprecedented access to Google's CEO and the heads of its newest businesses, Planet Google traces the story of the company's ambitions and influence (including such topics as its recent acquisitions and its role in reshaping business and culture) in a fair and impartial manner.

Go Green, Live Rich: 50 Simple Ways to Save the Earth and Get Rich Trying - by David Bach, with Hillary Rosner
640 BACH
If you're concerned by two major issues in the news now--climate change and finance--this book will help you learn how you can improve both situations. With 50 suggestions that will help you save the planet and save money, Go Green, Live Rich runs the gamut from simple tips (turn off your computer monitor) to more labor-intensive ones (grow your own vegetables). There's something for everyone here (how about a volunteer vacation?), and author David Bach (Start Late, Finish Rich) offers resources that will help you make a success of both your financial plan and your greener lifestyle.

These titles are from our online newsletter - Business and Personal Finance. Haven't signed up yet? Treat yourself today and click on NEXT READS .

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

November Business at Lake County Public Library

2008-11-17T14:17:00.000-08:00

NEW BUSINESS DVD TITLES at the Lake County Public Library

DVD 658.812 WHAT
WHAT DRIVES PHENOMENAL SUCCESS?
50 minutes
Colleen Barrett explains the success of Southwest Airlines in simple terms. Employee satisfaction is the starting point for customer satisfaction. She describes a hiring process that selects on individual attitudes, sets expectations, and empowers employees from the beginning to do the right thing.

DVD 658.046 WIKI
WIKINOMICS
49 minutes
Dale Tapscott, CEO of New Paradigm, describes how winning companies innovate and succeed using the knowledge, resources and computing power of millions of people self-organizing into a massive collective force. The Age of Collaboration has changed business through blogs, wikis, chat rooms, peer-to-peer networks and personal broadcasting.

DVD 658.4012 EXEC
EXECUTING YOUR STRATEGY
53 minutes
Dr. Raymond Levitt of Stanford University emphasizes the critical need to revise your strategic portfolio to fit the demands of a dynamic environment. He details the imperatives that enable you to do the right projects, and to do these projects right. Dr. Levitt is the Academic Director of Stanford University’s award-winning Advanced Project Management executive program.

DVD 658.4013 DRIV
DRIVE BUSINESS PERFORMANCE
55 minutes
With examples from Fortune 500 companies, Bruno Aziza and Joey Fitts provide a six-stage approach for developing a culture of performance, including increasing visibility into operations, moving away from a gut feel to a more data-driven decision-making and articulating future success. Mr. Aziza and Mr. Fitts are both associated with Global Business Intelligence Sales Strategy for Microsoft.

DVD 658.4 LEVE
LEVERAGING THE SPOTLIGHT OF LEADERSHIP
54 minutes
Professor Jay Conger describes how the natural spotlight that managers and executives find themselves in can have both pros and cons. He explains how to use its power to set direction, lead your people and guide their decision making. Dr. Congers serves as Senior Research Scientist at the Center for Effective Organizations, Marshall School of Business, University of Southern California.

DVD 370.1309 LEAV
LEAVING MICROSOFT TO CHANGE THE WORLD
49 minutes
While John Wood was a top executive at Microsoft he made a decision to found Room to Read, a non-profit organization which now provides educational access to 1.3 million children in developing nations. Mr. Wood speaks to the subject of corporate social responsibility, and explains how to build a world-class non-profit organization.

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

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

October Business at LCPL

2008-10-07T08:32:00.000-07:00

NEW BUSINESS & PERSONAL FINANCE BOOKS

Satisfied Customers Tell Three Friends, Angry Customers Tell 3,000: Running a Business in Today's Consumer-Driven World - by Pete Blackshaw

658.812 BLAC

In today's Web-connected world, consumers have far more opportunities to share their experiences in the marketplace: through blogs, video- and photo-sharing sites, social networking sites, and product review sites, experiences bad and good can be viewed by an unlimited number of existing or potential customers. If you're a forward-looking marketer or business leader wanting to establish and maintain your brand's credibility among Web-savvy customers, you'll find consumer-behavior specialist Pete Blackshaw's argument for the importance of credibility and his tips for interacting with consumers "informative, energetic and entertaining" (Publishers Weekly).

