December is a busy, chaotic, wonderful month. You have family gatherings, holiday celebrations, company parties, cookie exchanges, gift wrapping, entertaining kids on break from school, and so much more.
So why in the world would the founders of National Write a Business Plan Month choose December to try to motivate aspiring entrepreneurs to begin the very important process of mapping out the future of their new business or organization?
I like to think the founders were overcome with cheer and optimism after knocking back a few eggnogs and decided to write their very first business plan. They then decided to commemorate their noggy achievement every year and encourage others to get started on their business plans too.
Far-fetched? Maybe. But for whatever reason, it’s Write a Business Plan Month, and the Poudre River Public Library District is here to help you get started (though you’ll need to provide your own eggnog).
We’re All Business at the Library
Creating a business plan may seem like a complicated task, but it doesn’t have to be. The process begins with research and answering detailed questions on basic startup issues.
And the Library District can help you along the way with services, resources, and community connections.
1 Start with a 1-on-1 meeting with a business, nonprofit, or career librarian
Our knowledgeable librarians will assist you in gathering information for the market analysis section of your business plan, including an industry study, competitive analysis, and customer profile. They’re also available to meet to discuss the wide range of library resources available to help you in your business research and planning process.
2 Check out business planning books and resources
Librarians can point you to the best business planning books or you can browse the latest recommended readings on your own. Be sure to then borrow them from the library to get started. If you don’t see them in our catalog, we can help you get them from another library.
3 Use the valuable online databases, eResources, and research materials
The Library District offers a variety of excellent online resources for business research, planning, analysis, and more. You can access these eResources and databases from home, or stop by the library to have someone assist you in your search. You’ll find everything from industry to demographic data to assist your business planning. Among the great business eResources are Business & Marketing (Gale), Business Plans Handbook Collection (Gale), and Legal Information Reference Center
(EBSCO).
4 Attend a business or nonprofit class
The Library District offers a variety of free business, nonprofit, and career programs. These classes and seminars cover everything from board recruitment to marketing to emergency preparedness.
Program brochures are available at each of the library locations and you can find them listed in the online event calendar.
5 Access the library’s Business Center webpage
Bookmark the Library District’s Business Center resource page to access resources and links to quality information about starting a business or finding small business help in the community. Don’t spend hours searching through the infosphere when the Library provides a list of useful and trustworthy resources for you. A list of recommended readings is also available on the Business Center webpage.
6 Learn about the Library District’s longstanding partnership with Larimer Small Business Development Center
Anne Macdonald, Business Librarian & SBDC Consultant
In addition to offering in-library services, our Business and Nonprofit Librarians also work closely with the Larimer Small Business Development Center, working as market research and nonprofit business consultants.
The Library District has a long standing partnership with the SBDC that directly benefits library users. Anne Macdonald (Business Librarian) and Sarah Scobey (Nonprofit Librarian) are a wealth of information and professional referrals for whatever your business or nonprofit planning might entail.
Learn more about the SBDC or contact the Library District for information at 970-221-6740.
7 Bonus!
We can’t overlook the bonus resources available at the library.
- Computers available for public use
- Access to free wi-fi
- Private study rooms to reserve for meetings or to simply sit and write
- Collaborative meeting rooms equipped with a whiteboard and specialized communications and collaborative equipment/technology
- Noise-cancelling headphones to borrow and shut out the rest of the library users
- Printers, copiers, fax machines, and scanners
- Comfortable workspaces and reading areas
The Library District is here to help you take advantage of Write Your Business Plan Month. Don’t put off starting that business plan!
Enjoy your homemade eggnog!
Classic Homemade Eggnog Recipe
(from Alton Brown, Food Network)*
*Caution: contains raw eggs; for a cooked version, see Cook’s Note below
Ingredients
4 egg yolks
1/3 cup sugar, plus 1 tablespoon
1 pint whole milk
1 cup heavy cream
3 ounces bourbon
1 teaspoon freshly grated nutmeg
4 egg whites
Directions
- In the bowl of a stand mixer (or using a hand-held mixer),
beat the egg yolks until they lighten in color. - Gradually add the 1/3 cup sugar and continue to beat until it
is completely dissolved. Add the milk, cream, bourbon and nutmeg
and stir to combine. Set aside. - Place the egg whites in a new bowl and beat to soft peaks. With the
mixer still running gradually add the 1 tablespoon of sugar and beat
until stiff peaks form. - Whisk the egg whites into the mixture. Chill and serve.
Cook’s Note: For cooked eggnog, follow procedure below.
- In the bowl of a stand mixer (or using a hand-held mixer),
beat the egg yolks until they lighten in color. - Gradually add the 1/3 cup sugar and continue to beat until it
is completely dissolved. Set aside. - In a medium saucepan, over high heat, combine the milk, heavy cream
and nutmeg and bring just to a boil, stirring occasionally. Remove
from the heat and gradually temper the hot mixture into the egg and
sugar mixture. Then return everything to the pot and cook until the
mixture reaches 160 degrees F. - Remove from the heat, stir in the bourbon, pour into a medium mixing bowl,
and set in the refrigerator to chill. - In a medium mixing bowl, beat the egg whites to soft peaks. With the mixer
running gradually add the 1 tablespoon of sugar and beat until stiff peaks
form. Whisk the egg whites into the chilled mixture. Serve.