“Big Data” is Here to Stay
The term “Big Data’ has received a lot of attention lately with one commentator even saying it should be chosen as the word/phrase of the year (link). With the onslaught of tablets, smart phones, laptops and other devices combined with interactive websites and cheap database storage there is more than a zetabyte worth of data traffic each year ( a zetabye is a trillion gigabytes). This data is out there but only the smallest fraction is ever used by businesses and governments each year. It’s simply too much data for current systems and software to handle, yet a hint of how this data can be used can be seen by how ads will follow you around while you surf the web after you search for a particular product.
Though small businesses currently make minimal use of all this data the potential for even the smallest of businesses is tremendous. The range of data collected by social media websites like Facebook and YouTube contain data on personal preferences, emotional insight, travel destinations and much more. Entrepreneurs will soon develop the means to mine this data with unforeseen circumstances for small business and society at large. All in all “Big Data” is a phrase that is sure to come up more and more in the coming years, something business owners will at least need to be aware of and at best to exploit for growth and profit.
Are you thinking about starting a new business or growing your existing business?
Find inspiration and information at these upcoming Library events.
This Duman Microenterprise Center workshop, Starting a Small Business in Illinois, will answer your questions about the basic requirements of opening and operating a small business in Illinois. Tuesday, May 21 at 9:30 am
Learn new ways to get in the door and walk prospects through buying decisions at The Art of Selling without Really Selling, an interactive seminar with Steve Fretzin, President of Sales Results. This event is sponsored by SCORE. Thursday, May 16 at 7 pm
Curious about opening an Etsy online shop to sell handmade crafts, vintage items, or supplies? Join Rebecca George, Etsy-trained educator and owner of the "Purple and Lime" Etsy-shop, and learn the four keys to Etsy success, how to create listings, and what to do when you make a sale! There will be time for questions about your own shop at the end of the presentation. Saturday, May 11 at 2 pm
Registration is required for these programs. Click on the above links to get started.
Want to learn more about managing and investing your money?
Take a class at Skokie Public Library during Money Smart Week, April 20-27. On Tuesday, April 23, attend The Ins and Outs of Property Taxes, a discussion about factors affecting your property tax bill lead by Niles Township assessor Scott Bagnall. Learn the steps you can take to pay off your debt by creating a plan and communicating with your creditors at Knock Out That Debt, on Wednesday, April 24. And, don’t forget to try Couponing with the Shopper’s Apprentice, Christy Silkatis, on Thursday, April 25.
Registration is required. Call 847 673-7774 or register online using the above links.
