Supporting Local Businesses and Entrepreneurs in the Digital Age


Book Description

A timely reference for all public librarians who serve the business community in libraries, regardless of size or location—from small rural outposts to bustling big-city branches. Serving communities today entails serving businesses—in particular, local businesses, entrepreneurs, and those looking to become entrepreneurs. Understandably, many librarians are not prepared for this role, and as a result feel uncomfortable in it. Supporting Local Businesses and Entrepreneurs in the Digital Age: The Public Librarian's Toolkit explains how librarians and libraries can better serve the business community, offering specific guidance on everything from information resources—including books, databases, and free online sites—to programming, special events, marketing, and outreach. Readers will gain insight into key topics ranging from embedded business librarianship, virtual business librarianship, and government documents to seminars, one-on-one appointments, and trade shows. Providing invaluable guidance based on the authors' real-world experience and research as well as interviews with librarians in all sizes of libraries around the country, this book offers practical, actionable advice and proven best practices for serving local business owners and entrepreneurs.




Supporting Local Businesses and Entrepreneurs in the Digital Age


Book Description

A timely reference for all public librarians who serve the business community in libraries, regardless of size or location—from small rural outposts to bustling big-city branches. Serving communities today entails serving businesses—in particular, local businesses, entrepreneurs, and those looking to become entrepreneurs. Understandably, many librarians are not prepared for this role, and as a result feel uncomfortable in it. Supporting Local Businesses and Entrepreneurs in the Digital Age: The Public Librarian's Toolkit explains how librarians and libraries can better serve the business community, offering specific guidance on everything from information resources—including books, databases, and free online sites—to programming, special events, marketing, and outreach. Readers will gain insight into key topics ranging from embedded business librarianship, virtual business librarianship, and government documents to seminars, one-on-one appointments, and trade shows. Providing invaluable guidance based on the authors' real-world experience and research as well as interviews with librarians in all sizes of libraries around the country, this book offers practical, actionable advice and proven best practices for serving local business owners and entrepreneurs.




Digital Entrepreneurship


Book Description

This open access book explores the global challenges and experiences related to digital entrepreneurial activities, using carefully selected examples from leading companies and economies that shape world business today and tomorrow. Digital entrepreneurship and the companies steering it have an enormous global impact; they promise to transform the business world and change the way we communicate with each other. These companies use digitalization and artificial intelligence to enhance the quality of decisions and augment their business and customer operations. This book demonstrates how cloud services are continuing to evolve; how cryptocurrencies are traded in the banking industry; how platforms are created to commercialize business, and how, taken together, these developments provide new opportunities in the digitalized era. Further, it discusses a wide range of digital factors changing the way businesses operate, including artificial intelligence, chatbots, voice search, augmented and virtual reality, as well as cyber threats and data privacy management. “Digitalization mirrors the Industrial Revolution’s impact. This book provides a complement of perspectives on the opportunities emanating from such a deep seated change in our economy. It is a comprehensive collection of thought leadership mapped into a very useful framework. Scholars, digital entrepreneurs and practitioners will benefit from this timely work.” Gina O’Connor, Professor of Innovation Management at Babson College, USA “This book defines and delineates the requirements for companies to enable their businesses to succeed in a post-COVID19 world. This book deftly examines how to accomplish and achieve digital entrepreneurship by leveraging cloud computing, AI, IoT and other critical technologies. This is truly a unique “must-read” book because it goes beyond theory and provides practical examples.” Charlie Isaacs, CTO of Customer Connection at Salesforce.com, USA "This book provides digital entrepreneurs useful guidance identifying, validating and building their venture. The international authors developed new perspectives on digital entrepreneurship that can support to create impact ventures.” Felix Staeritz, CEO FoundersLane, Member of the World Economic Forum Digital Leaders Board and bestselling author of FightBack, Germany




Trade Governance in the Digital Age


Book Description

The development of new digital technologies has resulted in significant transformations in daily life, from the arrival of online shopping to more fundamental changes in the ways we work and communicate. Many of these changes raise questions that transcend market access and liberalisation, and demand cooperation and coherent regulatory design. International trade regulation has hitherto not reacted in a forward-looking manner to the digital revolution and, particularly at the multilateral level, legal engineering has yielded few tangible results. This book examines whether WTO laws possess the necessary flexibility and resilience to accommodate the changes brought about by burgeoning digital trade. By revealing both the potential and the limitations of the WTO framework, it provides a broad picture of the interaction between digital technologies and trade regulation, links the often disconnected discourses of international trade law, intellectual property and cyberlaw and explores discrete problems in different domains of global trade regulation.




