Quick Insight
A powerful and free information source may be your local library. Libraries often subscribe to data sources of demographic data, market statistics, and industry journals. Some libraries have a librarian whose focus is business and economic data. If you don’t have access to this via your public library, check with local college libraries.
A powerful and free information source may be your local library.
Libraries often subscribe to data sources of demographic data, market statistics, and industry journals. Some libraries have a librarian whose focus is business and economic data. If you don’t have access to this via your public library, check with local college libraries.
I worked at a $2 billion financial institution that hired specialized consultants, paid for access to industry databases, and used specialized marketing software. We also brought in our local library’s business librarian to educate staff on all the data available via the library.
For example, my local library has:
- Databases to create sales leads, mailing lists, market research, background searches, and more.
- Full-text journals for business, including marketing, management, accounting, and economics, as well as detailed information on public and private companies.
- Searchable demographics and consumer and business statistics, with directory information and easy business startup reports.
- 700+ detailed market and industry reports for the United States, including SWOT analyses, financial ratios, and more.
- Business planning, budgeting, forecasting, and performance tracking software for small businesses and startups.
- And much more.
I wish you access to data to make good decisions and increase your profit. I wish you well.
- Rob Stephens
Founder of CFO Perspective and the Finance and Strategy Toolkit (FAST)
Further Insight
CFO Perspective Resources
Get all the CFO Perspective resources with a FAST (Finance and Strategy Toolkit) membership.