The First Billion Is the Hardest: How Believing It's Still Early in the Game Can Lead to Life's Greatest Comebacks - by T. Boone Pickens

338.7622338 PICK

Nowhere close to quitting, legendary hedge-fund manager T. Boone Pickens has, at 80, written a book that combines memoir with business as he looks back over his years in finance and forward to the future of America's energy situation. From the corporate takeovers of the 1980s to his struggle with depression to a comeback that led to his current support of natural gas production and alternative forms of energy, Pickens has a lot to say. Don't miss his "Booneisms" either, such as "Don't rush the monkey and you'll see a better show."

These titles are from the library's subscription to NextReads. If you haven't signed up for email newsletter alerts, do so today.

Follow the link or call the Reference Desk for help to set up your account: Sign up and receive reading recommendations via email. Choose as many of the categories as you would like. 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.

If you have other topics that you would like to have more information about, please contact the library at 219-769-3541 or use our online Ask a Librarian service.

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

September Business at Lake County Public Library

2008-09-19T12:27:00.000-07:00

RAISING MONEY FOR YOUR SMALL BUSINESS

It is important that you set aside funds not only to start your new business, but to keep it going until it makes a profit. There are funds available to be loaned – sometimes at interest rates below the national average. The federal government can be of assistance to you, both with advice and funding through the Small Business Administration. The SBA guarantees loans granted by area banks at lower interest rates. Venture capital firms usually help a business that is already established and needs money to grow.

LIBRARY RESOURCES

R658.02207 SMAL Small Business Sourcebook Gale Research Co.

658.1522 NORM What No One Ever Tells You about Financing Your Own Business: Real-Life Financing Advice from 101 Successful Entrepreneurs by Jan Norman

658.1522 ALTE Financing Your Business Made Easy by Ralph Alterowitz

658.1592 TIMM How to Raise Capital: Techniques and Strategies for Financing and Valuing Your Small Business by Jeffry A. Timmons

658.804 FREY Successful Proposal Strategies for Small Businesses: Using Knowledge Management to Win Government, Private Sector, and International Contracts by Robert S. Frey

If you have other topics that you would like to have more information about, please contact the library at 219-769-3541 or use our online Ask a Librarian service.

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

August Business at Lake County Public Library

2008-08-26T09:36:00.000-07:00

THE BUSINESS PLAN

Whether your business is already established or you’re in the process of putting one together, chances are good that at some point you’re going to have to create a business plan. It can be your biggest asset, forcing you to see your business in new ways in order to capitalize on your strengths or correct your weaknesses. These sources can aid you in that process.

Start and Run Series. Self-Counsel Press. These books are about writing business plans for specific kinds of businesses and they are easy to use. Just type start and run using the title keyword search on the Library Catalog.

658.4012 BANG
Business Plans Made Easy by David H. Bangs Jr.

658.84 BURN
Entrepreneurship.com by Tim Burns

658.800285 ROBE
E-Strategy Pure & Simple: Connecting Your Internet Strategy to Your Business Strategy by Michel Robert

658.115224 MCKE
How to Write a Business Plan by Mike P. McKeever

658.1141 PAKR
The Small Business Start-Up Kit by Peri Pakroo

658.111 PINS
Steps to Small Business Start-Up: Everything You Need To Know To Turn Your Idea into A Successful Business by Linda Pinson

WEBSITES
U.S. Small Business Administration
http://www.sba.gov
Online Women’s Business Center
http://www.onlinewbc.gov/
Small Business Development Centers
http://www.sba.gov/aboutsba/sbaprograms/sbdc/index.html

If you have other topics that you would like to have more information about, please contact the library at 219-769-3541 or use our online Ask a Librarian service.

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

Business News at Lake County Public Library

2008-06-12T12:11:00.000-07:00

"Information is the manager's main tool." - Peter Drucker

Business information is ever changing and often many-faceted. To help you, Reference Services, has a staff of twelve professional information specialists providing the following services:

Answering your questions - in person, by telephone, or by e-mail
Providing our Catalog and "Ask a Librarian" service on the web at www.lakeco.lib.in.us
Offering individual or group training on our business databases
Giving presentations at local Chamber of Commerce and Rotary Club meetings

Lake County Public Library makes the following resources available to you and your employees:

Annual Reports
Business DVD's and CD-ROM's (AV Department)
Books
Business Magazines, Newspapers (Periodicals Department)
Databases of Business Information ($ales and Number of Employees, etc.)
Directories
Internet

Over the summer Business Lines will be highlighting booklists on the following subjects:

Basic Business Sources
Advertising & Public Relations
The Business Plan
Finding Information on Companies
Marketing & Sales
Raising Money for Your Small Busines

If you have other topics that you would like to have more information about, please contact the library at 219-769-3541 or use our online Ask a Librarian service.

