![[CHI] Spotlight: Redbox Instant's Amy Gibby](http://media.nbcchicago.com/images/184*104/amygibby.png)
A how-to blog for Chicago business
How Mobile Developers Can Better Monetize Their Games
More than 100 million Americans play mobile games and NPD reported 59 percent of all play happens on mobile devices. Despite rapid growth in the mobile gaming space, developers creating the games we know and... Read »
How Storytelling Can Differentiate Your Brand
“If I saw the train coming today, I’d let it hit me again.” Read »
LinkedIn Overhauls Search Function: How to Adapt
Recently you may have noticed a change in the LinkedIn search function. The obvious change is that the search bar has moved from the right side to the center of the screen. How you are able to search using... Read »
How to Make a More Efficient To-Do List: Differentiating Tasks and Projects
We all make task lists -- and no matter how you manage them, whether online, with an app, or with a Post-It note, eventually there are tasks that just keep getting rewritten. As these guilt-ridden tasks... Read »
How to Survive as an Introverted Entrepreneur
After reading a post by my business coach about three mistakes small business owners often make, one mistake in particular resonated with me the most: don't be an island. It's something, especially as an... Read »
How to Think Big as a Small Biz with Social Media
Social media has allowed two key things to occur: 1. Brands, and even CEOs, can now engage directly with their audience. 2. Small business and startups have the chance to market like the big boys. 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 »
How to Create “Must Read Now” Emails
It’s hard not to be distracted when a new email arrives, and yet, based on the subject line and content, the decision to open or delete is made within seconds. While you know the basics of creating awesome... Read »
The Upside of Inside Jokes Among Entrepreneurs
Who doesn’t love a good joke? Sometimes the funniest ones are only funny to a handful of people -- an "inside" joke. Mingling your way through a crowd, shaking hands, meeting, greeting and getting to know new... 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 »
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.
Follow Us
advertisement
Photos & Videos
-
Spotlight: Guaranteed Rate
-
CEO Spotlight: Enova's David Fisher
-
Rahm Lauds Tech Incubator 1871
-
Spring Clean Your Career
-
Spotlight: Redbox Instant's Amy Gibby
-
Ask an Owner: Work on Business, Not in Business
-
Ask an Owner: Keep an Eye on the Money
-
Ask an Owner: Have a Clear Branding, Marketing Strategy
-
Ask an Owner: Why You Need to Delegate Tasks
-
Ask An Owner: The Biggest Lesson Learned
-
Ask an Owner: Share Your Idea
-
Just One Drink: Chef Stephanie Izard
-
Spotlight: Baird Capital Venture Partners
-
Spotlight: Discover Card's Mike Boush
-
CEO Spotlight: Threadless Founder Jake Nickell
-
CEO Spotlight: kCura's Andrew Sieja
-
Spotlight: Sertifi's John and Nick Stojka
-
Just One Drink: Chef Fabio Viviani
-
'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.
advertisement
news
Hossa Misses Morning Skate, Kane-Toews Reunited- Parents, Students Take Over Closing School's Classroom
- Possible Bones Found at Former "Goodfellas" Mobster Home
- Body Pulled From Lake Identified As Missing Student
- Obama in Berlin: Time to Cut Cold War Nuke Arsenals
- "Sopranos" Star James Gandolfini Dead at 51
