Business POV

Homaro Cantu: From Avant Garde Chef to Micro Algae Innovator

mscheffler@businesspov.com — Sat, 09 Jan 2010 00:00:00 -0800

The chef behind the boundary-pushing molecular gastronomy restaurant Moto is trying to teach people how to make their own fuel and plastic, as well as shrink down the size and energy-use of their kitchens. Here, he discusses his brand of innovation.

How Do Large Companies Innovate? A Kellogg School Prof. Sheds Light

mscheffler@businesspov.com — Fri, 08 Jan 2010 00:00:00 -0800

Kellogg Professor Robert Wolcott talks about how to spur innovation in large, complex corporations.

Meet Tenacity Man! The Irrepressible Michael Ferro on Entrepreneurship

mscheffler@businesspov.com — Thu, 07 Jan 2010 00:00:00 -0800

The high-energy capitalist sold his company, Click Commerce, for $292 million to ITW in late 2006. Now he runs Merrick Ventures, a holding company with a roster of big-name investors. Herein: a pep talk for upstarts.

Out of the Banking Mess Comes a Business Opportunity for Aleri

mscheffler@businesspov.com — Mon, 08 Jun 2009 00:00:00 -0700

The company — which won the ITA’s "Rising Star" award — specializes in "complex event processing" technology that allows high-speed real-time analysis of data. Here, CEO Don DeLoach explains Aleri's expanding prospects in the financial sector.

The Spy Game: Initiate Systems Helps the CIA Track Thugs

mscheffler@businesspov.com — Mon, 01 Jun 2009 00:00:00 -0700

Funded in part by the CIA, the company is working to create databases that help connect the dots. CEO Bill Conroy explains.

Screw the Psychics and Palmreaders: Let SPSS Predict Your Future

mscheffler@businesspov.com — Tue, 26 May 2009 00:00:00 -0700

SPSS is a pioneer in predictive analytics. Translation: using data mining and statistics, they can foresee trends and help companies manage daily operations more efficiently.

Bullish on Big Ideas: SmartSignal Bets on Innovation in a Tight Economy

mscheffler@businesspov.com — Mon, 18 May 2009 00:00:00 -0700

SmartSignal CEO Jim Gagnard explains why his company, which designs predictive analytics that detect problems in power plants, is making new investments and pushing into China.

Learning to Earn: Terry Howerton on an Entrepreneurial New School

mscheffler@businesspov.com — Thu, 07 May 2009 00:00:00 -0700

Howerton, Chairman of the Illinois Technology Association, on a new educational concept for future entrepreneurs.

Open-Sourcing Ideas: CrowdSpring Moves Ahead by Tapping the Masses

mscheffler@businesspov.com — Mon, 04 May 2009 00:00:00 -0700

The 11-month-old company hosts an online forum that allows companies to crowd-source design ideas from a community of creative types.

The Obama Campaign's First Chief Tech Officer Tells a Start-up Story

mscheffler@businesspov.com — Mon, 02 Feb 2009 00:00:00 -0800

Orbitz veteran Kevin Malover joined the "Obama for America" campaign as CTO early on. Here he talks about the tech team's start-up strategies.

Xerox Chief Technology Officer Sophie Vandebroek on Innovation

mscheffler@businesspov.com — Tue, 21 Oct 2008 00:00:00 -0700

As CTO and president of the Xerox Innovation Group, Ms. Vandebroek leads global research for the company. Here, she discusses the organizational structure of Xerox.

Dick Costolo's Greatest Hits: The FeedBurner CEO's Entrepreneurial Wisdom

mscheffler@businesspov.com — Fri, 05 Sep 2008 00:00:00 -0700

The company that made RSS famous was was bought by Google for a reported $100 million this past February. Its co-founder here shows his true start-up mentality, doing some rapid-fire riffing on hiring, roles, revenue projections, etc.

The Revolution is Only a T-Shirt Away: skinnyCorp's Expansion Plans

mscheffler@businesspov.com — Tue, 12 Aug 2008 00:00:00 -0700

The online community builders at skinnyCorp., the umbrella company of t-shirt haven Threadless, recently launched a new concept — nakedandangry — and just brought in a new CEO. Here, founder Jake Nickell and CCO Jeffrey Kalmikoff talk shop.

BARcamp: 48 Hours of Kegs, Code, Web Monkies and Idea-swapping

mscheffler@businesspov.com — Thu, 07 Aug 2008 00:00:00 -0700

This encore presentation of last year's Barcamp festitivies will give viewers a preview of this year's event, which begins Aug. 15 at the UIC Innovation Center, at 1240 W. Harrison.

NAVTEQ CEO Judson Green on Nokia Buying the Company

mscheffler@businesspov.com — Wed, 02 Jul 2008 00:00:00 -0700

Green talks about partnering with the Finish telecom giant.

Conversations with Thought Leaders: Jason Fried of 37signals

mscheffler@businesspov.com — Tue, 24 Jun 2008 00:00:00 -0700

Fried and his cohorts at 37signals have produced software products like Highrise and Basecamp that have been embraced by well over a million people worldwide. Here, Jason talks about revenue, growth projections and customer relations.

Conversations With Thought Leaders: Design Icon Carlos Segura

mscheffler@businesspov.com — Sat, 14 Jun 2008 00:00:00 -0700

Segura's Chicago firm has been at the forefront of design for years. Here he lays out his theories on effective design and client relations.

Conversations With Thought Leaders: Jim Coudal Reinvents the Business Model

mscheffler@businesspov.com — Mon, 09 Jun 2008 00:00:00 -0700

Chicago-based Coudal Partners is a multidisciplinary design consultancy that does everything from running an ad network to creating consumer products. Here Coudal discusses the firm's business model.

Mike Domek's Company Sold for $265 mil. What He Learned Along the Way

mscheffler@businesspov.com — Mon, 02 Jun 2008 00:00:00 -0700

Domek founded TicketsNow.com, an online marketplace for event tickets, in 1999 and sold it to TicketMaster in January 2008. Here he talks about the lessons he learned as an entrepreneur.

CDW CEO John Edwardson on Setting Goals

mscheffler@businesspov.com — Tue, 27 May 2008 00:00:00 -0700

In 2007, CDW generated sales of $8.1 billion. Here Edwardson, a former COO of United Airlines, talks about goals at the employee, executive and company levels; how going private last year impacted targets; and what the consequences are of not meeting goals.

The Billionaire's Guide to Goal-Setting

mscheffler@businesspov.com — Mon, 19 May 2008 00:00:00 -0700

John P. Calamos, Sr., head of the eponymous family whose net worth is $1.6 billion, discusses goal-setting at his investment firm, which manages $40 billion in assets.

ENCORE: Top Chicago CEOs on Innovation

mscheffler@businesspov.com — Thu, 15 May 2008 00:00:00 -0700

CEOs from Abbott, Playboy and Ariel Capital Management shed light

ENCORE: Mesirow Financial CEO James Tyree

mscheffler@businesspov.com — Thu, 15 May 2008 00:00:00 -0700

The Chicago business leader discusses innovation

ENCORE: Boeing's Hiring Strategies

mscheffler@businesspov.com — Thu, 15 May 2008 00:00:00 -0700

Richard Stephens, Sr. VP of Human Resources, is in charge of acquiring and developing talent at Boeing Co.

NAVTEQ CEO Judson Green on the Company's Past, Present and Future, Pt.1

mscheffler@businesspov.com — Tue, 13 May 2008 00:00:00 -0700

In this segment Green talks about his time as CFO of the Walt Disney Co., why Navteq went public, and what its profile is in the marketplace.

Model Metrics and the Art of Customer Relationship Management

mscheffler@businesspov.com — Fri, 25 Apr 2008 00:00:00 -0700

The five-year-old, 50-employee consulting company implements on-demand CRM (customer relationship management) tools and applications. Company president Adam Caplan explains.

One of the Key People Who Put the "Tech" in NAVTEQ

mscheffler@businesspov.com — Tue, 15 Apr 2008 00:00:00 -0700

One of the early forces behind the company's unique e-maps is 13-year veteran Aaron Crane, the VP of Technology in the R&D department. Here he discusses innovation at the company.

Scenes and Victory Speeches from the ITA CityLIGHTS Annual Award Gala

mscheffler@businesspov.com — Tue, 08 Apr 2008 00:00:00 -0700

The event was held at Union Station on April 3. Here are the six award recipients talking about their big wins.

