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A how-to blog for Chicago business
Customer or Seller: Who Should Know Whom Better?
For many years, business has focused nearly entirely -- some might argue completely -- on the customer. Customer relationship management systems, contact managers, Rolodex systems (yep, they’re still around),... Read »
Why Startups Should Collaborate with Referrals and Beyond
Reaching new opportunities is an ongoing challenge for many Chicago business owners. Katie Jeep, owner of Musical Magic, has cracked the code in forming mutually beneficial partnerships within her community.... Read »
Why You Might be Spreading Yourself Too Thin
If you sometimes feel you’re on a treadmill getting nowhere, then you have to pick up the New York Times bestseller, “The One Thing.” It may change your life. Most of us spend too much time multi-tasking,... Read »
How to Increase Your Sales by 50 Percent
Would you be surprised to learn that 50 percent of all sales are closed in follow-up communication? What is even more staggering is that only 10 percent of seasoned sales professionals follow up more than... Read »
Do You Really Need to be the CEO?
There is something inherently appealing in the letters CEO. If you’re an entrepreneur, it’s assumed you want to be the “top dog.” It’s undeniable: Becoming the CEO of your own company is a powerful statement. Read »
Don't "Narrow Bracket" Your Way Into Bad Decisions
Deciding things is hard. It’s draining. It also can mess with your mind without you realizing it, according to a new study from Uri Simonsohn (of Wharton) and Francesca Gino (of Harvard Business School) after... Read »
Groupon Stock Upgraded to 'Recovering'
Groupon’s March quarter was better than expected — to the tune of the stock now hovering around $7.50. As Mashable crunches the numbers, “most of that revenue growth came from North America, where sales... Read »
What to Consider When Applying for a Small Business Loan
So, you’re ready to get a loan to help enhance and grow your small business, but you aren’t quite sure where to start. Here's what you should ask yourself first. Read »
How to Make the Day-to-Day Easier
Are you busy all day but at the end of the day not sure what you got done? Is it hard to delegate tasks that someone else could and should really be doing? Then it's time to evaluate your systems for getting... Read »
How to Mobilize Your Marketing to Engage Customers
It’s impossible to ignore the many ways mobile devices have influenced small business owners. In fact, a recent survey by Constant Contact found that 66 percent of small-business owners are now using mobile... Read »
About
NBC Chicago's "How-To" start up blog aims to help your entrepreneurial idea germinate and grow into a fully functioning business. Lean on our experts, ask questions and find out best practices to take your passion project professional.
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Photos & Videos
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Spotlight: Guaranteed Rate
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CEO Spotlight: Enova's David Fisher
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Rahm Lauds Tech Incubator 1871
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Spring Clean Your Career
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Spotlight: Redbox Instant's Amy Gibby
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Ask an Owner: Work on Business, Not in Business
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Ask an Owner: Keep an Eye on the Money
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Ask an Owner: Have a Clear Branding, Marketing Strategy
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Ask an Owner: Why You Need to Delegate Tasks
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Ask An Owner: The Biggest Lesson Learned
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Ask an Owner: Share Your Idea
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Just One Drink: Chef Stephanie Izard
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Spotlight: Baird Capital Venture Partners
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Spotlight: Discover Card's Mike Boush
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CEO Spotlight: Threadless Founder Jake Nickell
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CEO Spotlight: kCura's Andrew Sieja
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Spotlight: Sertifi's John and Nick Stojka
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Just One Drink: Chef Fabio Viviani
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'Salsa Truck' Gets City's First License for Onboard Cooking
What We Cover
See more What We Cover
Pets
Some officials have estimated the City of Chicago's dog population to be somewhere around 500,000. Add in all the cats, fish and birds and you've got yourself an industry just begging -- and barking -- to be...
Fashion
There are plenty of questions for a fledgling fashionista to answer. Never fear: We've got the goods.
Marketing
Good luck making a dent in the public conscience if you don't have marketing and branding plan to get your message out.
Food Business
Experts say 90 percent of new restaurants fail in their first year of operation. You want to be the 10 percent that makes it. But how?
Most Popular
- How Lisa Frame Made So Yeah Duh a Viral Hit
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- Why Social Media is For All Small Businesses
- Why You Should Use QR Codes (Really)
Authors
David Wolinsky
David Wolinsky is a freelance writer, lifelong Chicagoan, and reasonably handsome business-study scion.
Kim Vatis
Kim Vatis joined NBC5 News in 1997. She currently Anchors the weekend morning newscasts, is general assignment reporter and special projects reporter for the 10 PM newscasts.
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