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A how-to blog for Chicago business
A Peek Inside: CakeStyle
CakeStyle is one of those space-age startups that seems so obvious in hindsight: After giving CakeStyle your fit and wardrobe needs, ladies can receive a box of hand-selected outfits in the mail. Anything... Read »
A Peek Inside: The Stationery Studio
From thestationerystudio.com: "The Stationery Studio began as a passion project and work of love for its entrepreneurial owner Renee Redman in 1994. At the time, the Chicago public relations executive and mother... Read »
A Peek Inside: George the Salon
It’s a place with a funny-seeming name, but George the Salon on Hubbard in downtown Chicago is an establishment forged out of celebrity hairstylist/owner George Gonzalez’s many years of experience. George has... Read »
What Not to Wear at Networking Events: Men's Edition
My last post was all about the ladies looking as smart on the outside as they are on the inside. Gentlemen, it is now your turn to take a hard look at your fashion game. Read »
Who to Watch at Chicago Ideas Week 2012: Monique Péan
There's a lot to wrap your mind around with the approaching Chicago Ideas Week, the weeklong invasion of super-smart and super-influential folks taking place at venues all over town from Oct. 8 to 14. We're... Read »
How to Run a Successful Chicago Spa
C.I. Luxury MedSpa Owner Dara Levy wanted to create a business that would meet her exacting standards as a customer. So, tapping into her personal preferences, Dara developed a medical spa focusing on effective... Read »
How Chicago Fashionista Brands are Going Green
Green really is the new black, and Chicago's fashion scene is embracing this new trend. From eyewear to boots, our city has sustainable retail to thrill even the most hardcore style pros: Gone are the days where... Read »
How to Get Kicked off Etsy
In some of my other writing gigs, I cross paths with many people who sell video game-inspired handmade goods on Etsy, the e-commerce website for handmade or vintage arts and crafts. The rule at the publication... Read »
How Far Can Bosses Take At-Will Laws When Firing?
NBC Miami recently picked up the story of a Deerfield Beach law firm that laid off 14 employees for wearing orange shirts to work. I will repeat that: A Deerfield Beach law firm fired 14 of its workers for... Read »
How Akira Sold a $1,000 Gown in 30 Seconds
Crain's recently wrote up a story so short and tidy about why you should use social media that it's practically a fable. Akira co-founder Erikka Wang told the publication about how her boutique -- which is known... 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?
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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