Global Behemoth GE Funds Thousands of Companies a Year. Here's What Kind.

mscheffler@businesspov.com — Mon, 31 Mar 2008 00:00:00 -0700

Antoinette Gawin, the CMO for GE Healthcare Financial Services, here discusses the funding portfolio for her division: everything from leveraged buyouts to early-stage investing.

EveryBlock.com Represents a New Approach to Online Newspapers

mscheffler@businesspov.com — Tue, 25 Mar 2008 00:00:00 -0700

Chicagoan Adrian Holovaty in January launched EveryBlock.com to aggregate data for major American cities. Here he discusses potential business models.

Mitsubishi's Man in Chicago on the Japanese Company's Footprint Here

mscheffler@businesspov.com — Mon, 17 Mar 2008 00:00:00 -0700

Yoshihiko Kawamura is in charge of Chicago and the Midwest for the Japanese corporation. His focus is on identifying targets, forming alliances and supporting traditional businesses.

So Failure Is An Option? A New Book Says Yes

mscheffler@businesspov.com — Thu, 13 Mar 2008 00:00:00 -0700

Chicago consultant and author Barry Moltz's new book is called "Bounce! The Path to True Business Confidence." In it he draws on stints at IBM, Whitman Hart and various start-ups to advance the notion that resiliency is the key to success.

What's the Latest with Motorola's Early Stage Accelerator?

mscheffler@businesspov.com — Mon, 10 Mar 2008 00:00:00 -0700

Bill Myers, a director of business development at Moto, discusses how the company identifies new product innovations.

Disruption Reigns: How New Technologies will Impact Healthcare

mscheffler@businesspov.com — Fri, 22 Feb 2008 00:00:00 -0800

Linette Demers leads the research and analysis of emerging trends in genomics and laboratory medicine for Sg2, a Chicago consultancy. Here she talks about future technologies.

A Top Chicago VC on Trends in IT, Security and Start-ups

mscheffler@businesspov.com — Mon, 18 Feb 2008 00:00:00 -0800

Armando Pauker is a general partner at Apex Venture Partners focusing on enterprise and networking infrastructure. Here he discusses what he sees happening in the next few years.

Phones of Tomorrow: A U.S. Cellular Product Developer on NextGen Telecom

mscheffler@businesspov.com — Mon, 11 Feb 2008 00:00:00 -0800

Tom Lee, a product developer for U.S. Cellular, here he discusses three "customer need" areas that will drive telecom innovation.

Power Plays: An Argonne Labs Director Discusses Trends in the Energy Sector

mscheffler@businesspov.com — Mon, 04 Feb 2008 00:00:00 -0800

Dr. Adam Cohen, who overseas research and operations as a lab director for physical sciences, here discusses the future of nuclear, solar and electric power.

"Check, Please!" Founder David Manilow on Taking His Concept to the Web

mscheffler@businesspov.com — Tue, 29 Jan 2008 00:00:00 -0800

The producer of the hit PBS restaurant-review show is looking for $1.5 to $2 million in outside funding to build out and expand CheckPlease.tv.

ENCORE: Is Ooyala the Future of Advertising for Online Video?

mscheffler@businesspov.com — Fri, 25 Jan 2008 00:00:00 -0800

We were one of the first to profile Ooyala way back in July. Just yesterday (Jan. 24), the company received $8.5 million in VC funding led by Sierra Ventures.

Ever Wonder How a High-Priced Booz Allen Hamilton Consultant Thinks?

mscheffler@businesspov.com — Mon, 21 Jan 2008 00:00:00 -0800

We talk with Alexander Kandybin, a partner and VP with the global consulting firm. His focus is on helping companies become more innovative.

What's a "Chief Creatologist"? Hewlett-Packard's Joe Batista Tells All

mscheffler@businesspov.com — Thu, 10 Jan 2008 00:00:00 -0800

Batista says his gig entails working with outside companies -- both emerging and large -- to build new business concepts by coupling with HP.

Conversations with Thought Leaders: Innovation Expert John Kao, Part 2

mscheffler@businesspov.com — Fri, 04 Jan 2008 00:00:00 -0800

A Yale MD and Harvard MBA, Kao is a leading authority on organizational transformation and digital media. Here he discusses Google, Lockheed Martin's Skunk Works, and his new book, "Innovation Nation." Part 2 of 2.

Conversations with Thought Leaders: Innovation Expert John Kao, Part 1

mscheffler@businesspov.com — Wed, 02 Jan 2008 00:00:00 -0800

A Yale MD and Harvard MBA, Kao is a leading authority on organizational transformation and digital media. Here he discusses topics like hotspots and silicon valley drawn from his new book, "Innovation Nation." Part 1 of 2.

Tapping the Kid's Toy Market — With Organizational Efficiency

mscheffler@businesspov.com — Thu, 27 Dec 2007 00:00:00 -0800

Neat-Oh! International makes the ZipBin, a kid's "activity center" that folds into a storage box. Founder Wayne Rothschild and Dee Farrell, VP of Sales, both Kellogg MBA grads, discuss their concept.

ENCORE: The Rent-a-Santa Business Model

mscheffler@businesspov.com — Mon, 24 Dec 2007 00:00:00 -0800

Bill Hughes has been a "real-bearded Santa" for 15 years. He charges $100 an hour and typically reels in 2 grand each December. This originally ran Dec. 20, 2006.

Anatomy of a Business Model: ClaimForce's Tech Approach to Insurance

mscheffler@businesspov.com — Thu, 20 Dec 2007 00:00:00 -0800

The company's technology helps insurance companies streamline their claims processing. Here, president Stephen Applebaum discusses the concept, revenue model and marketing approach.

Boeing's Top HR Executive on the Company's Hiring Strategies

mscheffler@businesspov.com — Thu, 13 Dec 2007 00:00:00 -0800

As Sr. VP of Human Resources, Richard Stephens is in charge of acquiring and developing talent at Boeing Co. Here Stephens talks about his role and the company's approach to hiring.

IBM's Approach to Creating Innovative Global Supply Chains

mscheffler@businesspov.com — Tue, 04 Dec 2007 00:00:00 -0800

In his role as Partner and VP with IBM, Bruce A. Anderson leads an 850-person practice helping companies optimize supply chains. Here, he discusses his role.

Harvard Business School Prof. Rosabeth Kanter on American Competitiveness

mscheffler@businesspov.com — Thu, 29 Nov 2007 00:00:00 -0800

Kanter discusses topics from her new book, "America the Principled: 6 Opportunities for Becoming a Can-Do Nation Once Again."

Insights Into How Motorola's "Early Stage Accelerator" Drives Innovation

mscheffler@businesspov.com — Mon, 26 Nov 2007 00:00:00 -0800

Here Jim O'Connor, corporate VP of technology innovation and a guiding hand behind the ESA program, explains how he works with Motorola technologists to develop high-impact research.

Meet the Founder of the Firm that Designed the Moto NFL Coaches Headsets

mscheffler@businesspov.com — Fri, 16 Nov 2007 00:00:00 -0800

Here, Walter Herbst, cofounder of Herbst LaZar Bell, Inc., discusses innovation and talks about the firm's headsets for Motorola.

Mesirow Financial CEO James Tyree on Innovation

mscheffler@businesspov.com — Tue, 13 Nov 2007 00:00:00 -0800

Here Mesirow CEO James Tyree discusses innovation, both in Chicago and at his company.

Chicago Innovation Award Winners, 2007: Part 3 of 3

mscheffler@businesspov.com — Tue, 06 Nov 2007 00:00:00 -0800

Chicago Innovation Award winners SAVO Group, SkinnyCorp (Threadless.com) and S&C Electric Co. discuss their concepts

Chicago Innovation Award Winners, 2007: Part 2 of 3

mscheffler@businesspov.com — Thu, 01 Nov 2007 00:00:00 -0700

Companies that won a Chicago Innovation Award this year discuss their concepts, including Fellowes, Inc., Ovation Pharmaceuticals, and Radio Flyer.

Chicago Innovation Award Winners, 2007: Part 1 of 3

mscheffler@businesspov.com — Mon, 29 Oct 2007 00:00:00 -0700

Companies that won a Chicago Innovation Award this year discuss their concepts, including Abbott Labs, the City of Chicago, Drifire and Experiencia.