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

May Business at Lake County Public Library

2008-05-08T11:29:00.000-07:00

WEBSITE OF THE MONTH: Indiana BusinessBuilder.net

Welcome to Indiana Business Builder! Indiana Business Builder is a service of INCOLSA (Indiana Cooperative Library Services Authority).

If you are starting a new business or expanding an existing business, this website is for you. There are links for entrepreneurs, online continuing education courses, prospect research, and business overviews.

Business Builder Features:
Reference USA. The Reference USA Business databases contain detailed information on more than 12 million U.S. businesses. Details include sales figures, executive names and number of employees. Searches can be performed using these categories and more.

Click on the Reference USA icon and you will be directed to a list of libraries subscribing to this database. Select Lake County Public Library from the list and begin your search.

ed2go. Instructor facilitated online learning courses in accounting, sales, and marketing. Click on the ed2go icon and learn more.

NEW BOOKS*

Predictably Irrational: The Hidden Forces That Shape Our Decisions - by Dan Ariely
330 ARIE
Ever walked by something and instantly known you had to have it--even though you'd never thought about it before? Ever wonder why something free is so hard to pass up, even if you don't need it? You wouldn't steal money, but have you taken home office supplies from your job? It's these sorts of "irrational" behaviors that author Dan Ariely assesses in Predictably Irrational. By looking at behavioral economics, Ariely explains why we spend our money the way we do, based on "guidelines" that others have set. It's a "fascinating, eye-opening read" (Publishers Weekly).

The Middle-Class Millionaire: The Rise of the New Rich and How They Are Changing America by Russ Alan Prince and Lewis Schiff
305.5234 PRIN
Wealth experts Russ Alan Prince and Lewis Schiff consider "middle-class millionaires" to be those households who have earned rather than inherited their money--and who are worth between one and ten million dollars (for a look at the super-rich, try Robert Frank's Richistan). Their book assesses the influence of these working rich and their attitudes on the U.S. economy as well as on its society, institutions, and values. If you're curious about this segment of the population--they drive much of consumer spending--check out The Middle-Class Millionaire to learn more.

The Wall Street Journal Complete Identity Theft Guidebook: How to Protect Yourself from the Most Pervasive Crime in America - by Terri Cullen
362.88 CULL
According to personal finance columnist Terri Cullen, the average identity-theft victim will have to spend 600 hours clearing his or her name. To avoid having to take on that task, Cullen uses the first part of her book to explain the various types of identity theft and to share how you can best prevent it happening to you. The second part describes what to do if your identity is stolen. She also discusses the use of credit reports, encryption, and computer software, and analyzes the laws that protect the victim. Booklist says that this is "a straightforward guide broken up with interesting sidebars and plenty of charts."

*Titles and descriptions are from NEXT READS' April 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.lcplin.org/ 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

April Business at Lake County Public Library

2008-04-02T10:18:00.000-07:00

DATABASE OF THE MONTH: Reference USA

The Reference USA Business databases contain detailed information on more than 12 million U.S. businesses. Details include sales figures, executive names and number of employees. Searches can be performed using these categories and more. Reference USA Residential information covers 102 million U.S. residents and is compiled from more than 3,900 White Page telephone directories.

Visit the library today to find out more about this unique marketing tool.

COMMUNITY OUTREACH: SPRING EXPO 2008

Merrillville's 2008 Chamber of Commerce Spring Expo - Lake County Public Library's display board highlights business databases, such as Reference USA.

Over 125 "I Love My Library" bags were handed out to attendees - along with information on the business resources that are available at the Lake County Public Library.

