Snooping For Small Business Information - 3 Top Sources

Ever wondered how some people just seem to know the answer?   No, they are not super smart.  They just know where to get small business information.

Sometimes it is just a bear finding information for your business plan.  Do you need a unique name, one that isn't registered anywhere in your state?  Do you want to find out more information on a potential partner?  Do you suspect some criminal activity in an employee's past?

These are are very legitimate reasons for doing a bit of research.  And, if you are looking for business financing, it is imperative to do the research yourself before your lender stumbles on it.

Here are three top suggestions for doing that research:


1.  TALK WITH YOUR LOCAL LIBRARIAN

Go to the main branch of your city or county library, or a university library nearby, and find out what databases they have available.  If they have them, odds are that they are free.  Unless she is woefully busy, a librarian will be glad to help you find what you are looking for, or at minimum, show you how to use particular databases effectively.

Libraries are most likely to have marketing databases, especially those connected with government statistics.  While they often have information on large companies from Dow Jones, etc., these reports will likely be less pertinent to you than other information.

There is a real talent to using a librarian's services effectively, and it lies in the question.  Ask the right question and you will likely get an excellent answer.  Ask for "marketing information", and you will get hundreds of databases you can't use.  Ask for demographic information on a specific zip code, and the librarian will lead you right to it.

Don't ever ever feel like you are imposing on the librarian.  This is why they exist:  To help people find information.  This really is your tax dollars being put to good use.  I have always found it helpful to go in person to the library, but you may prefer using their online services.

2.  SET UP A GOOGLE SEARCH

When looking for people who are alive and active, set up a search in Google to alert you whenever that name is mentioned.  This will capture all new articles and postings that mention this person.  If it is a common name you are looking for, you may run into information overload, but it works well for lots of searches.

I know one team that was looking for angel investment.  As soon as they got a good lead on a person, they set up Google searches and stayed on top of what that person was doing.  When they went into the meeting, they were very prepared to have a discussion with a real person.

3.  SEEK OUT GOVERNMENT RECORDS

Don't know where to start?  Try Search Systems.  The searches are free.  You probably won't find a copy of the document online, but you will discover which government agency has the document, and usually will find contact information for that agency.

When all else fails, hire a professional researcher or investigator.  The more critical the information is likely to be, the more important it is to get it right.