What is Innovation? Top CEOs Chime In

mscheffler@businesspov.com — Wed, 24 Oct 2007 00:00:00 -0700

Those discussing the topic include CEOs from Abbott, Playboy and Ariel Capital Management.

ACNielsen USA's CEO on Where His Company Fits in the Fragmented Media World

mscheffler@businesspov.com — Tue, 16 Oct 2007 00:00:00 -0700

Here, John Lewis, Schaumburg-based president and CEO, discusses his company's positioning.

ENCORE: A Closer Look at Google in Chicago

mscheffler@businesspov.com — Sun, 14 Oct 2007 00:00:00 -0700

A Discussion with Jim Lecinski, Google Chicago's Sales Director

ENCORE: Accenture's Innovation Lab

mscheffler@businesspov.com — Sun, 14 Oct 2007 00:00:00 -0700

The consultancy has a robust lab exploring emerging technologies

ENCORE: MrSkin.com's $6 million Celebtrity Nudity Biz

mscheffler@businesspov.com — Sun, 14 Oct 2007 00:00:00 -0700

Meet Jim McBride, the company's CEO, in the (pixelated) flesh

A Start-up Seeks Its Niche in the VOIP Security Market

mscheffler@businesspov.com — Thu, 11 Oct 2007 00:00:00 -0700

Salare Security was formed in May 2007 around technolgy developed at IIT, explains company president Paul Sand.

P & G Tremor CEO Steve Knox on Word of Mouth Advertising

mscheffler@businesspov.com — Mon, 08 Oct 2007 00:00:00 -0700

Tremor is a Word of Mouth marketing service from Procter & Gamble. Here Knox explains the basics of WOM and how P&G has used it.

A Chicago Tech Company's Experiences Finding Funding

mscheffler@businesspov.com — Fri, 28 Sep 2007 00:00:00 -0700

Dwight Koop, COO of Cohesive FT (aka Flexible Technologies), discusses his firm's efforts to fund their growth.

Why is This Man Smiling? He's a Wireless Kingpin, That's Why

mscheffler@businesspov.com — Fri, 21 Sep 2007 00:00:00 -0700

Meet Richard S. Kingston, CEO of BOB -- short for Business Only Broadband. His company is the largest wireless broadband provider in Chicago.

A CIO Brainstorming Session Aims to Help Solve the I.T. Talent Shortage

mscheffler@businesspov.com — Mon, 17 Sep 2007 00:00:00 -0700

Chief Information Officers from Chicago companies focused on a looming problem: a serious shortage of young talent pursuing IT careers.

A New Spin on a Search Engine: Riya Uses Visual Cues Instead of Keywords

mscheffler@businesspov.com — Thu, 13 Sep 2007 00:00:00 -0700

Riya is an image search engine that determines similarity of image content through analysis of color, shape and texture. Company reps gave us a spin at Leo Burnett's Digital Day in July.

Know When to Fold 'Em: Entrepreneurs Powwow for a Charity Poker Game

mscheffler@businesspov.com — Mon, 10 Sep 2007 00:00:00 -0700

Luminaries from Chicago's entrepreneurial community gathered for the 2nd annual Smart Bet Charity Poker Tournament.

Give It Up For Mr. Cluetrain Manifesto's Brave New World (Part 3 of 3)

mscheffler@businesspov.com — Fri, 07 Sep 2007 00:00:00 -0700

In which the cultural prognosticator, David Weinberger, wraps up his presentation before an audience at Leo Burnett's Digital Day in July.

Chicago Couture: the Offbeat Designs of Kate Jacobsen

mscheffler@businesspov.com — Wed, 05 Sep 2007 00:00:00 -0700

On August 30, Chicago fashion designer Kate Jacobsen (far left, in glasses) celebrated her boutique's second anniversary with a runway show featuring her Fall 2007 collection.

Toppling Authority Figures: "Cluetrain Manifesto" Coauthor on New Voices

mscheffler@businesspov.com — Fri, 31 Aug 2007 00:00:00 -0700

Part 2 of 3: David Weinberger explains the emergence of a new voice of authority: You.

"Cluetrain Manifesto" Co-author on Why Markets are (Still) Conversations

mscheffler@businesspov.com — Wed, 29 Aug 2007 00:00:00 -0700

Seven years after he co-wrote the Cluetrain Manifesto, David Weinberger here explains how markets are still conversations. Part 1 of 3.

The Winning Presentation from the MIT-EF Innovation Whiteboard Challenge

mscheffler@businesspov.com — Mon, 27 Aug 2007 00:00:00 -0700

Matt Christensen bested a field of 12 to take the top prize at the event, which gave contestants five minutes and a whiteboard to convey their idea.

Couch Potatoes Rejoice: Joost is a "Whole New Way of Watching TV"

mscheffler@businesspov.com — Fri, 24 Aug 2007 00:00:00 -0700

This new online TV platform from the Skype founders promises a high-quality, full screen picture and internet features such as search and instant messaging.

A Tale of Two Boats: The Results of Brunswick's Big Innovation Push

mscheffler@businesspov.com — Wed, 22 Aug 2007 00:00:00 -0700

Brunswick CEO Dustan McCoy talks about the Bayliner, which is the only boat of its size (18-feet) under $10,000, and Zeus, which is the first boat of its kind able to move sideways. Part 2 of 2

Brunswick Corp. CEO Dustan McCoy on the Innovation Imperative, Part 1

mscheffler@businesspov.com — Mon, 20 Aug 2007 00:00:00 -0700

Mr. McCoy discussed Brunswick's long string of successful products, the company's rough patch in 2000, and getting employees to refocus on innovation.

ENCORE PRESENTATION: Spinning Celebrity Nudity into a $6 Million Business

mscheffler@businesspov.com — Sat, 18 Aug 2007 00:00:00 -0700

MrSkin.com is an online database of nude movie scenes run by Chicagoan Jim McBride. With 44 employees and 6 million visitors a month, his next move is to see if he can lure big-name advertisers.

Get a Room: A Look at the New Hotel Sax

mscheffler@businesspov.com — Fri, 17 Aug 2007 00:00:00 -0700

The hotel, which was formerly the House of Blues Hotel, is wrapping up a $17 million renovation but is still working out kinks. Adam Kaplan, director of marketing, wants it to compete with the Four Seasons. Can it? Time will tell.

VC Matt McCall Discusses FeedBurner and Tips for Successful Start-ups

mscheffler@businesspov.com — Wed, 15 Aug 2007 00:00:00 -0700

McCall, a partner at Chicago VC firm Portage Venture Partners, talks about how FeedBurner epitimized many of the attributes that make Web 2.0 companies successful.

Killer Campaign Ads: How They Work and Why

mscheffler@businesspov.com — Mon, 13 Aug 2007 00:00:00 -0700

During a session at the Daily Kos Convention a few weeks ago, Mark Riddle, partner at the Nashville-based Fletcher Rowley Chao and Riddle, gave assessments of ads that have helped make the difference for lower-level canididates running in local campaigns.

The Million Dollar Question: Can a $340,000 Grant Help Reinvent Journalism?

mscheffler@businesspov.com — Fri, 10 Aug 2007 00:00:00 -0700

Geoff Dougherty's "hyperlocal" journalism site — ChitownDailyNews .org — just recieved a $340,000 grant to cover all 75 Chicago neighborhoods by recruiting and training 75 volunteer reporters.

Leo Burnett's Head of Digital Practices on the Future of Online Marketing

mscheffler@businesspov.com — Wed, 08 Aug 2007 00:00:00 -0700

Mark Renshaw of Arc/Leo Burnett talks about how the agency's big consumer clients are using new technologies to extend their marketing reach.

The World According to Ron May

mscheffler@businesspov.com — Mon, 06 Aug 2007 00:00:00 -0700

May, publisher of Chicago tech newsletter “The May Report,” traffics in gossip and rumor. “I’m not a journalist,” he says adamantly. So what is he? Here Ron explains his unorthodox brand of reporting.

Meet the Angels, Pt. 4: Ron Kirschner

mscheffler@businesspov.com — Fri, 03 Aug 2007 00:00:00 -0700

Ronald L. Kirschner, M.D., is the founder of Heartland Angels, Inc. a private equity network that brings together investors with early stage companies.

Meet the Angels, Pt 3: Bob Geras

mscheffler@businesspov.com — Mon, 30 Jul 2007 00:00:00 -0700

The president of LaSalle Investments, Inc. has a portfolio of $30 million in 18 different companies.