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

March Business at Lake County Public Library

2008-02-29T08:20:00.000-08:00

DATABASE OF THE MONTH: Hoover's Online

Hoover's Online is a database of 12 million companies with in-depth coverage of 40,000 of the world's top businesses. Use this source to uncover basic company information, investment figures and background on companies and their competition.

Available in all branches of the Lake County Public Library as well as remotely. To access Hoover's from your office or home you will need a Lake County Public Library Card and a four-digit pin number. Call the library today for more information.

NEW BOOKS*

Jim Cramer's Stay Mad for Life: Get Rich, Stay Rich (Make Your Kids Even Richer) James J. Cramer with Cliff Mason
332.89 CRAM

Jim Cramer is known for his outrageous antics (and investing advice) on CNBC's Mad Money; in Stay Mad for Life he outlines a comprehensive financial program for individuals at--you guessed it--every stage of life. Rather than focusing solely on selecting stocks, Cramer's newest book deals with personal finance issues like getting out of credit card debt, planning for retirement, and creating a budget. He then goes on to share his rules of investing and preferred market sectors and stocks, and outlines a guide to mutual funds. If you're a fan of his show but are looking for a more basic guide to finance, this will be a good choice.

The Girl's Guide to Kicking Your Career Into Gear: Valuable Lessons, True Stories, and Tips for Using What You've Got (a Brain!) to Make Your Worklife Work for You Caitlin Friedman and Kimberly Yorio
331.702082 FRIE

Chock full of advice, inspiration, strategies, and guidelines on how women can--and should--take charge of every aspect of their careers, this guide is appropriate for women on any rung of the career ladder. Tips focus on such challenges as how to diffuse conflict, manage personal issues, and highlight one's accomplishments. Authors Caitlin Friedman and Kimberly Yorio (authors of The Girl's Guide to Being a Boss (Without Being a Bitch)) are known for their down-to-earth manner and upbeat attitude; Publishers Weekly says that this book "should win them readers seeking a can-do kick in the pants."

How Toyota Became #1: Leadership Lessons from the World's Greatest Car Company David Magee
658.4092 MAGE

Toyota, which started as a family-run loom business, has become a huge success in an industry beset by financial troubles. In How Toyota Became #1, journalist and author David Magee shows how Toyota's commitment to excellence and dedication to its customers and employees has led to its competitive advantage and healthy bottom line. Check out Magee's book for an excellent introduction to and explanation of the principles behind Toyota's success.

*Titles and descriptions are from NEXT READS' February 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.lcplin.org/ 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

February Business at Lake County Public Library

2008-01-30T13:43:00.000-08:00

USEFUL BUSINESS DATABASES

Business and Company Resource Center

Business & Company Resource Center brings together in a single database company profiles, company brand information, rankings, investment reports, company histories, chronologies, and periodicals. Search this database to find detailed company and industry news and information.

This database is available to all Lake County Public Library cardholders. Login with your card number and pin from any Internet connection.

Call the library (219-769-3541) to schedule an appointment for tips on using this comprehensive database.

NEW DVD TITLES

INVESTING & WEALTH MANAGEMENT
DVD 332.6 INVE c. 2006 6 discs
Ever wished you could take time away from scratching out a living to attend the in-person seminars led by the nation’s top investment gurus and financial speakers? This series of program will provide access to seven of today’s most influential wealth coaches. Among the presenters on this 6 disc set are Robert Helms, Jim Rohn, Brian Tracy, Robert Allen, Bob Proctor and Toni Turner.

SALES SUCCESS
DVD 658.85 SALE c. 2006 6 discs
Sales Success on DVD presents six of today’s most respected sales motivators. From vocal signals to vocabulary; connecting to closing, the Sales Success program offers hours of inspiration and practical tips to power-up your influence while building and expanding client relationships. Imagine having a private audience with America’s premier sales consultants! Presenters include Georgre Walther, Dr. Tony Alessandra, Zig Ziglar, Tom Hopkins, Jim Cathcart and Nido Qubein.

LEADERSHIP
DVD 658.4 LEAD c. 2006 6 discs
This program offers practical information from some of the most influential success coaches-the ones in demand by Fortune 500 companies the world over. Covering issues from time management to teamwork, these programs offer tips to inspire and motivate you in the workplace and beyond. The speakers for these programs include: Chris Widener, Dr. Sheila Murray Bethel, Brad Worthley, Laura Stack, Bryan Dodge, and Zig Ziglar.

