About the Topic:

As engineering managers, we not only have to understand the technical aspects of the work being performed by the people we manage, but must also understand the how that work fits into the business.  In other words we have to be both engineers and business people. 

  Ninety percent of all business failures can be traced to poor management resulting from lack of knowledge. Too many businesses today base their business development plans on “gut feels” or “hunches”; and all too often, lack the substantive data that can support strategies and tactics.

While it’s true that a tremendous amount of information can be found via Yahoo and Google, much of the best business information is now only available via costly subscription databases.  At the same time, there’s so much information, the need for an expert researcher on your team has never been greater. 

In “Is Your Business Consultant Some Yahoo Named Google,” you will learn:

• The concept of the "Fourth R."  In our global economy, it is imperative that those looking to thrive in business master the art of the “fourth R” – Research.  No longer will one be able to reach his or her full career potential knowing only the “three R’s” of reading, writing and arithmetic. 

• Online resources readily available where you can get the information your business needs to succeed. 

• Tools you can use to get access to the best business information.

• How you can find experts to help do the work for you.

 We’ll conclude with a fascinating case study on how you can find information on a prospective customer in under 30 minutes.

About the Speaker:

Sam Richter, president of the James J. Hill Reference Library (www.jjhill.org) in St. Paul, Minnesota, is responsible for leading the 80-year old private, non-profit business research organization. The Library is the nation's premier source of publicly accessible business information and houses a world-class collection of practical business resources.

Through its electronic resources (available at www.hillsearch.org), walk-in reference services, fee-based research services and educational programming, the Library annually helps tens of thousands of patrons create “informed strategy” ultimately leading towards business success.  The Library helps level the “information playing field” by ensuring that all businesses, business students and entrepreneurs have the same access to world-class business information, resources and assistance. 

Prior to joining the Hill Library, Sam spent more than 15 years in the advertising, public relations and e-commerce/e-marketing industry.  He’s led, created and implemented programs for clients including Microsoft, Coca-Cola, Major League Baseball, Northwest Airlines, Kraft/Nabisco, Polaris Industries, National Geographic, 3M, Brunswick and other large and small firms.  He has led product development teams ranging from software programs to Web site and e-commerce initiatives.

Location: 

The meeting will be held at the James J. Hill Library in downtown Saint Paul.

Traveling I-94 Eastbound to Saint Paul
Take the 5th Street exit (#241B). Turn right on Market Street- the third stoplight. Travel one block to 4th Street. The Hill Library entrance is on your right, at the intersection of 4th and Market. The Hill Library’s address is 80 West 4th Street.

Traveling I-94 Westbound to Saint Paul
Take the 6th Street Exit (#242D). This is a left exit off I-94. Travel approximately nine blocks. Turn left onto Market Street, immediately after Saint Peter Street. Travel two blocks to 4th Street. The Hill Library entrance is on your right, at the intersection of 4th and Market. The Hill Library’s address is 80 West 4th Street

Traveling I-35E Southbound to Saint Paul
Take the Wacouta Street. exit. Follow Wacouta Street until it ends at Kellogg Boulevard. Turn right on Kellogg Boulevard. Travel 8 blocks to Market Street. Turn right on Market Street and travel one block to 4th Street. The Hill Library entrance is on your left, at the intersection of 4th and Market. The Hill Library’s address is 80 West 4th Street.

Traveling I-35E Northbound to Saint Paul
Take the Kellogg Boulevard Exit (#106B). Turn right onto Kellogg. Turn left on Market Street - the fifth stoplight. Travel one block to 4th Street. The Hill Library entrance is on your left, at the intersection of 4th and Market.

The Hill Library’s address is 80 West 4th Street.

For additional information on parking in downtown St. Paul, check out the Web site www.saintpaulparking.com. 

Cost:

Free for both members and non-members.  Sandwiches and Pop will be provided!!!  (Note that you may have to pay for parking if no on-street parking is available.)