By Laurel Reisen
Rowan Public Library
Are you a woman who dreams of owning her own business? No longer punching a clock or answering to a boss? According to U.S. census records, women own 28 percent of businesses in the United States ó would you like to boost that number? Rowan Public Library has the resources you need to help you become your own boss.
“The Girl’s Guide to Starting Your Own Business,” by Caitlein Friedman and Kimberly Yorio, is an inclusive reference guide for women. When the authors decided to embark on their own business, they discovered that there was no guidebook to help them on their journey.
After their business took off, they resolved to write their own guide for future women entrepreneurs. This guide is guaranteed to make you think long and hard about your reasons for starting your own business.
Once you look at the cold hard truth and realize that, “Yes, I can do this! I have it in me,” this step-by-step guide will direct you every step of the way from a business plan to venture capital to legal issues and everything in between.
“Birthing the Elephant,” by Karin Abarbanal and Bruce Freeman, contains down-to- earth solid advice for businesswomen. It is not really a step- by-step guide, but more of an anecdotal compilation from entrepreneurs and experts. The book will not give you advice about writing a business plan or how to obtain venture capital. Instead, the book contains advice on becoming a better businesswoman by listening to your instincts and channeling your inner resources.
Throughout the book, the savvy businesswomen’s mantra is repeated, “substitute brains for bucks.” The forward is written by Bobbie Brown, the founder of Bobbie Brown Cosmetics.
“There’s a Business in Every Woman” by Ann M. Holmes. This no-nonsense resource describes a seven- step plan for building a successful business that you can sell for millions some day.
The book also includes a glossary of financial concepts and sample business documents for up and coming businesswomen. Especially important to women is the advice of balancing business and babies, the value of a good mentor and networking. This book does indeed describe that “there is a business in every woman.”
With the help of these resources and more available at Rowan Public Library, new businesswomen will be on their way to increasing the number of businesses owned by women in the United States.
Children’s: Summer Reading Program. This week’s featured program is Chinese acrobats, “Liang-Acrobatic and Comedy Show.” Storytellers, educators and entertainers will make “Be Creative” a fun-filled summer. For more information, call 704-216-8234.
Headquarters: Singers (3- to 5-year-olds) Wednesdays, 10:30 a.m.; Artist (rising first- through fifth-graders) Tuesdays, 2 p.m.
East: Singers (3- to 5-year-olds), Thursdays, 10:30 a.m.; Artist (rising first- through fifth-graders) Wednesdays, 10:30 a.m.
South: Singers (3- to 5-year-olds), Mondays, 10:30 a.m.; Artist (rising first- through fifth-graders), Tuesdays, 10:30 a.m.
Teen program: South branch only, Thursday, 5:30 p.m. To end the summer program, come join us for the Cafe Express & Show. Deli sandwiches, performance by Paul Miller, shows from the summer programs, water balloon combat and prizes.
Tuesday Night at the Movies: All movies are at 6:30 p.m. All movies are rated G, PG or PG 13; some movies are inappropriate for younger audiences. Children should be accompanied by an adult. Free popcorn and lemonade.
July movies are about man’s best friend.
Tuesday, “Hotel for Dogs.”
Displays: Headquarters ó Irlen Method of Salisbury by Terri Cassell; South ó Rowan Doll Club by Donnie Whiteside. East ó wood artist Stephen Martin.Literacy: Call the Rowan County Literacy Council at 704-216-8266 for more information on teaching or receiving literacy tutoring for English speakers or for those for whom English is a second language.