Handbook of Research on Sustaining SMEs and Entrepreneurial Innovation in the Post-COVID-19 Era


Book Description

A multidimensional approach to entrepreneurship, especially in the post-COVID-19 era, will have an important influence on the state of business and government, especially when considering the effects of technological development, innovation, glocalization, and nationalization policies that need to be adopted for inclusive sustainable growth, as well as the enhanced and efficient utilization of global resources. That means there is likely to be a shift in how entrepreneurship development and entrepreneurial opportunities will be perceived, developed, and resourced. The question is how to sustain SMEs and entrepreneurial innovation in the post-COVID-19 era. Thus, comprehensive research and knowledge on designing policies and approaches to ensure the sustainability of SMEs and entrepreneurial innovation in post-pandemic times are essential to sustain, stimulate, and foster SMEs, entrepreneurship, and entrepreneurial innovations. The Handbook of Research on Sustaining SMEs and Entrepreneurial Innovation in the Post-COVID-19 Era provides research dedicated to entrepreneurship with a special emphasis on the sustainability of SMEs and entrepreneurial innovations in the post-COVID-19 era. It provides discussion and the exchange of information on principles, strategies, models, techniques, methodologies, and applications of entrepreneurship in the post-COVID-19 era in the field of public and private organizations. The chapters communicate the latest developments and thinking on the entrepreneurship subject worldwide by drawing on the latest developments, ideas, research, and best practice to examine the implications of the changes taking place due to COVID-19. This book is ideally intended for entrepreneurs, global organizations, small and medium-sized enterprises, managers, executives, government officials, policymakers, researchers, academicians, and students who are interested in learning about, designing, or implementing policies that are more effective in the post-pandemic era.




Small Business Management and Control of the Uncertain External Environment


Book Description

This edited collection investigates the potential impact of long-term planning and strategic awareness on the ability of SMEs to remain competitive. The authors demonstrate that whether SMEs are able to identify and act upon external forces and factors, or not, is the defining indicator of their likelihood to struggle, survive, or thrive.




Complex Systems: Innovation and Sustainability in the Digital Age


Book Description

This text provides one of the first book-length studies on the innovative and sustainable development of complex systems in the era of digital transformations, combining quantitative data from several countries with detailed qualitative accounts at the national level. In particular, the book covers the basic concepts, methods, and cutting-edge research on innovation and sustainability in complex systems. Given its scope, the book will be of great interest and value to researchers and practitioners working across the social sciences and in a diverse range of areas in complexity science. Pursuing a multidisciplinary approach, the book is also an ideal resource for advanced undergraduate and graduate level courses in complexity science, sustainability research, economics, and development studies.




The Great Fragmentation


Book Description

Doing business in the digital age The Great Fragmentation: And Why the Future of All Business is Small is a business survival manifesto for the technology revolution. As the world moves from the industrial era to the digital age, power is shifting and fragmenting. Power is no longer about might and ownership; power in a digital world is about access. Existing businesses need to understand this shift and position themselves to survive and thrive in an environment where entrepreneurs and start-ups enabled by access to technology are genuine threats. Author Steve Sammartino is widely regarded as a thought leader on the subject of technology and business, and helps companies transition from industrial-era thinking to the mindset and processes required to compete in today's digital marketplace. The Great Fragmentation shows how technological changes such as Big Data, gamification, crowdfunding, Bitcoin, 3D printing, social media, mashup culture and artisanal production will forever change business and the way we live our lives. Examine how the digital era has altered where we work, how we work, where we live and what we do Discover how the digital era has impacted social and economic structures, including educational systems, financial systems and government policy Understand that the social media and collecting 'friends' is just the tip of the iceberg in a digital business environment Weaving together insights from business, technology and anthropology, The Great Fragmentation provides both corporations and entrepreneurs with a playbook for the future of work, life and business in the digital era.




