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Stage 5 Toolkit
Think of these as a cram-course in expanding your market knowledge. By quickly getting up to speed on what's happening in your market, you'll get more ideas about what is possible for you.
- Google
What would we do without Google? Anyway, type in various combinations of words to help you identify industries, companies and related trends in your local market. For instance:
- fastest-growing companies Chicago
- fastest-growing industries California
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Internet Public Library: Business Directories
As in several previous Stages, IPL is a great resource to do research on local companies. The business directories listed here often let you use your own search criteria (number of employees, location, industry, etc.) to see which firms match your target. Some online databases charge fees, but if you have a local library card, you can usually get free access at the library or even your home computer.
- American City Journals
Track down your local edition and get access to their Top 25 lists of companies for numerous industries in your areas. You'll also get the latest thinking on business trends and related news. Moderate cost.
- America's Service Locator
Find what online tools your local Career One-Stop Center office has available to help you expand your knowledge and target opportunities or companies. Enter your ZIP code to locate the nearest of more than 3,200 offices.
You can also search by service: Select "Planning your career" from the pulldown menu. The state Web directory, state phone directory and directory of national resources make the site even more useful to you.
There's even a good, old-fashioned toll-free phone number for direct assistance: 1-877-US-2JOBS. (That's 1-877-872-5627 if you've already developed "Boomer eyes.")
Reminder
Pay-to-use databases can be free to you, if your library or job center already has a subscription.
Resources are free unless otherwise noted.
Got a question for Gordon? Ask it here
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