Anatomy of a Start-up: CondoPerks.com

mscheffler@businesspov.com — Fri, 27 Jul 2007 00:00:00 -0700

CondoPerks gives you the ability to shop online and create an additional source of revenue for your condo association. Here founder Blagica Stefanovski explains her business model.

A Closer Look at LinkedIn: Tips and Tools for the Business Networking Site

mscheffler@businesspov.com — Wed, 25 Jul 2007 00:00:00 -0700

Here, Kay Luo, the company's communications director, goes through some of the basics and talks about how to find employees, hook up with VCs, and get more info on a potential job.

It's a Stick-up: A Look at Why the Price of Ammo Keeps Climbing

mscheffler@businesspov.com — Mon, 23 Jul 2007 00:00:00 -0700

Blame the high cost of raw materials, increased competition for scrap metal and the global war on terror, says Barry Soskin, owner of Gun World in Bensenville.

Looks Like You Could Use a Drink: A New Device to Gauge Hydration Levels

mscheffler@businesspov.com — Sat, 21 Jul 2007 00:00:00 -0700

Cory Gerdts of HydraStats plans to target the device to professional athletes, the military, and the healthcare community.

Knocking Back a Tech Cocktail: Scenes from the Entrepreneurial Powwow

mscheffler@businesspov.com — Wed, 18 Jul 2007 00:00:00 -0700

Scenes from the inspired gathering of start-ups, industry veterans and, yes, barflies known as Tech Cocktail.

Meet the Angels, Pt. 2: Bob Okabe on His Approach to Investing

mscheffler@businesspov.com — Mon, 16 Jul 2007 00:00:00 -0700

Featured: Bob Okabe, co-founder of RPX Group. He has made 11 investments over 11 years at between $25,000 and $100,000.

Meet the Angels, Pt 1: Frank Ballantine on Who He'll Invest in and Why

mscheffler@businesspov.com — Fri, 13 Jul 2007 00:00:00 -0700

Featured: Frank Ballantine, who typically invests $10k to $50k. He's helped fund 18 companies over 17 years.

Here's a Bargain: Your Human Genome Decoded in 1 Day for a Thousand Bucks

mscheffler@businesspov.com — Wed, 11 Jul 2007 00:00:00 -0700

How would the world change if individual DNA molecules could be inexpensively and rapidly sequenced? Chris Gaddis and his colleagues at Quantagene may be able to answer it.

It Isn't Exactly Brain Surgery. (Actually, it is.) Neurosurgeons Take Note

mscheffler@businesspov.com — Mon, 09 Jul 2007 00:00:00 -0700

Bensen Yang walks us through his new invention: a catheter that's less likely to malfunction. And how's this for start-up ingenuity: Mr. Yang tested it in his kitchen sink. Genius.

Cybercrimes? Case Closed at Grant Thornton's Computer Forensics Lab

mscheffler@businesspov.com — Fri, 06 Jul 2007 00:00:00 -0700

Data acquisition and analysis, hard-drive recovery, email analysis — meet the former law enforcement officers who run the cyber lab at one of the world's biggest accounting firms.

Watch a "Whiteboard Presentation" All-star

mscheffler@businesspov.com — Mon, 02 Jul 2007 00:00:00 -0700

Chris Sorensen of Lake Forest Venture Management put on a presentation that was part stand-up routine and part informational blitzkrieg. His idea? Use cell phones to help end global poverty.

Drinking and Pitching Business Concepts at the Web Ascent Soiree

mscheffler@businesspov.com — Wed, 27 Jun 2007 00:00:00 -0700

With Web 2.0 comes Boozing 2.0. The Web Ascent social gathering featured entrepreneurs, business ideas and liquor aplenty. Herein: some of the sights, sounds and business plans .

Socrates Media's Websites for a More Enlightened—and Efficient—Landlord

mscheffler@businesspov.com — Mon, 25 Jun 2007 00:00:00 -0700

Socrates CEO Bill Lederer has developed two sites — Complete Landlord.com and RentSlicer.com — that offer services to landlords.

H2Oh No: Can This Entrepreneur Save Us From Toxic Water?

mscheffler@businesspov.com — Fri, 22 Jun 2007 00:00:00 -0700

Charles Stack of Constant Compliance Inc. has developed a biosensor that detects toxic substances in water.

Entrepreneurs Compete Using a Whiteboard and Their Wits

mscheffler@businesspov.com — Tue, 19 Jun 2007 00:00:00 -0700

From the MIT Enterprise Forum's "Innovation Whiteboard Challenge": Katinka Vigh's allegy-diagnosis method.

Office Supplies and Innovation — A Contradiction in Terms? Quill Says No

mscheffler@businesspov.com — Mon, 18 Jun 2007 00:00:00 -0700

Quill Corporation, a $1 billion-plus supplier in Lincolnshire, uses brainstorming and incentive programs to instill a culture of innovation.

Scenes from the Guerilla Truck Show

mscheffler@businesspov.com — Fri, 15 Jun 2007 00:00:00 -0700

Capitalizing on the crowds spilling out of NeoCon at the Mart, the Guerilla Truck Show featured furniture designers and artisans displaying their wares in the backs of rented trucks.

Cult Figures: Dealing in Designer Toys for Adults

mscheffler@businesspov.com — Wed, 13 Jun 2007 00:00:00 -0700

Rotofugi carries limited run, artist-created designer toys. Co-owner Whitney Kerr walks us through some of the products they sell.

Thinking Big: Start-up Entrepreneurs Present Their Concepts to Peers

mscheffler@businesspov.com — Mon, 11 Jun 2007 00:00:00 -0700

At the Chicago entrepreneurial meet-up known as Chicago Beta, principals from start-ups present their business concepts to their peers.

A Guru Speaks: Insights from SAP Cofounder Hasso Plattner

mscheffler@businesspov.com — Fri, 08 Jun 2007 00:00:00 -0700

Mr. Plattner, cofounder and former chairman of the software giant, was speaking at an event called the "Strategy Conference" put on by the Institute of Design at IIT. Here are some choice philosophical fragments.

Dear Chicago: You're a Giant in the Global Supply Chain. Don't Screw It Up.

mscheffler@businesspov.com — Wed, 06 Jun 2007 00:00:00 -0700

We're a critical crossroads for billions of dollars worth of goods. Will we maintain our competitive position or squander it? We asked expert Anthony Pagano of UIC to chime in.

For a Top Landscaper, Busy Season Brings Learning Curves for Crews

mscheffler@businesspov.com — Mon, 04 Jun 2007 00:00:00 -0700

Christy Webber's landscaping accounts include O'Hare, Navy Pier and the United Center. We followed her around early one Spring morning.

Raising the Bar: How a CEO of a Major Healthcare Consultancy Sets Goals

mscheffler@businesspov.com — Fri, 01 Jun 2007 00:00:00 -0700

Former Accenture-ite Mary Ann Tolan is the founder of Accretive Health, a leading end-to-end revenue cycle service company for healthcare providers. Here she talks about goal-setting.

Liz Claiborne CEO William McComb on Goal Setting

mscheffler@businesspov.com — Wed, 30 May 2007 00:00:00 -0700

As part of a panel discussion before the University of Chicago GSB, McComb discussed how he translates enterprise-wide goals into individual and team goals — and what the keys are to making them achievable.

The Donald Comes to Town to Drum Up Sales at Trump Tower

mscheffler@businesspov.com — Fri, 25 May 2007 00:00:00 -0700

The real estate mogul held a press conference to explain why 224 out of 825 units in the 92-story tower are still on the market.

Scenes from the "Future Founders" Award Ceremony

mscheffler@businesspov.com — Thu, 24 May 2007 00:00:00 -0700

The winner of the Chicagoland Entrepreneurial Center’s (CEC) Future Founders business-plan competition was TheOnlineScout.com, a student-athlete showcase for college recruiters.

An ABC-TV Exec Chimes in on How Big Media is Dealing With New Media

mscheffler@businesspov.com — Wed, 23 May 2007 00:00:00 -0700

Mark Loughney, Vice President of Sales and Strategy Research for ABC-TV, offered his opinions on the rapidly shifting media landscape.

The CMO of Nielsen BuzzMetrics on Consumer-Generated Media

mscheffler@businesspov.com — Tue, 22 May 2007 00:00:00 -0700

BuzzMetrics uses data-mining technology and deep research to measure CGM for clients. Pete Blackshaw talks about trends in this fast-moving arena.