RECOMMENDED BUSINESS NEWS SOURCES

Barron's - indispensible business and financial weekly - articles on current developments in economics, finance, and politics as related to business and a large statistical section covering stock and bond quotations. Includes some insider transactions and current material from corporate reports.

Crain's Chicago Business - newspaper format covers all phases of Chicago's business, including articles, directories, and statistics.

Business 2.0 - monthly magazine covers business with a modern edge: internet and emerging industries are emphasized.

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

January Business at Lake County Public Library

2007-12-26T12:16:00.000-08:00

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

December Business at Lake County Public Library

2007-11-23T12:27:00.000-08:00

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

November Business News at Lake County Public Library

2007-10-30T14:26:00.000-07:00

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

September - October Business at Lake County Public Library

2007-08-29T10:22:00.000-07:00

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

July - August Business at Lake County Public Library

2007-07-10T07:49:00.000-07:00

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

May - June Business at Lake County Public Library

2007-04-27T12:37:00.000-07:00

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

March - April Business at Lake County Public Library

2007-03-02T11:53:00.000-08:00

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

January - February Business at Lake County Public Library

2007-01-18T13:35:00.000-08:00

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

December's Business at Lake County Public Library

2006-12-19T11:22:00.000-08:00

At Your Service....

Throughout 2006 the library promoted it's services for individuals, groups and businesses through displays, newsletters and programs, and on our website. As the year ends and we look forward to 2007 we'd like to highlight our services through Business Lines.

Call the library at 769-3541 and make an appointment with one of our highly trained 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 & it's services to business at http://www.lcplin.org/research/businesslines.htm

November's Business at Lake County Public Library

2006-11-14T10:59:00.000-08:00

New DVD Series - Best Practices For Your Website

Do you have a website for your business or organization? Are you thinking about getting one? The library recently acquired a new series of DVDs – “Best Practices for Your Website.”

This new ten part series includes information on website design and development, Internet advertising and marketing and an overview of electronic commerce.

Checkout these titles today:

DVD 659.13 COOL
Cool Tools: Blogs, Wikis, RSS, Podcasting

DVD 343.0994 STAY
Staying Out of Legal Trouble

DVD 658.872 WHAT
What We Know About the User Experience: Results of the OPA Study

DVD 659.144 TENM
Ten Mistakes Web Sites Still Make and How to Fix Them

DVD 005.75 REDE
Redesigning Your Web Site

DVD 658.87 MARK
Marketing Strategies to Drive Traffic to Your Site

DVD 659.144 ADVE
Advertising and the For-Profit Site

DVD 658.572 WEBA
Web Analytics: the Impact of Visitor Data on Site Optimization

DVD 659.2 SOCI
Social Computing: Rules of Engagement

DVD 004.678 STAT
State of the Web

Call the Audio Visual Department at 219-769-3541 for more information about this new series.

New Books

Shaping the Game
Michael Watkins
658.4052 WATK

Shaping the Game is a guide for new leaders which describes negotiating techniques. Watkins identifies four objectives which all leaders should master to be successful: create maximum value in negotiations, capture a fair share of that value, build relationships and preserve your reputation. Hands-on strategies throughout the book offer insight and guidance to new leaders.

The Apple Way
Jeffrey L. Cruikshank
658.4 CRUI

“The Apple Way reveals the secrets and management principles that keep Apple ahead of the curve – including innovative product development, cutting – edge marketing strategies, sleek design and packaging, and a high – performance corporate culture”. Learn the secrets of Apple and apply them to your own business.

Head, Heart & Guts
David L. Dotlich, Peter C. Cairo, & Stephen H. Rhinesmith
658.4092 DOTL

“We find that many business leaders today are in the same situation as the Scarecrow, the Tin Man, and the Lion - searching for the key personal quality that will somehow make them successful or whole….Quite often, what they need already exists within them but is unrecognized or undeveloped.” – from the Introduction. In today’s world of business, the authors maintain that good leaders must use their head, heart and guts to lead.

