New York SBDC Research Network

http://www.trbcensus.com/ Census Data for Transportation Planning http://www.fhwa.dot.gov/ctpp/ Census Transportation Planning Package (CTPP) is a set of special tabulations from the decennial census designed for transportation planners. CTPP contains tabulations by place of residence, place of work, and for flows between home and work. http://www.transtats.bts.gov/ Bureau of Transportation Statistics: Intermodal Transportation Database http://www.bts.gov/pdc/ BTS books for sale

Not long ago, I heard about a client of Bernie Ryba (from the outreach office of the Stony Brook SBDC in Great River) who had an experience worth sharing with all of you. Bernie's client - a well-educated man - received a phone call from someone saying they were from SBA Express, and that his loan application had been approved, and that they needed his Social Security Number to finish processing. The client was somewhat confused, as he hadn't applied for any funding. However, he assumed that his advisor spoke with SBA, who in turn spoke with SBA Express. "They have 'SBA' in their name," he reasoned. "Why wouldn't they be legitimate?" With this in mind, he gave the rep his Social Security Number. It didn't take long for him to regret it. He called Bernie, and asked if he'd heard of the company. Bernie had not, and asked for the toll-free number they provided (1-877-545-2174). He called, and pretended to be someone looking for financing. He

I came across an article on FreePint intended for library managers but the advice may be applicable to anyone in an office environment. Maybe you (or someone you know) has these qualities that often aren't effective in managing staff or interacting with others: Micromanagement Lack of communication Fostering divisiveness Abusiveness Failure to listen Avoiding conflict Taking credit for others' work Read the complete article at http://www.freepint.com/issues/050106.htm#tips for more discussion on the seven deadly sins as well as a list of Seven Desirable Strategies.

We’re keeping 10 years worth of the Entrepreneur Start-Up Guides. With the New Year comes de-accessioning the oldest of the bunch which in this case are: 1221 Computer Consulting ©1995 1321 Credit Consulting Service ©1995 1034 Janitorial Service #1 ©1995 1034 Janitorial Service #2 ©1995 1265 Making Money With A PC ©1995 1359 Operating a 900 Number For Profit ©1995 1154 Travel Agency ©1995 1296 Vitamin & Health Food Store ©1995 The revised list of available guides is: NO. TITLE 1817 Apparel Business ©2000 AUCTION – see EBAY BUSINESS BAKERY – see RESTAURANT BARBER SHOP – see HAIR SALON… 1186 Bar/Tavern ©2001 1278 Bed and Breakfast #1 ©2003 1278 Bed and Breakfast #2 ©2003 BRIDAL CONSULTANT – see WEDDING… 1136 Business Support Services ©2000 1076 Car Wash ©2002 CATERING – see RESTAURANT 1058

Rhonda Abrams is a businesswoman who writes a syndicated weekly column about entrepreneurship, printed in several newspapers across the country as well as appearing online. She's a big fan of the SBDCs, as this column will attest. Her December 30, 2005 column is entitled Websites for Entrepreneurs , and I recommend it. It includes: Synergos Technologies "If you’re thinking of doing business in a location, or just going on a business trip, you’ll find this website a quick and easy way to find information about that city." Some of it is Census data, but other data includes weather, school districts, and travel distances to other cities. Library of Congress State Govt. Page State and Local Government on the Net "Need to know what state laws apply to your business? Find a link to your state and local governments at these websites." Industry association links : "I think trade associations are an amazing source of information, data, and advice for entrepre

I've recently come across two interesting documents regarding the current state of the U.S. patent system: 1) " Blackberry Picking ," by James Surowiecki, from the 12/26/05 - 1/2/06 issue of The New Yorker . Surowiecki examines the recent case involving Research in Motion (or RIM), the Toronto-based company that brought the BlackBerry technology to widespread use. In this piece, he discusses the phenomenon known as "patent trolling," whereby small companies with patents find their fortunes not by bringing their creations to market, but rather by suing for infringement those companies that expend the effort. In addition, the author cites data showing that understaffing at the USPTO enables patent trollers to thrive. 2) " Competition, Innovation, and Racing for Priority at the U.S. Patent & Trademark Office ," by Linda Cohen and Jun Ishii, from the AEI-Brookings Joint Center for Regulatory Studies. This 45-page study challenges the long-standing

Most of the articles I come across on networking have to do with job seeking, but it seems (from what I hear from advisors), that our clients can often benefit from these skills as well. Many entrepreneurs need to get the word out and possibly exchange services with other start-ups. Networking offers a great deal to the new business owner: They can meet a variety of people, often building knowledge of their industry. It is a method of low cost advertising and a way to find bartering opportunities, maintain relationships with other professionals, potential clients and gain referrals. Some articles: 10 Tips for Successful Business Networking by Stephanie Speisman Offers tips like: …Follow through quickly and efficiently on referrals you are given. When people give you referrals, your actions are a reflection on them. Respect and honor that and your referrals will grow… …Call those you meet who may benefit from what you do and vice versa. Express that you enjoyed meeting them, and ask if