Denuo CEO Rishad Tobaccowala on New Trends in Media and Marketing

mscheffler@businesspov.com — Mon, 21 May 2007 00:00:00 -0700

Publicis-owned Denuo is an investor and strategic consultant. Here, Mr. Tobaccowala discusses ad models in the digital age.

Connecting the Dots: How a Local Tech Company Helps Homeland Security

mscheffler@businesspov.com — Fri, 18 May 2007 00:00:00 -0700

Initiate Systems provides data management software to the healthcare, financial and intelligence industries, including Homeland Security. Marketing VP Gina Sandon discusses their work.

The Chicago Board of Trade's CIO in the Spotlight

mscheffler@businesspov.com — Thu, 17 May 2007 00:00:00 -0700

William Farrow, Executive Vice President and Chief Information Officer at the CBOT, here, he talks about the city's tech trends and the role of the CIO.

Touring the Studio of Midway Games

mscheffler@businesspov.com — Wed, 16 May 2007 00:00:00 -0700

The Chicago video-game maker is the company behind best-selling titles such as Mortal Kombat, NFL Blitz, SpyHunter and the Gauntlet series. Here's a quick look at their space on the Northwest side.

Making a Killing: The Story Behind the Mortal Kombat Video Game

mscheffler@businesspov.com — Tue, 15 May 2007 00:00:00 -0700

Mortal Kombat is one of the most popular fighting games on the video-game market. Here, the game's creator talks about MK's past and present. Tomorrow: Touring the Midway Studios.

How Gravity Tank helped Reinvent OfficeMax with the Tul Pen

mscheffler@businesspov.com — Mon, 14 May 2007 00:00:00 -0700

Chicago-based OfficeMax asked strategic design firm Gravity Tank to help make them the Target of the office supplies industry. Thus was borne the Tul (pronounced Tool) pen. Here's a look at the thinking that went into it.

Chris Gladwin's $50 million Education

mscheffler@businesspov.com — Thu, 10 May 2007 00:00:00 -0700

The Cleversafe CEO has started several companies all backed by some big money. He's now parlaying his learnings into his new venture, which develops data-storage software.

Conversations with Thought Leaders: Chris Conley of Gravity Tank

mscheffler@businesspov.com — Thu, 10 May 2007 00:00:00 -0700

Gravity Tank is a strategic design consulting firm staffed with anthropologists, designers and MBAs. Here Conley discusses their creative process.

Top Creative Directors Critique Student Work at "Portfolio Night"

mscheffler@businesspov.com — Wed, 09 May 2007 00:00:00 -0700

Senior creatives from DDB, Y&R, Leo Burnett, Energy BBDO and other top agencies gathered to review the work of aspiring art directors and copywriters.

Entrepreneurial Words of Wisdom from a "Rising Star"

mscheffler@businesspov.com — Tue, 08 May 2007 00:00:00 -0700

Peter Tapling, CEO of Authentify, took home the prize at the Illinois Technology Association's CityLIGHTS award for "Rising Star." He talks about it here.

Is Chicago a Tech Town? The ITA Says: Yes.

mscheffler@businesspov.com — Mon, 07 May 2007 00:00:00 -0700

We caught up with Terry Howerton, the CEO of FastRoot Technologies and Chairman of the Illinois Technology Association to give his take on the city's tech scene.

SAVO Group’s Solution for Building a Smarter Sales Force

mscheffler@businesspov.com — Fri, 04 May 2007 00:00:00 -0700

John Aiello, SAVO Group's CEO, demos SAM, a "sales asset manager" that arms sales forces with the information they need.

What's a 21st Century Leader? A New Book Has Some Theories

mscheffler@businesspov.com — Thu, 03 May 2007 00:00:00 -0700

Tom and Susan Kuczmarski, authors of "Apples Are Square," say the best leaders today are "collaborators, not controllers."

Let Them Eat Salad

mscheffler@businesspov.com — Wed, 02 May 2007 00:00:00 -0700

Salad Spinners sells...salads, to the tune of about $2 million in sales. Now, owner Rich Levy is on the verge of franchising. Here's a look at his restaurant concept.

A Look at Highrise, the New Product from 37signals

mscheffler@businesspov.com — Tue, 01 May 2007 00:00:00 -0700

Here, 37signals' founder Jason Fried gives a demo of the company's latest offering, Highrise, an online contact manager.

The World According to 37signals

mscheffler@businesspov.com — Mon, 30 Apr 2007 00:00:00 -0700

Here, founder Jason Fried talks about the company's unique philosophy and what it's been like working with Amazon.com CEO Jeff Bezos, an investor in 37signals.

The Forces Behind Tech Cocktail

mscheffler@businesspov.com — Fri, 27 Apr 2007 00:00:00 -0700

Frank Gruber and Eric Olson form the duo behind the Tech Cocktail meetups. At their fourth event, held at John Barleycorn on April 17, they explained the concept behind the powwow.

TechCocktail 4 Product Demos, Part 4: Zaplee.com

mscheffler@businesspov.com — Thu, 26 Apr 2007 00:00:00 -0700

Several companies were doing product demos at TechCocktail 4, held April 12 at John Barleycorn. Today we're featuring Zaplee.com, a hosted call-center software solution that uses Skype VOIP software.

TechCocktail 4 Product Demos, Part 3: Text2Store

mscheffler@businesspov.com — Wed, 25 Apr 2007 00:00:00 -0700

Several companies were doing product demos at TechCocktail 4, held April 12 at John Barleycorn. Today we're featuring Text2Store.com, which provides users with coupons via their mobile phones.

TechCocktail 4 Product Demos, Part 2: Menuism

mscheffler@businesspov.com — Tue, 24 Apr 2007 00:00:00 -0700

Several companies were doing product demos at TechCocktail 4. Today we're featuring Menuism, which lets users rate what they ate and find restaurants via a personal-recommendations feature.

TechCocktail 4 Product Demos, Part 1: TimeXchange.net

mscheffler@businesspov.com — Mon, 23 Apr 2007 00:00:00 -0700

Several companies were doing product demos at TechCocktail 4. Today we're featuring TimeXchange.net, a member-based, on-line timesheet exchange.

How to Land $25 million

mscheffler@businesspov.com — Fri, 20 Apr 2007 00:00:00 -0700

The Capital H Group, a Chicago-based human resources consultancy, has landed two rounds of funding — one in 2003, the second this past June, both to the tune of $25 million. Company head Dan Weinfurter explains how it happened.

Anatomy of a Start-up: An Online Hub for Mobile Websites

mscheffler@businesspov.com — Thu, 19 Apr 2007 00:00:00 -0700

Tappity.com founder Scott Robbin's company is an online directory of mobile web sites -- that is, those that companies put out specifically for mobile phone and PDA users.

Kicking Out the Jams At Your Day Job

mscheffler@businesspov.com — Wed, 18 Apr 2007 00:00:00 -0700

"Artists in Residence" is a program at Leo Burnett that brings bands and other performers in to the company's offices to talk about how they get inspired. Last week, New York-based fusion band SiSe came in to talk music.

His Aim is Tru

mscheffler@businesspov.com — Tue, 17 Apr 2007 00:00:00 -0700

Scott Barton is president of the fine-dining division for Lettuce Entertain You Enterprises, Inc. Here he talks about Tru and today's culture of fine-dining.

The Kids Are Alright: The "Making Xbox Safe for Children" Road Show

mscheffler@businesspov.com — Mon, 16 Apr 2007 00:00:00 -0700

The Microsoft Family Gaming Bus was in town in late March to teach consumers about the parental controls on the Xbox 360 and Windows Vista. BusinessPOV was there.

When Is It Time To Launch a New Version of Your Company Website?

mscheffler@businesspov.com — Fri, 13 Apr 2007 00:00:00 -0700

We put the question to Matt Maloney and Michael Evans, cofounders of GrubHub.com, which hooks users up with restaurants that deliver. The goal of their new site: make it easier to use and simpler in design.

Women, Men, Irrationality, Money: Where Personal Finances Can Go Wrong

mscheffler@businesspov.com — Thu, 12 Apr 2007 00:00:00 -0700

Financial advisors Cicily Carson Maton and her daugher Michelle Maton explain investment mistakes and key differences between husbands and wives when it comes to spending.