Passionate Profitable
Lior Arussy
658.802 ARUS

“Lior Arussy’s new book is another great addition to his work on the theme of improving the customer experience to build lasting and profitable customer relationships. Recommended to both those working on corporate customer strategy and line managers. Strong practical advice from an industry visionary.” Michael Maos, Vice President and Research Fellow, Gartner Research

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

October's Business at Lake County Public Library

2006-10-12T09:33:00.000-07:00

Database of the Month Encyclopedia of American Industries

This is an online business reference encyclopedia which provides detailed and comprehensive information on a wide range of industries in every realm of American business. It is part of our Gale Virtual Reference Library which provides users with an online access to a collection of business reference books that can be found in print in the Library.

Call the Reference Department at 769-3541 for more information about our online access to Business Reference Books.

New Books

GO IT ALONE
Bruce Judson
658.1141 JUDS

“Go It Alone! is for anyone who has ever dreamed of owning his or her own business. Whether you have a vague yearning or a dream you’ve never dared to realize, this book is for the one of every two Americans who dream of going out on their own….” (Book Jacket)
The author of this remarkable book offers you practical steps to create your business. He is a Faculty Fellow at the Yale School of Management and his views on business success are often quoted in the national media.

Investors in Your Backyard
Asheesh Advani
658.1592 ADVA

You have a great idea for a business but where do you find the capital to start-up your new business? Advani’s book is “The perfect resource for entrepreneurs in search of financing.” – Teresa Ciulla, Executive Editor, Entrepreneur.com. Chapters detail preparing your business plan and fundraising requests, deciding who to ask for money, and your ongoing relationship with the people who finance you.

Selling Beyond ebay
Greg Holden
658.87 HOLD

Holden offers tips on reaching more customers by venturing beyond ebay in the online market. He introduces the seller to new online venues, such as local newspaper websites, Yahoo! Auctions, Amazon.com’s Marketplace and much more.

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

September's Business at Lake County Public Library

2006-09-14T12:29:00.000-07:00

Database of the Month – Business Source Premier

As the world’s largest full text business database, Business Source Premier provides full text for more than 3,650 scholarly business journals, including full text for nearly 1,100 peer-reviewed business publications. Coverage includes virtually all subject areas related to business. This database provides full text (PDF) for more than 300 of the top scholarly journals dating as far back as 1922 and is updated on a daily basis.

Business Source Premier is part of the INSPIRE collection of databases – Indiana’s Virtual Library.

Recommended Books

Satisfaction
Chris Denove & James D. Power IV
658.8343 DENO

“For nearly forty years, J.D. Power and Associates has been synonymous with measuring customer satisfaction and helping businesses understand what customers really want….Satisfaction offers tactical advice for companies large or small, for product manufacturers, service providers, and retailers alike.” - Book Jacket

Let Your Customers Do the Talking
Michael E. Cafferky
658.8 CAFF

“You too can master the no-cost ‘secret formula’ that puts your company ahead of the pack. What’s the secret? Let your customers become your best salespeople. Word of mouth is the most powerful marketing tool around. Studies show how satisfied customers tell four or more people about their positive experiences. If, however, you disappoint your customers, word-of-mouth can devastate your business-because dissatisfied customers tell up to eleven other people.” – Book Jacket

Treasure Hunt
Michael J. Silverstein
658.8342 SILV

Silverstein author of the highly acclaimed Trading Up continues the story in Treasure Hunt as he takes the reader into the homes of real people making real buying decisions. By looking at the moods and habits of the constantly changing consumer, companies can survive by marketing to meet those moods and habits. Silverstein challenges companies to avoid the treacherous middle – the consumer wants a bargain or a product worth trading up in cost.

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

August's Business at Lake County Public Library

2006-08-03T10:49:00.000-07:00

Database of the Month Hoover's Online

Hoover's Online is a database of 12 million companies with in-depth coverage of 40,000 of the world's top businesses. Use this source to uncover basic company information, investment figures and background on companies and their competition.

Available in all branches of the Lake County Public Library.

