Each online and print edition of the Business Journal is full of news and information about our local community and its business leaders. Each edition is also full of opportunities for your business or organization if you read it with strategy in mind.
 
Here are some ways to use the Business Journal to your benefit.
 
Keeping a pulse on the local market:

• Each issue’s cover story is an in-depth look at a current topic of interest for the local business community, giving readers a unique perspective and updates on some of the most important issues for the region.
• Once a month we run the Economic Indicators page, a collection of quick-hit graphics readers can scan to see how local economic drivers are doing – from new unemployment rates to sales tax collection – to give a sense of how the local economy is performing.
• The In Profile feature includes interviews with newsmakers and interesting business owners in the area. These can be helpful to learn about new companies and successful existing companies’ strategies for growth, and also are where readers might find inspiration for their own operations.

• The List spotlights a different industry each issue. It is a valuable resource about local companies with information about their services, top officials and contact information. Each list is ranked by different criteria such as employee numbers or square footage. We often include a mention on the page of the publication for upcoming lists so companies can contact us if they want to make sure they’re included. The lists printed throughout the year in the Business Journal also are included in the annual Book on Business publication that is distributed throughout the community.
• The Achievers and Accolades page (also included in the weekly Achievers and Accolades email newsletter sent out on Tuesday mornings) includes information about local hires, promotions, board appointments and awards. Readers can use this to reach out to connect with new hires or send congratulations for building relationships.
• The Biz Leads section compiles the latest filings for area corporations registered with the N.C. Secretary of State’s Office and building permits. This is an opportunity to identify potential new clients for the services your business or organization offers.

• Throughout the Business Journal are announcements about upcoming Business Journal events, such as Power Breakfasts, After-Hours networking get-togethers and awards events. Use them to find networking opportunities with other business leaders and potential customers. 

• By scanning our ads both online and in print, you can find out what marketing messages and advertising efforts your competitors are using.
• Biz Leads also is a source for finding newly incorporated businesses that may emerge as your newest competition.
• When you advertise in the Business Journal, you are letting people know about you and your business. You wouldn’t want your potential clients going to a competitor because they saw an ad from them and don’t know about you. Remember the old adage: “Out of sight is out of mind.”