What Does it Mean to be a DIY Entrepreneur?

mscheffler@businesspov.com — Wed, 11 Apr 2007 00:00:00 -0700

What they lack in cash infusions and venture capital, they make up for with pluck and offbeat products. Meet some of the do-it-yourself artisans who ply their trade and pursue their interests outside the sphere of corporate America.

Ask An Economist: Should Ads Be Aimed at Potential or Existing Customers?

mscheffler@businesspov.com — Tue, 10 Apr 2007 00:00:00 -0700

Traditional thinking says that consumers who have used a product for a while are going to be less receptive to ads for it. But Jesse Shapiro, from the U of C, disagrees.

China or Bust: Advice from Consultants on Sourcing in the Far East, Pt. 2

mscheffler@businesspov.com — Mon, 09 Apr 2007 00:00:00 -0700

What does it take to set-up manufacturing or product-sourcing operations in China? We asked Shi Han, a US-China consultant.

China or Bust: Advice from Consultants on Sourcing in the Far East, Pt. 1

mscheffler@businesspov.com — Fri, 06 Apr 2007 00:00:00 -0700

What does it take to set-up manufacturing or product-sourcing operations in China? We asked US-China consultant Anita Tang.

Tales of Survival!! An Offline Travel-Booking Firm in an Online World

mscheffler@businesspov.com — Thu, 05 Apr 2007 00:00:00 -0700

Gray's Travel Management had to start charging for services they had previously offered for free. Here's how they've succeeded.

NFL, NBA, X Games: Meet the TV-Graphics Firm that Works With Them

mscheffler@businesspov.com — Wed, 04 Apr 2007 00:00:00 -0700

Sportvision works with premier sporting events developing unique on-screen graphics that enhance the viewing experience. Here the founders talk story about working in this unusual arena.

ENCORE: Meet a Top Creative Team at Leo Burnett

mscheffler@businesspov.com — Wed, 04 Apr 2007 00:00:00 -0700

What makes art director Paul Hirsch and copywriter Josh Denberg tick?

ENCORE: Slaying Monster.com: How CareerBuilder Got to #1

mscheffler@businesspov.com — Wed, 04 Apr 2007 00:00:00 -0700

Chief Sales Officer Mary Delaney tells the "david and goliath" story of the company's rise.

ENCORE: Touring Microsoft's Chicago Tech Center

mscheffler@businesspov.com — Wed, 04 Apr 2007 00:00:00 -0700

The center's director, Adam Hecktman, shows us around.

Case Study: How a Small Business Owner Works With a Consultant

mscheffler@businesspov.com — Tue, 03 Apr 2007 00:00:00 -0700

Outdoor-supplies retailer Uncle Dan's is a local favorite. But owner Brent Weiss wanted help systematizing his business without losing what makes it unique. Here's how he's working with consultant Michael Kramer of the Win Big Institute.

Gone in 60 Seconds: Entrepreneurs Get One Minute to Pitch Their Companies

mscheffler@businesspov.com — Mon, 02 Apr 2007 00:00:00 -0700

At the local entrepreneur's meetup known as Chicago Beta, three companies piteched before their peers. Featured: Tappity.com, Text2Store.com, and EZ.no.

How Does Microsoft Launch New Products? Marketing VP Jon Roskill Tells All

mscheffler@businesspov.com — Fri, 30 Mar 2007 00:00:00 -0700

Introducing the new Windows Vista operating system to the world was a Herculean effort. Here, Jon Roskill, VP of U.S. Marketing, provides a behind-the-scenes look.

Entrepreneurial Activity Abounds in Chicago's Arts Culture, Study Shows

mscheffler@businesspov.com — Thu, 29 Mar 2007 00:00:00 -0700

When it set out to track the number of non-profit arts organizations in the Chicago region, the Gaylord and Dorothy Donnelley Foundation didn't expect to unearth an artistic community as vibrant as the one it found. Paul Botts, a Director at the Foundation, talks here about the findings.

Work Hard. Earn Cash. Buy a Boat. Give it a Witty Name.

mscheffler@businesspov.com — Wed, 28 Mar 2007 00:00:00 -0700

A sea-faring vessel is a just reward for working 16 hours a day. So what do Chicagoans name these prized possessions? Last fall, before the deep freeze, we decided to find out. And now, with Yacht season just around the bend, we're posting what we found. (And yes, there is indeed one called "Liquid Assets.")

Meet The Company That Blogs So You Don't Have To

mscheffler@businesspov.com — Tue, 27 Mar 2007 00:00:00 -0700

For an annual fee of $399, Bring the Blog will provide you with one blog entry every business day for a whole year. There are some catches: the content isn't unique to you personally, but it is unique to your industry or niche. Company founder Dan Green fills in some blanks.

How to Do Guerilla Research

mscheffler@businesspov.com — Mon, 26 Mar 2007 00:00:00 -0700

Looking for a fast, cost-effective way to glean valuable insights about your customers and clients? Think guerilla research, says Jeremy Alexis, in which you interact with real-world consumers where they shop, live and work.

LiquidTalk's Goal: Be the iTunes of the Business World

mscheffler@businesspov.com — Fri, 23 Mar 2007 00:00:00 -0700

Here's how their business application works: companies post all their internal digital media — video of CEO speeches, audio of sales presentations, etc. — to a secure Liquid Talk portal (aka a "Library") where employees can then download it to an MP3 device and consume it offline at their leisure.

Mug Shots: A Local Entrepreneur's Unique Approach to Customizing Cups

mscheffler@businesspov.com — Thu, 22 Mar 2007 00:00:00 -0700

Mighty Mugs allows people to put their own images and photographs on their mugs. Owners Steven Benjamin and H. Kim have perfected a printing method that ensures images are sharper in focus and richer in color. Drink up.

Attention Early Stage Companies: There's a New Fund in Town

mscheffler@businesspov.com — Wed, 21 Mar 2007 00:00:00 -0700

The Illinois Innovation Accelerator (i2A) is a $10 million seed-stage, for-profit investment fund that will be administered by the Chicagoland Entrepreneurial Center (CEC). Here, CEC president David Weinstein gives an overview.

Aon CEO Greg Case on Marketing

mscheffler@businesspov.com — Tue, 20 Mar 2007 00:00:00 -0700

As part of a presentation before the Business Marketing Association of Chicago, Mr. Case talked about how Aon has used marketing to convey the importance of understanding and managing risk in the global economy.

Funny Business: How a Top Creative Team at Leo Burnett Makes Ads

mscheffler@businesspov.com — Mon, 19 Mar 2007 00:00:00 -0700

Copywriter Josh Denberg and art director Paul Hirsch have been working together for 10 years on everything from ComEd to Nike. Here, they discuss comedy, creative approaches and their ban on 70s pop singer Jackson Browne.

And Then There Were 5: The Fast Pitch Competition Finalists, Part 2

mscheffler@businesspov.com — Fri, 16 Mar 2007 00:00:00 -0700

65 business owners came from all over Chicago to present their companies in front of judges and audience members as part of Entrepreneurship Week. Today, we feature the full 3-minute pitches of the last two finalists — Abernathy Consulting and Optimal Vision — and the crowning of a winner.

The Fast Pitch Competition Finalists, Part 1

mscheffler@businesspov.com — Thu, 15 Mar 2007 00:00:00 -0700

65 business owners presented their companies in front of judges and audience members as part of Entrepreneurship Week. Today, we feature the full 3-minute pitches of the first three finalists -- Heartfelt Charity Cards, Parkwhiz and the Perfect Dinner.

Sights, Sounds and Business Models Galore from the Fast Pitch Fest

mscheffler@businesspov.com — Wed, 14 Mar 2007 00:00:00 -0700

65 business owners came from all over Chicago to present their companies in front of investors and industry experts, who selected five finalists. In today's segment, we captured portions of a variety of pitches.

Sittercity.com Grows Up

mscheffler@businesspov.com — Mon, 12 Mar 2007 00:00:00 -0700

The baby-sitting company passed the million-dollar mark in revenues at the beginning of '06. This year, it's rolling out six new "in-home care" services, including pet sitting. CEO Genevieve Thiers, along with her business partner (and fiance) Dan Ratner, are also taking the company international.

From Getting Into Wal-Mart to Landing the AOL Account: Sales Vets Tell All

mscheffler@businesspov.com — Fri, 09 Mar 2007 00:00:00 -0800

Today we're featuring Part 2 of a panel discussion at U of C's GSB focusing on how different business models require different sales approaches. Featured: A nightclub owner, a marketing vp, and two CEOs.