New Books

Kitchen Table Entrepreneurs
Martha Shirk & Anna S. Wadia
338.040922 SHIR

“Over the last five years, the number of women-owned businesses has grown at twice the rate of all U.S. firms....Kitchen Table Entrepreneurs tells the inspirational stories of eleven low-income women who have marshaled the creative energy, confidence, and capital necessary to start their own businesses.”--Book Jacket

Starting from Scratch
Wes Moss
338.040922 MOSS

“Starting from Scratch offers readable, relatable, bite-size stories that overflow with the kind of real-world advice that you can’t learn in business school. If you’re considering entrepreneurship, read this book. Even if you aren’t, read this book. Just don’t be surprised when you find yourself giving your notice and making The Leap.”--Lew Dickey, Jr., Chairman, CEO, and co-founder of Cumulus Media

More Than a Hobby
David Green
658.87 GREE

Green, founder and CEO of Hobby Lobby, chronicles his small start-up business’ meteoric rise to superstore status. He offers the following practical advice from his experiences as a store manager: allow mangers to spend more than 30 minutes per day on paperwork, don’t pay the middleman – assemble products in house, give buyers authority – don’t micromanage, and keep God and family first.

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

July Materials

2006-07-07T12:31:00.000-07:00

Database of the Month Reference USA

The Reference USA Business databases contain detailed information on more than 12 million U.S. businesses. Details include sales figures, executive names and number of employees. Searches can be performed using these categories and more. Reference USA Residential information covers 102 million U.S. residents and is compiled from more than 3,900 White Page telephone directories.

Visit the library today to find out more about this unique marketing tool.

New Books

You’re In Charge – NOW WHAT?
Thomas J. Neff & James M. Citrin
658.4 NEFF

Whether you are new to the organization or have been promoted from within, the authors address questions all new managers face and present an 8 Point Plan for your first 100 days.

Jack Welch and the 4E’s of Leadership
Jeffrey A. Krames
658.4092 KRAM

“With leadership the question at the beginning of the day is, ‘how far can we take this…how big can we grow it…and how fast can we get there?’” – Jack Welch

This book gives a detailed analysis of the “4E” process Welch used to hire only the best. Find out how to hire smart people and cultivate leadership through case studies, examples and guidelines.

Ten Secrets of Successful Leaders
Dr. Donna Brooks & Dr. Lynn Brooks
658.4092 BROO

“Based on their wide-ranging survey of Fortune 500 CEO’s, senior executives, hiring managers, and team leaders, Donna and Lynn Brooks provide you with exclusive access to their well-defined leadership development strategies, best practices, and innovative ideas. You’ll also find a step-by-step road map to gaining winning skills companies need today.” (Book Jacket)

Visit any of our locations today to reserve these titles. Business books count, too, towards Summer Reading rewards!

June's New Business Materials

2006-05-26T08:36:00.000-07:00

Database of the Month Morningstar Online

Morningstar Online helps users make smart investment decisions by finding stocks or funds to meet specific needs, research current or prospective holdings or see how a variety of investments fit together. This database is only available for use in our libraries.

New Books

What I Learned from Sam Walton
Michael Bergdahl
658.4012 BERG

“As a former director under Sam Walton, Bergdahl draws upon his firsthand observations to help you adapt Wal-Mart’s best practices and principles to your own organization.” (Book Jacket)

Built for Growth
Arthur Rubinfeld
658.406 RUBI

In Built for Growth, author Arthur Rubinfeld, draws upon his experience as chief architect for Starbucks. His book encourages business owners to “Make No Little Plans” and to “Push the Envelope” as they seek to expand their businesses.

Alpha Dogs
Donna Fenn
658.022 FENN

“Donna Fenn….introduces you to eight Alpha Dogs. These men and women share their solutions and insights on how to rise to the top, despite multiple competitors, from Chinese manufacturers to Wal-Mart.” (Book Jacket)

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

May Highlights

2006-05-08T12:13:00.000-07:00

Database of the Month Hoover's Online

Hoover's Online is a database of 12 million companies with in-depth coverage of 40,000 of the world's top businesses. Use this source to uncover basic company information, investment figures and background on companies and their competition. This database is only available for use in our libraries.

