When Ben Franklin founded the first public lending library in America in 1731, he probably had no idea what he would inspire. There is no better bargain than a library card, and what better time to sign up for one than September, library card sign-up month.
Studies show that children who use the library tend to perform better in school. They are also more likely to continue learning and exploring throughout their lives.
If you don't use the library for business, now is a good time to start. We can obtain a high percentage of the information we need via search engines using our home or work computers. But there are a lot of hidden business jewels available at your local library, and many of them can be accessed online.
The average small business or job-seeker is penalized by having limited research capabilities. Big companies with big budgets pay for expensive databases. With a mouse click, they can instantly gain access to company data, sort through research reports, and locate newspaper and trade journal articles. Small companies and individuals who can't afford premium access are left out. Unless they have a local library card.
Most libraries pay for premium subscription databases that you can use for free. Want to use Dun & Bradstreet, ReferenceUSA or Hoovers to research companies, competitors and build lead lists? There's a good chance your library subscribes to a company search database. Want to see if the company where you're making your next sales call or job interview has been featured in an article? How about if the person you're meeting with has been cited as an expert in an industry trade journal? The library most likely has the information.
"Your library is an incredible source of business content," says Sam Richter, award-winning author and founder of the "Know More" business improvement program. "Even better, you can access most of these databases at no charge via your home or office computer, as long as you have a library card."
Find the best online business information sources, including your library's website, at Sam's free Know More Center, www.samrichter.com. Once on your library's site, choose a database and enter your library card number, and you're looking at many of the same high-end information resources that would normally cost you tens of thousands of dollars.
Every time I speak to corporate America, I say there is no such thing as a cold call at MackayMitchell Envelope Co. If you use the tools available to you through the Know More Center and your public library, you can gather the information you need to make "warm calls" where you're prepared.