Hard-sell? Soft-sell? No-sell? Sales Tactics from Four Market Sectors

mscheffler@businesspov.com — Thu, 08 Mar 2007 00:00:00 -0800

Today we'll be featuring Part 1 of a panel discussion on how different business models require different sales approaches. Featured: A nightclub owner, a marketing vp, and two CEOs.

Creating a New Store for a New Michigan Ave. Retailer

mscheffler@businesspov.com — Wed, 07 Mar 2007 00:00:00 -0800

Garmin, a major designer of GPS navigational systems, chose the Mag Mile for its first-ever flagship. Here, architect Randy Mattheis delves into the logic of the look and layout.

Rookie Cold-Callers Try Their Hand at Phone Sales

mscheffler@businesspov.com — Tue, 06 Mar 2007 00:00:00 -0800

This week, BusinessPOV will be showing highlights from an event called “Sales for Success,” put on by the GSB’s Polsky Center for Entrepreneurship. Here, event attendees participate in mock cold-calling exercises.

Kings of Cold-Calling: How the Pros Get to Yes on the Phone

mscheffler@businesspov.com — Mon, 05 Mar 2007 00:00:00 -0800

This week, BusinessPOV will be showing highlights from “Sales for Success,” put on by the GSB’s Polsky Center for Entrepreneurship. Part 1: Cold callers from Aquirent impart their wisdom.

Tracking the Legalities of YouTube, Google, Bloggers and Perez Hilton

mscheffler@businesspov.com — Fri, 02 Mar 2007 00:00:00 -0800

Attorney Evan Brown specializes in intellectual property law, copyrights, trademarks, and the Internet. Here he discusses some of the legal issues surrounding well-known web sites.

A Look at How VerveLife Builds Music- and Media-Delivery Platforms

mscheffler@businesspov.com — Thu, 01 Mar 2007 00:00:00 -0800

VerveLife is a mar/comm company that works with the likes of Axe and Burger King. They're also on the verge of launching Photo.com, a community portal of original content and media sharing. Here's a glimpse into how they work.

Shure's Foray Into the Consumer Market with State-of-the-Art Earphones

mscheffler@businesspov.com — Wed, 28 Feb 2007 00:00:00 -0800

Niles, IL-based Shure Inc. has long been a mainstay manufacturer of professional-grade audio equipment. In the last few years, though, they've moved into the consumer arena with their sound-isolating "e series" earphones.

How Designers at Life Fitness Create Something as "Simple" as a Seat

mscheffler@businesspov.com — Tue, 27 Feb 2007 00:00:00 -0800

There's nothing easy about creating the elements that go into products like the Summit Trainer, a hybrid fitness machine. Here, one of the company's industrial designers walks us through the process behind building a better seat.

An Overview of Microsoft's Tech Center with Director Adam Hecktman

mscheffler@businesspov.com — Mon, 26 Feb 2007 00:00:00 -0800

At their location on Wacker Dr., Microsoft holds technology seminars, strategy briefings, architecture design sessions and proof-of-concept workshops. Here Hecktman details more about what goes on at the facility and dicusses how Vista fits in to it all.

The Business of Bathing Suits: Trends for the post-Deep Freeze

mscheffler@businesspov.com — Fri, 23 Feb 2007 00:00:00 -0800

In mid-winter, Londo Mondo buyer Donna West on this season's coming trends. The store showed off the latest at a fashion show at Sushi Samba a few weeks ago.

The Winners of the "Chicago Furniture Now" Competition, Part 2

mscheffler@businesspov.com — Thu, 22 Feb 2007 00:00:00 -0800

Last Thursday, February 15, the winners of Design Within Reach's 3rd annual "Chicago Furniture Now" competition were showcased in the store on North Ave. and Kingbury. Twenty designers were chosen out about 175 entrants. Here we feature a look at half of them.

The Winners of the "Chicago Furniture Now" Competition, Part 1

mscheffler@businesspov.com — Wed, 21 Feb 2007 00:00:00 -0800

Last Thursday, the winners of Design Within Reach's 3rd annual "Chicago Furniture Now" competition were showcased in the store on North Ave. and Kingbury. Twenty designers were chosen out about 175 entrants. Here we feature a look at half of them. Part II tomorrow.

Anatomy of a Startup: JobCoin.com

mscheffler@businesspov.com — Tue, 20 Feb 2007 00:00:00 -0800

Job Coin provides bloggers and other indie media sites with a online platform to set up a job board, giving them another means beyond advertising to start monetizing their content. CEO Keith Schact takes a percentage of the revenue sites charge would-be employers to post.

Michael Gruber on His New Investor Network: Cornerstone Angels

mscheffler@businesspov.com — Mon, 19 Feb 2007 00:00:00 -0800

Gruber was the founder and president of Keiretsu Forum Chicago. He launched Cornerstone in December 2006 to help connect initial start-up capital and institutional financing.

ENCORE PRESENTATION: Aon Founder Pat Ryan on Entrepreneurship

mscheffler@businesspov.com — Fri, 16 Feb 2007 00:00:00 -0800

In his presentation at the University of Chicago GSB luncheon, Ryan talked about the keys to starting and growing a business.

Capps CEO Brent Moncrief on New Markets and Recent Creative Work

mscheffler@businesspov.com — Fri, 16 Feb 2007 00:00:00 -0800

Capps has long been the steady print-production house that helps Leo Burnett execute much of its magazine advertising and promotional work. In short, it's lived somewhat in its biggest client's shadow. But now it's pursuing new markets.

Product Development at Life Fitness, Exhibit A: The Summit Trainer

mscheffler@businesspov.com — Thu, 15 Feb 2007 00:00:00 -0800

The biomechanics lab at Schiller Park-based Life Fitness is all about finding a perfect interface between human and machine. For their work on the Summit, the team devised a "new motion" for users to experience. Here's how they did it.

Architect Zoka Zola: From City Zoning to Modern Living

mscheffler@businesspov.com — Wed, 14 Feb 2007 00:00:00 -0800

Croatian-born Zola is working on several state-of-the-art projects, including a zero-energy house and an effort to change city zoning laws in order to maximize land and up the "green" factor. Pictured at left was a house she built for her first Chicago client: her husband.

Dennis Serio's Mission: Link Hungry Start-ups with Angel Investors

mscheffler@businesspov.com — Tue, 13 Feb 2007 00:00:00 -0800

Serio, founder of the 2-year-old Illinois Business and Investor Forum, is helping fire-up the area entrepreneurial community by giving companies a chance to sell themselves in front of the highly successful angel investors that attend his deal screenings.

Former Q Interactive CEO Matt Moog on His New Company: Viewpoints.com

mscheffler@businesspov.com — Mon, 12 Feb 2007 00:00:00 -0800

Moog's new site, set to exit beta this spring, is a forum for reviews of everything from mortgage providers to exercise gear. Here he discusses his business model and the lessons he learned running Q Interactive (aka CoolSavings).

Our Biomedical Future: "Brains on a Chip," Tissue Engineering, Gene Therapy

mscheffler@businesspov.com — Fri, 09 Feb 2007 00:00:00 -0800

In her five-year trend forecast at the MIT Enterprise Forum, consultant Valerie Pajak focused on the frontiers of biomedicine, everything from combating disease at the genetic level to the financial impact of good health.

Are You Experienced? If You Run a Business, Joe Pine Says You Ought to Be

mscheffler@businesspov.com — Thu, 08 Feb 2007 00:00:00 -0800

Pine argues that when goods and services are commoditized, the customer "experience" becomes crucial. Here he shows how his pioneering notion applies to the modern day.

The Grapes of Math: How the Juicy Wine Co. Calculates Its Prices

mscheffler@businesspov.com — Wed, 07 Feb 2007 00:00:00 -0800

Co-owner Rodney Alex's formula is simple: He takes his cost, adds a reasonable (comparatively speaking) 50% mark-up and sells it. If you want to actually drink it at his wine bar, he'll tack on a flat $15 no matter the price of the bottle.

Chicago.com Owner Josh Metnick on His Prized Piece of Digital Real Estate

mscheffler@businesspov.com — Tue, 06 Feb 2007 00:00:00 -0800

Metnick — who also recently added Illinois.com to his domain-name arsenal — talks about how he's monetizing the city site, how many hits it gets and what it might be worth today (his purchase price in 2001 was in the "mid six figures.")

