Skokie Business Update
Want to improve your leadership skills?
Jerry Folz, Skokie Public Library branch manager for SCORE and Chair for Vistage International, gave a dynamite presentation at the Skokie Public Library on leadership to the Skokie Chamber of Commerce Building Business Luncheon. Jerry’s prescription for business owners wanting to improve leadership skills and increase business is simple to remember, yet requires effort to put into practice. What does Jerry recommend?
1. Get a coach.
2. Get a peer advisory group.
3. Make professional development a part of your life.
4. Use community online groups as resources.Jerry’s favorite sites:
LinkedIn group for your industry
SBA.gov/Community
Intuit Small Business Blog
National Federation of Independent Business Smartbrief
Manta.com Tip of the Day
Jerry recommends reading his favorite business management book, Gino Wickman’s Traction: Get a Grip on Your Business. You can take advantage of Jerry’s expertise and the expertise of hundreds of other SCORE counselors in the Chicago area by making an appointment at SCORE.org. Select Skokie Public Library as a location and book an appointment soon.
Are you looking to expand your business network?
Come visit the Skokie Public Library table at “The Business Event,” a free business and employment expo and take advantage of this gathering of business networkers, and business and employer exhibitors. There are free workshops available like "Rock the Room with your Instant Introduction", "LinkedIn to Profitability", and "Get Set! Get Ready! Get Hired.”
The event is Thursday, June 20, from 1 to 7pm at Evanston Township High School, 1600 Dodge Avenue, Evanston, IL.
Registration is free at TheBusinessEvent.com.
See you there!
Time to Revisit Two Websites
If you haven’t been to the SBA website (www.sba.gov) in a while it may be time to stop back. The site design has improved and it is much easier to navigate to some great small business content. One function of the Small Business Administration (SBA) is to provide “Entrepreneurial Development” and this site does that in spades. There are articles on all aspects of starting and running a business, there is a “learning center” that includes online courses, videos, and chat sessions to discuss business issues with other entrepreneurs. A list of local and online small business programs is available along with information on contracting with the federal government and assistance in applying for grants and loans.
Inc.com is another website well worth revisiting . Though the advertising can be a bit obtrusive, the free content makes it well worthwhile. Inc.com is the online version of Inc. magazine which is dedicated to providing advice and inspiration to business owners and entrepreneurs. Like the magazine, the website offers plenty of articles covering all aspects of small business. In addition there are resources such as Small Business Tools, a library of sample forms, job description templates, interactive worksheets, spreadsheets and contracts. There are “How-To-Guides designed to help with various business management issues and online newsletters on particular issues such as technology or sales, and finally there is a section called Inc. TV with video interviews of leading entrepreneurs speaking of successes and failures and offering practical and motivational tips for other business owners.
So next time you’re in Starbucks or you have a few minutes to spare, check out these websites, it may help grow your business.