New Books

Monopoly Rules
Milind M. Lele
658.575 LELE

“Monopoly Rules provides a fresh way of thinking about why companies succeed and where to look for new, breakthrough opportunities….the monopoly rules are the step-by-step guidelines for success in a world in which the mass market is in tatters.” Dipak C. Jain

Grapevine - The New Art of Word-of-Mouth Marketing
Dave Balter & John Butman
659.13 BALT

“The rapidly growing field of word-of-mouth marketing has been desperately missing one thing: hands-on experience. This book fills that gap.” Emanuel Rosen

The Undercover Economist
Tim Harford
330.90511 HARF

“Most people think economists are boring, opinionated and wrong. Tim Harford is often right, always opinionated, but never boring. He shows how economics can be used to illuminate our everyday lives, whether you want an explanation of the price of a cup of coffee or of poverty in the third world, Harford has it all.” John Kay

See more information about what the Lake County (IN) Public Library has to offer for businesses at www.lakeco.lib.in.us/businesslines.htm.

April Materials

2006-05-08T10:19:00.000-07:00

Database of the Month Standard & Poor’s Net Advantage

Net Advantage is a quick online search source for financial and business information. It provides access to the following S&P products: Corporation Records, Industry Surveys, The Outlook, Register of Corporations, Directors & Executives, and Standard & Poor’s Stock Reports.

New Books

How We Got Here
Andy Kessler
338.064 KESS

“A great book on how we went from the steam engine to the Internet, as well as how the markets that financed it all came to be.” – John Mauldin

Your Money or Your Life
Joe Dominguez & Vicki Robin
332.02401 DOMI

“Do you spend more than you earn? Does making a living feel more like making a dying? Do you feel stuck in a job you can’t afford to leave? Is money fragmenting your time and your relationships with family and friends?” - Book jacket. In this new edition the authors challenge you to transform your relationship with money and achieve financial independence.

Starting From Scratch
Wes Moss
338.040922 MOSS

Thinking of starting your own business? Before you begin your new venture, read Wes Moss’ new book. In it he relates the secrets of entrepreneurship with firsthand stories from “21 ordinary people who made the entrepreneurial leap.”

See more information about what the Lake County (IN) Public Library has to offer for businesses at www.lakeco.lib.in.us/businesslines.htm.

March Materials

2006-03-29T10:49:00.000-08:00

Database of the Month Dun & Bradstreet's Million Dollar Directory

Dun & Bradstreet's Million Dollar Database features company information on over 1,600,000 U.S. and Canadian leading public and private businesses. Company information includes industry information, type of ownership, principal executives and biographies.

New Books

Marketing to the Campus Crowd
David A. Morrison
658.8340842 MORR

“Marketing to the Campus Crowd drills down into the whys, wherefores, and economic drivers of the $200 billion college consumer market.”--John McManus, Editor-in-Chief, American Demographics.

151 Quick Ideas to Inspire Your Staff
Jerry R. Wilson
658.314 WILS

Jerry Wilson presents ideas on motivating your employees. No long boring chapters on philosophy, ethics or personal stories, but short to the point directives that you use for results.

The Ice Cream Maker
Subir Chowdhury
658.562 CHOW

A short but inspiring book about a regional ice cream manufacturer determined to sell its product to a national grocery chain. The book challenges the reader to make quality the key ingredient in everything he does.

See more information about what the Lake County (IN) Public Library has to offer for businesses at www.lakeco.lib.in.us/businesslines.htm.

February Highlights

2006-02-09T09:17:00.000-08:00

Database of the Month Business & Company Resource Center

Business & Company Resource Center brings together in a single database company profiles, company brand information, rankings, investment reports, company histories, chronologies, and periodicals. Search this database to find detailed company history and industry news and information. (Thompson Gale)

New Books

Essentials of Payroll: Management and Accounting
Steven M. Bragg
658.321 BRAG

Bragg offers valuable tips, techniques, real-world examples, exhibits, and best practices in this handy and concise paperback.

99.3 Random Acts of Marketing
Drew McLellan
658.8 MCLE

Whether you work for a large firm or are operating a small business this book has something to offer everyone. The author writes, “…marketing isn’t rocket science. It’s common sense. It’s consistency. It’s staying the course.” You’ll enjoy his crisp and clear writing style and find tips that you can use.

Best Face Forward
Jeffrey F. Rayport & Bernard J. Jaworski
658.812 RAYP

“Based on extensive research inside both start-up and established businesses across many industries, Best Face Forward proposes ways that companies can radically reengineer their front-office operations.” The authors look at what people do best and what machines do best – the goal being better customer experiences.

See more information about what the Lake County (IN) Public Library has to offer for businesses at www.lakeco.lib.in.us/businesslines.htm.