Low-Tech (the Library) and High-Tech Methods for Locating Industry Listings

Q: I am looking for the names and addresses of auto insurance companies and auto body repair shops doing business in California. Are there such lists online, and how do I download them?

--Sol Kravetz, Studio City

A: There are indeed directories for any industry. The simplest place to start is at the public library, where a reference librarian should be able to point you to several directories that list businesses by standard industrial classification (SIC) code and geographic location.

Online, you can go to a search engine called Switchboard (https://www.switchboard.com) to find businesses that fit a particular classification, but you must be fairly specific in your search to get complete listings.

For a minimal investment, you can purchase any of several CD-ROM computer databases that can be used to create your own mailing list for a specific industry.

For instance, a company called DeLorme publishes relatively low-cost CD-ROMs called Street Atlas and Phone Search that work together. The database will walk you through looking up businesses by their SIC code and then narrowing your search by region.

For a somewhat larger investment, you can buy Dun & Bradstreet’s MarketPlace ($600) or MarketPlace Pro ($1,600), two CD-ROMs that offer more refined contact management software.

For instance, instead of just giving you the company’s name, address and telephone number, it may also be able to give you the name of the chief executive, how large the business is and how many years it has been around. It will even dial the company’s phone number if you want to make a cold call.

Take a look at some office management software and you will find several other products in various price ranges that have similar capabilities.

--Frank Stokes, director

El Camino College Business and

Entrepreneurial Success Training

Torrance

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If you have a question about how to start or operate a small business, mail it to Karen E. Klein at the Los Angeles Times, 1333 S. Mayflower Ave., Suite 100, Monrovia, CA 91016 or e-mail it to kklein6349@aol.com. Include your name, address and telephone number. The column is designed to answer questions of general interest. It should not be construed as legal advice.