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A how-to blog for Chicago business
Why Context is Crucial in Communication
We all want to be more effective communicators. But the key to good communication is less about how "well" you communicate and more about what the other person receives and understands. It's not the singer or... Read »
Why You Should Use QR Codes (Really)
There is no more put-down technology than the QR code. The red-headed stepchild of web marketers, the QR code is an easy go-to punchline, like this Tumblr filled with people scanning QR codes. Read »
Chicago Developer Takes on Facebook's Gift Culture
Facebook has been catching a lot of flak lately for its attempts to monetize a service it promised would always be free. Besides charging one dollar to message somebody off your friends list (don’t even get... Read »
How Social Media Impacts Your Search Rankings
Social media websites like Facebook and LinkedIn always rank well for businesses. The content you are posting on your social media networks also has an impact on your overall ranking strategy. Your individual... Read »
How the Internet Sales Tax Bill Will Affect Startups
Before you read this headline, did you know the Senate is planning to vote on a bill that could individual states the authority to collect sales tax on all Internet purchases? It's been estimated the bill, if... Read »
IPOs Slow Productivity, Innovation: Study
I hate the word “innovation,” but not because of what it represents. It tends to be vastly, vastly overused to the point of the word being completely meaningless. But as a concept, a recent Stanford Graduate... Read »
Five Companies to Know that Manage Your Business Data Online
People search the Internet all the time to find information about businesses. They’re checking out company websites, blogs, local directories and listings, review sites, maps, social networks and other... Read »
How Entrepreneurs Fool Themselves Everyday about Content Strategy
We are told “less is more” so often, but I feel like so few people actually put this maxim into practice in their daily lives or in their professional endeavors. Part of that is cultural: We’re a country... Read »
How to Court Viral Hits
“Yeah, we’d like to hire you to make a viral video,” the client tells you. “We’d like for it to be funny, cool, and unpretentious.” Read »
Should You Advertise on Tumblr?
Controversy struck the microblogging world this week when Tumblr announced (and unveiled) its “sponsored content” that would start appearing on its mobile app starting... immediately. It makes sense, and,... 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
- Why You Should Use QR Codes (Really)
- Why DIY PR for Your Business Makes Sense
- How to Write a Snappy, Tight Professional Bio
- How to Create a Social Media Campaign
- How to Optimize for the App Store
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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