Doing anything after work tonight? Join myself and my co-hostess Elizabeth Lulu Miranda of Mercury Organizing Professionsals for Neighborhood Networking: West Loop at Plush Restaurant & Lounge from 5:30-8 pm.We have a large variety of businesses attending… I just peeked at the list and I’m looking forward to seeing our regulars and meeting the newcomers!
Buy tickets in advance for $10 or pay $12 at the door (online ticket sales end at 2:30 pm). We hope to see you there!
Essie: a set on flickr
I’m proud to announce that my office assistant Essie made it onto the HOW Design Blog!
Her passion for design is quite evident in the fact that she regularly naps in front of my stack of HOW Magazine back issues, not to mention her honest critiques of my design work (woof!! = yes, it’s very good. arrooo = nope, not quite there yet).
Though she was more than happy to model the sticker on the HOW Design blog, we hear dogs aren’t allowed at the HOW Design Conference in Denver (sorry, Essie). But maybe next year…
At the Unisource Paper Show in Chicago last year, I was delighted to discover lots of new paper stocks for digital printing—and thrilled that many of them were also recycled (30–100% PCW).
photo by jaxxon on flickr
As many small businesses are printing short runs digitally—or even printing in-house on their trusty laser printers—I thought I would share my digital paper discoveries.
Digital papers can be purchased online either directly from the paper mill or at online retailers such as The Paper Mill Store. Some papers are available at local retail stores too. Check each paper manufacturer’s site for specific purchase information.
Print no more on boring white laser paper!
Handmade checkbook cover by BCharmer on Etsy
It’s that time again… the fourth installment of estimated taxes are due today. For more information on filing estimated taxes, visit the IRS website, as well as your local state’s tax website.
Now is also a good time to start preparing for this year’s tax filing. Start sorting through those piles of reciepts, invoices, mileage notes. Being organized now will help you to maximize your deductions in April (read: keep more of your money). And yes, your accountant will thank you too.
photo by sidereal on flickr
January always seems to be the busiest time at my gym. Whether it’s New Year’s resolutions or just a lingering desire to be fit, it’s a popular time to start a fitness program. However, most gyms are not cheap and if you’re a small business owner, this might be a place where you cut your budget. Don’t give up on your fitness routine just yet: check out the Chicago Park District.
The Park District has many fitness centers, with low-cost membership fees, located throughout the city. There are also great classes available, like circuit training, Pilates and yoga—I’ve become a big fan of the yoga class at my local park.
If you have a home office, the park district is a great option as there is likely a park near your workplace—and it’s a great excuse to get out of the house. Now get out there and start moving!
That’s what I might have said years ago too. Many business owners avoid networking events for lots of reasons: there are too many people, I feel intimidated, I won’t make useful connections, I’m shy, the food will be lousy.
We—that is, myself and Elizabeth Lulu Miranda of Mercury Organizing Professionals—started Neighborhood Networking last year with these fears and concerns in mind. We envisioned an event that would be approachable and friendly, yet provide valuable networking opportunities. We also wanted to incorporate our values of supporting and promoting local businesses and communities. And we have been thrilled with the result! We have watched business connections being made, new clients found, and even friendships form as a result of our local networking events.
Now we invite you to join us! We will be heading to the West Loop, along with our co-host BBR Chicago (Business by Referral), on Tuesday, January 26th to kick off our first Neighborhood Networking event of 2010.
Stop by Plush Restaurant & Lounge (1104 W. Madison, Chicago IL) from 5:30-8:00 pm and mix and mingle with other businesses— as well as sample great appetizers from this local favorite. As usual, we’ll also have great raffle prizes from local businesses and our other generous raffle donors. Buy tickets in advance here.
We hope to inspire you to achieve your goals of doing more networking this year!
2010 Quick Peek Calendars - buy online!
I’m delighted to share that my 2010 Quick Peek Calendar is featured on the Artisan blog as an example of creative self-promotion.
After many years of sending holiday cards to clients and friends in December, I decided to start sending a New Year card and Calendar instead. The response has been very positive. I love walking into a client’s office and seeing my calendar posted on the wall. And this year, I even got several requests for calendars in advance of mailing them!
With the boom of online promotion, I think people like to get something in the mail (that isn’t a bill, that is). Not to mention the calendar concept fits perfectly with my policy of sending gifts that are beautiful, yet practical.
Thank you to my friends at Artisan in Chicago!
Have you been to the library lately? For many people under the age of 10, the answer is probably no. But for small businesses, the library can be a valuable resource.
Here in Chicago, the Chicago Public Library offers you the opportunity to search books online and have them transferred to your local branch. I’ve been pleasantly surprised to find most of the business and marketing books that I’ve searched for—even new releases. Don’t get me wrong, I’m still a bookstore junkie. But this way, I can scope out books before I head over to my local bookshop and plunk down my money.
Live in Chicago? Another Chicago Public Library perk that I just learned from fellow Twitterer Allison Hanlon: you can check out a Museum Passport which give you 1 week of FREE access to local museums (choose from 12, see specifics here). Talk about a great recession buster, especially for families. Have I convinced you yet? Check out the CPL’s online catalog or find your local branch.
Looking for your local library? Search Libweb for an extensive list of public and academic library locations.
Here we are in the first week of 2010. A new year. 365 new days to achieve your goals. Sounds daunting, yes? I have always started off the new year by writing a list of goals. However, this year I’m taking a new approach. Instead of making a list of what I must do, I’ve decided to make a list of what I want to learn.
For example, here are a few things I want to learn in 2010:
So… what do you want to learn in 2010?
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