5 Ways Entrepreneurs Can Use Free Library Resources for Growth

Learning new tricks is one way entrepreneurs maintain their professional edge. From growing your branding to improving your skills, there are tons of affordable ways to enhance your business offerings.

Here are five free ways you can achieve growth, just by using resources from your local library.

Read More for Greater Insight

Reading has a reputation for enlightening minds, but it’s not just children who benefit from a good book. The benefits of reading include the discovery of solutions to your business challenges and the boost of an extra dose of creativity. It’s true that when you pick up a book on any subject, you never know what you might take away from it.

Read everything from self-help books to business theory to marketing strategy for a well-rounded foray into the business world. You can learn to create cohesive branding and enhance your sales efforts by absorbing the theories and proven strategies of pros who have been there.

Supplement Your Degree Goals

You can learn a lot from your library’s free materials. But you can also use relevant books and resources to support your degree path. Earning an online business degree can be challenging, whether you’re pursuing marketing, management, and leadership, or business management. Supplementing your studies with nonfiction content from your library’s shelves can help round out your learning – and it’s entirely free.

Most libraries also offer computers for public use, so if a change of scenery (and a bit of quiet) helps you study, heading to the library could be a helpful solution.

Try a New Language

Learning a second (or subsequent) language is arguably one of the most valuable investments you can make as an entrepreneur. Modern Diplomacy highlights that bilingualism can support travel, business communication, and help you to approach problems in new ways.

Not only do libraries stock a range of language learning materials, but they often provide free access to language tools as well. Though taking language classes can be cost-prohibitive – not to mention tough to fit into your schedule – digital tools make it easier and more accessible.

Paid programs like Mango Languages and Rosetta Stone may be available through your library’s resource catalog. All you need to do is ask. Audio courses in your chosen language are another supplement to your education, and audiobooks can help with language acquisition, too.

Build Community Connections

Most libraries don’t advertise this perk, but it’s undeniable that embracing your community can lead to beneficial connections. From chance meetings with fellow professionals at your local branch to leaving your business card for others to find, visibility in your community is always a positive to your company.

Donating to your library – or volunteering – can also pay off, even though you’re gifting your funds or time. Libraries often publicly thank donors, which could earn you honest advertising. Or you might contribute books for a special section in the library, and the ‘donated by’ sticker could highlight your company. 

Check Out Workshop Offerings

Many libraries host workshops for professionals, students, and even kids. Getting together with other people who are interested in the same things as you can be hugely beneficial for your personal and professional growth.

Explore your library’s listings or offer to host an event that could attract like-minded entrepreneurs. Even if you explore a hobby rather than host an event that centers on your professional niche, it’s still an opportunity to expand your social horizons.

It might sound like something schoolkids do in their downtime, but hanging out at your local library could do far more for your entrepreneurial passion than you might assume. And if your newfound knowledge inspires you to grow your brand, visit Hatchwise for branding direction and a creative process that puts you in control of your company’s next steps.