Want to see how your profitability stacks up against others in your industry? Or are you just curious about how profitable private companies in various industries really are? This kind of competitive information is hard to get for privately held companies. But Inc. Magazine has a new website that lets you do just that. In partnership with Sageworks, a research firm, Inc.com has compiled financial data on privately held companies in more than a dozen industries. A calculator lets you see how your business stacks up. www.inc.com/profitability-report
Starting your own business from home sounds like everybody's dream. Many people achieve it, through their own vision and hard work. The kinds of information resources that have helped other successful entrepreneurs get started are available to you at the Library.
Don't know what kind of home-based business would be best for you? Books at the Library can help you focus on your talents and experience to get your business off the ground. You'll find information about:
Identifying a business you love
Planning and budgeting your time
Avoiding get-rich scams that can waste your money
Accessing the Internet's vast information resources
Working at home, still keeping your family healthy and happy
How To Patent Your Idea -- A Workshop for and About Inventors
Written by Sandy Prell
Come to the Main Library on Wednesday, October 28 at 6:30 to learn about the process of patenting an idea. This free workshop will be led by Ran Raider, Patent and Trademark Specialist at Wright State University. Joining him will be Jeff Hunter, local inventor and business consultant; and James Beyer, former patent examiner.
If you have an idea you might like to patent, or if you are just curious about the process, you will enjoy this evening at the library.
You will learn about famous and not-so-famous inventors from Dayton. You will find out how to determine if an invention is unique, and how to seek a patent. Learn about the Patent & Trademark Depository Library and how to use it. Featured guests who have successfully patented their ideas will share their experiences and answer questions. Please register for this free program by calling 463-BOOK.
How many times have we heard about a new product or service and thought, "Why didn'tI Think of that?!" You can learn the secrets of sucessful inventors and entrepreneurs by reading about their stories at the Library. These books make for interesting reading just because the authors are such interesting people. And if you are an aspiring entrepreneur you will find lots of insights into taking your ideas to market.
The Ohio Department of Development has reported that Ohio is expected to receive more than $9 billion to help strengthen our economy. You have heard a great deal in the media about support for advanced energy and transitioning the automotive industry. Now the Governor's office reports a shift to rebuilding local communities and having a more direct impact on individuals and families in Ohio. To read about the Community Development impact of the Federal Stimulus, see the Update.
A company's annual report provides a great deal of information about the company, its products, customers and finances. A free and easy to use website will give you access to annual reports in formats that you can download and print. You can search for companies by name or ticker symbol. You can also browse by industries and stock exchanges. This is a great resource for anyone needing an annual report.
Thinking of starting your own business? The Library partners with community organizations to provide counseling and workshops for entrepreneurs. SCORE counselors are experienced business people who volunteer their time to help others succeed in business. A SCORE counselor is available at the Main Library on the first Thursday of every month for drop in one-on-one counseling between 10:00 a.m. and 1:00 p.m. Please note that there will be NO drop in counseling on November 5th due to the closure of the Main Library on that Thursday. However, a SCORE counselor WILL BE available on Tuesday, November 3rd instead.
Drop in counseling will resume on the regular schedule in December. For more information about SCORE, including a full workshop schedule, visit the Dayton SCORE website.
Marketing on the Internet allows you to reach a global audience at relatively little cost. Whether you call it e-Marketing, web marketing, online marketing or e-mail, using the Internet effectively can give you a competitive edge in business.
An Internet marketing campaign can allow you to address many marketing objectives, including:
Communicate your company's message about itself, your products, or services.
Conduct research about customer demographics. Sell your goods, services or advertising space over the Internet.
The Library has a variety of books on E-Marketing that will help you create an Internet strategy. These can be found under the Subject headings of Internet marketing.
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Come to the Main Library on Wednesday, October 28 at 6:30 to learn about the process of patenting an idea. This free workshop will be led by Ran Raider, Patent and Trademark Specialist at Wright State University. Joining him will be Jeff Hunter, local inventor and business consultant; and James Beyer, former patent examiner. 
Communicate your company's message about itself, your products, or services.