Digital Threads


Book Description

Digital Threads: The Small Business and Entrepreneur Playbook for Digital-First Marketing is a must-read for any entrepreneur or small business owner looking to scale their brand and achieve lasting success in today’s digital-first world. As the digital landscape continues to evolve at lightning speed, the key to survival and growth lies in mastering digital marketing strategies that are both cost-effective and powerful. But with so many platforms, tools, and trends, knowing where to begin—or how to improve your existing approach—can feel overwhelming. That’s where Digital Threads comes in. Bestselling author, Fractional CMO, keynote speaker, and university educator Neal Schaffer draws on over a decade of experience in digital marketing to deliver an accessible, practical guide packed with strategies tailored to small businesses and entrepreneurs. Whether you’re launching a new venture or looking to grow an existing one, this book offers a clear path to building a robust digital presence and driving real, measurable growth. With Digital Threads, you will discover how to: Leverage Big-Brand Strategies on a Small-Business Budget: Neal demystifies the marketing tactics used by large brands and adapts them to the scale and budget of smaller businesses. From optimizing your online presence to using the same frameworks that industry leaders rely on, you’ll learn how to compete effectively without overspending. Maximize Your Content's Impact: In today’s fast-paced world, content is everything. Neal teaches you how to repurpose your content to make it work harder for you. Whether it’s blogs, social media posts, or videos, you’ll learn to distribute your content across multiple platforms in ways that boost visibility and engagement. Master Social Media Marketing: Social media isn’t just for big brands. Learn how to develop platform-specific strategies that work on a small budget. Neal shares his insider tips on creating engaging content, growing your audience, and turning followers into loyal customers. Unlock the Power of AI Tools: AI isn’t just a buzzword—it’s a game-changer for businesses. Neal shows you how to harness cutting-edge AI tools to streamline your marketing efforts, improve efficiency, and gain a competitive edge. From chatbots to personalized content creation, Digital Threads reveals the possibilities of AI in digital marketing. Implement SEO and Lead Generation Strategies: Building a strong online presence starts with getting noticed. Learn Neal’s proven methods for optimizing your website for search engines, creating compelling lead magnets, and turning website visitors into customers. You’ll understand how to leverage the full potential of SEO and generate high-quality leads that convert. Scale Your Marketing with Automation: As your business grows, so should your marketing. Neal offers a deep dive into marketing automation tools that allow you to save time, maintain a personal connection with your audience, and scale your marketing efforts seamlessly. Navigate Influencer and User-Generated Content: Influencer marketing isn’t just for celebrities. Neal explains how small businesses can tap into micro-influencers and user-generated content to build authentic engagement, grow brand loyalty, and increase reach. Digital Threads takes a hands-on approach, providing step-by-step frameworks, real-world examples, and case studies that bring the strategies to life. Whether you're just getting started or refining your digital marketing game plan, this book delivers a complete roadmap to success. With endorsements from industry thought leaders such as Michael Stelzner (founder of Social Media Examiner), Brian Solis (digital futurist and author), and Ann Handley (Wall Street Journal bestselling author), Digital Threads is not just a book—it’s your guide to building a sustainable, successful brand in the digital age. Who Should Read Digital Threads? Small Business Owners: If you’re ready to take your business to the next level but aren’t sure where to start with digital marketing, this book is for you. Entrepreneurs: Whether you’re launching your first company or expanding an existing venture, Digital Threads provides the strategies you need to grow your brand in the digital marketplace. Content Creators: Learn how to make the most of your content and distribute it across multiple platforms to maximize impact and reach. Marketing Students and Professionals: Stay ahead of the curve with fresh insights into the latest digital marketing trends, including AI and content repurposing. Service Providers: If you’re looking to grow your client base through effective digital marketing strategies, Digital Threads will show you how to build a robust online presence. By the end of Digital Threads, you’ll have the knowledge, tools, and confidence to: - Build a strong digital footprint that drives measurable results - Expand your reach and increase engagement across digital platforms - Optimize content for SEO and lead generation - Implement marketing automation to scale your efforts - Leverage AI tools for maximum efficiency Build lasting relationships with customers through influencer and user-generated content If you’re serious about mastering digital marketing, Digital Threads is the playbook you need. Start weaving your path to digital success today.




Promoting the digitalization of small and medium-sized agrifood enterprises in Asia and the Pacific


Book Description

Small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) constitute the large majority of businesses both globally and in Asia and the Pacific. Despite their undeniable importance, the literature on SMEs in general, and agrifood SMEs in particular, is relatively limited. One specific area that deserves deeper consideration is the extent of digital engagement of agrifood SMEs along the agrifood value chain, from farm to retail and food services, in countries in Asia and the Pacific. The goal of this publication is to understand the current status of digitalization of agri-SMEs in Asia and the Pacific, what this process looks like and how to improve it. A value-chain approach was adopted to evaluate the digital maturity of all types of agri-SMEs across previously siloed categories – from farm to fork, and in the core and the extended value chain. The report analyses the benefits of digital transformation for agri-SMEs and the challenges they face in this process. Next, the report outlines practical and actionable measures that governments and other stakeholders may undertake to help agrifood SMEs stay ahead in the digital age. Special attention is given to the creation of a digital environment that enables agri-SMEs to increase the efficiency of their operations and allow them to grow. This is particularly important given that many agri-SMEs are located in rural agricultural areas, (where more than half of the population in Asia and the Pacific still resides), but where the environment is less favourable to digital transformation.