Business Communication Frederic Murray Assistant Professor MLIS, University of British Columbia BA,...

Business Communication

Frederic Murray Assistant ProfessorMLIS, University of British ColumbiaBA, Political Science, University of Iowa

Instructional Services LibrarianAl Harris Library frederic.murray@swosu.edu

Beginnings

38 Years Later

7 Years Later

Galactic Internet

OneWeb, LTD.

Greg Wyler’s Business Plan

Assignment One• As a soon-to-be college graduate, you will be starting

your own business or joining an existing company soon. In either instance, you may be asked to write a business plan. If you start your own company, a business plan is part of the initial package required to get financial approval. If you work for an existing company, your company may begin a new venture, which would require a business plan. Use your imagination, put yourself in whatever business scenario you choose and write a business plan relating to that scenario. Additionally, research other corporation's business plans to get an idea of effective and ineffective methods.

Assignment Two • Students should choose a job that he/she is qualified

for upon graduation from college. Research the company and prepare the appropriate job application documents and prepare for an interview. Produce a resume and cover letter appropriate for the position.

Assignments

• Choose a business scenario/ Write a business plan/Review other scenarios/Effective and ineffective

• Find a job/research the company and industry/Prepare for interview

Business Research

• Financial Information• Internal Operations Questions

– Like business plans

Finding this information requires Specialized Tools

What Type of Business ?

• Publicly Traded• Private• Subsidiary

Knowing will help direct your research…

Research: Content is Key

• News/trade/academic articles • Company and/or industry profiles • Analyst reports • Consumer and marketing

information• International information • Directory information• Raw (mostly financial/economic)

data

Library Business Databases• Business Source Complete• LexisNexis Academic• Hoover’s

Researching the Assignments• Industries• Companies • People

• All Three are options for finding good information

Business Source Complete• Journal/News Articles

• Industry Profiles• Market Research Reports• SWOT Analysis *

– Strength/Weakness/Opportunity/Threats

Fitness Centers

Fitness Center

Business Source Complete• Journal/News Articles

• Industry Profiles• Market Research Reports• SWOT Analysis*

– Strength/Weakness/Opportunity/Threats

(Good for Comparison part of Assignment)

Video Tutorial

LexisNexis:Search by Content Type • Dossier

– Company, Executive, Industry, Compare

• Company Profiles• SEC Filings

Video Tutorial 2

Hoovers

• Use Hoovers to review the following criteria:– Industry Information– Challenges– Competitors– Financial Summary– Competitive Landscape– NAICS Code

Attack the Challenges

Hoovers: for Assignment

• Trends & Opportunities• Executive Insights • Business Challenges

As your Librarian I highly recommend this database…

Video Tutorial 3

NAICS

• North American Industry Classification System

• NAICS is the standard used by Federal statistical agencies in classifying business establishments for the purpose of collecting, analyzing, and publishing statistical data related to the U.S. business economy.

• Standard Industrial Classification (SIC) System (Older)

• http://www.census.gov/eos/www/naics/

Hoovers

• Search Information on Specific Companies – Financial data– Annual reports– Competitors– Officer names

Hoovers

• Find a job/research the company and industry

• Call Preparation Questions• Good Information for Assignment

Two

Resources: Assignment Two• Glassdoor - Database with millions

of company reviews, CEO approval ratings, salary reports, interview reviews and questions

• Glassdoor for Students

• Indeed – Job Search Engine

CLASS EXERCISE

Questions?

• Contact me:

• Frederic Murray• 774-7113• frederic.murray@swosu.edu

Thanks!