Life's a Pitch: Entrepreneurs Get 60 Seconds to Present Their Companies

mscheffler@businesspov.com — Mon, 05 Feb 2007 00:00:00 -0800

At Chicago Beta, a meetup where entrepreneurs gather to talk shop, six companies gave 60-second pitches, including AudioSnacks, Humanized, TimeXchange, CohesiveFT, Braintree and Zaplee.

Show & Tell at Tech Cocktail, Part 3: The Neuros OSD

mscheffler@businesspov.com — Fri, 02 Feb 2007 00:00:00 -0800

At Tech Cocktail 3, a variety of companies demoed their products. Today we focus on Neuros Technology's OSD, a Linux-based open-source device that allows consumers to transfer their media content between their iPods, PDAs, laptops and home entertainment centers.

Show & Tell at Tech Cocktail, Part 2: A Jellyfish.com Product Demo

mscheffler@businesspov.com — Thu, 01 Feb 2007 00:00:00 -0800

At Tech Cocktail 3, a variety of companies demoed their products. Today's feature is Jellyfish.com, a shopping search engine that shares revenue with users. Biz/dev direcor Aaron Everson led the demo.

Show & Tell at Tech Cocktail, Part 1: A Weave The People Product Demo

mscheffler@businesspov.com — Wed, 31 Jan 2007 00:00:00 -0800

At the entrepreneurial powwow known as Tech Cocktail 3, a variety of companies showcased their business concepts, including Weave The People.com, an online social networking application.

Ask an Angel Investor: a Q&A with Ron Kirschner

mscheffler@businesspov.com — Tue, 30 Jan 2007 00:00:00 -0800

Kirschner is the founder of Heartland Angels, a network of 21 investors that considers funding requests for between $250,000 and $1 million. Here he explains Heartland's philosophy, ROI expectations, and mistakes start-ups make when courting an angel.

Meet the Company That's Reinventing Airline Food

mscheffler@businesspov.com — Mon, 29 Jan 2007 00:00:00 -0800

GoPicnic's Julia Stamberger was working at United Airlines when she hit on the idea of replacing quickly perishable in-flight meals with healthy foods that have a longer shelf life. Now, she and her business partner, Pam Jelaca, are taking their "boxed picnic meals" beyond the airline industry.

Slaying the Monster(.com): CareerBuilder's Chief Sales Officer on Being #1

mscheffler@businesspov.com — Fri, 26 Jan 2007 00:00:00 -0800

In a presentation before the Business Marketing Association, CSO Mary Delaney tells the "David and Goliath" story of how, in July 2006, the company passed its largest competitor, Monster.com, in U.S. revenue.

Toy Story: The Company Behind Bozo Bop Bags and Tin Homer Simpsons

mscheffler@businesspov.com — Thu, 25 Jan 2007 00:00:00 -0800

Forest Park-based Rocket USA got a big break when Simpsons creator Matt Groening came calling. Now with 50 products in its stable, including Bender the Robot from Futurama, the company is poised for big growth: it's releasing 25 new concepts in 2007 alone.

Winning by Losing: A U of C Professor's Approach to Bidding on eBay

mscheffler@businesspov.com — Wed, 24 Jan 2007 00:00:00 -0800

Don't necessarily follow the online auctioneer's advice for climbing to your highest bid to get the product you want, says Robert Zeithammer, an assistant professor at the University of Chicago GSB. Instead, participate in numerous future bids at a baseline price.

Smart Buildings, Sustainability, Asian Cyberports and Other Future Trends

mscheffler@businesspov.com — Tue, 23 Jan 2007 00:00:00 -0800

Geoffrey Kasselman is president of Op2mize, Inc. a real estate brokerage and advisory firm. In a five-year forecast presented to the MIT Enterprise Forum's Chicago chapter, his topics included advanced networks, "24-hour real estate," and China's Zero Energy Tower.

A Five-Year Technology Forecast from Motorola's David Findling

mscheffler@businesspov.com — Mon, 22 Jan 2007 00:00:00 -0800

Mr. Findling, director of technology architecture at Moto's Technology Office, discussed three areas: the explosion of location-enabled applications; the expansion of software as a service; and the gap in indoor wireless coverage.

Losing It: When Doctor's Orders Include Dropping Pounds

mscheffler@businesspov.com — Fri, 19 Jan 2007 00:00:00 -0800

When insurance policies won't cover a medical condition exacerbated by weight issues, patients turn to places like Mike George Fitness. The exercise clinic teamed up with Accelerated Rehabilitation Centers to offer a program for people who need to shed pounds quickly.

Vodka Under the Influence of a Vineyard

mscheffler@businesspov.com — Thu, 18 Jan 2007 00:00:00 -0800

When he was developing DiVine Vodka, David Otis decided to bypass the grain and potatoes and distil it using grapes from the Round Barn Winery in Baroda, Michigan. The ultra-premium spirit retails for about $35.00 and has already fared well in taste tests against big guns like Belvedere and Grey Goose.

How a Fashionista for Infants Got Her Products to the Golden Globes

mscheffler@businesspov.com — Wed, 17 Jan 2007 00:00:00 -0800

Allison Case received an exclusive invitation to give items from her toddler clothing company out to celebrities at the Golden Globes swag giveaway before the awards ceremony. Here's how it happened, and how she's working to build her company, Hand Picked Pumpkin.

Conventional Selling is Dead. Long Live Unconventional Selling

mscheffler@businesspov.com — Tue, 16 Jan 2007 00:00:00 -0800

What if everything you know about acquiring new business is changing, obsolete or wrong? asks Rick Farrell. At the U of C's GSB Alumni Sales Leader's Roundtable, Farrell, a consultant, talked to guests about new tactics for getting prospects to reach for their wallets.

A Discussion with Jim Lecinski, Google Chicago's Sales Director

mscheffler@businesspov.com — Mon, 15 Jan 2007 00:00:00 -0800

Mr. Lecinski gave BusinessPOV a tour of the local office, which has a significant sales staff servicing the Midwestern region's Fortune 1000 companies. He also discussed some of the high-flying Mountain View, CA-based company's unique advertising products and services.

Condo Face-off in the West Loop: the Mods vs. the Greens

mscheffler@businesspov.com — Fri, 12 Jan 2007 00:00:00 -0800

Two new condo projects are in the early stages of being built in the West Loop: R+D 659 on Randolph and Emerald at Monroe and Green St. The former is selling itself as an exemplar of modern living; the latter as a state-of-the-art "green" building. Here we give both of them their say. Today: Emerald.

Condo Face-off in the West Loop: the Mods vs. the Greens

mscheffler@businesspov.com — Thu, 11 Jan 2007 00:00:00 -0800

Anatomy of a Startup: Parkwhiz.com

mscheffler@businesspov.com — Wed, 10 Jan 2007 00:00:00 -0800

Parkwhiz CEO Aashish Dalal's company is an online marketplace for both people looking to find parking and parking lot operators interested in promoting their availabilities. Here he talks about his concept, marketing tactics, revenue model and unique selling proposition.

Here's the Beef: Young Entrepreneur Launches New Burger Franchise

mscheffler@businesspov.com — Tue, 09 Jan 2007 00:00:00 -0800

Gregg Majewski was just 25 when he became CEO of Champaign, IL-based Jimmy John's Subs. Now 30, he's launching his own chain, Patty Burger. His first two locations are in Chicago and Milwaukee, but his goal is to go national.

FeedBurner's Latest: Income Strategies and Traffic Data for Web Publishers

mscheffler@businesspov.com — Mon, 08 Jan 2007 00:00:00 -0800

As their new feature — Site Stats — emerges out of Beta, BusinessPOV caught up with Eric Olson, who specializes in helping bloggers and publishers understand — and make money off of — their audiences.

This Won't Hurt a Bit: Touring a High-Tech, 21st-Century Dentist's Office

mscheffler@businesspov.com — Fri, 05 Jan 2007 00:00:00 -0800

At All-Star Smiles, Dr. Sam Simos is taking a bite out of the modern age by featuring an art gallery, day-spa amenities and the latest technological wares, including the laser-guided cavity finder. The goal: take the pain out of going to the dentist.

Best Foot Forward

mscheffler@businesspov.com — Thu, 04 Jan 2007 00:00:00 -0800

Erick Geer Wilcox makes custom handcrafted leather shoes using high-quality materials and a made-to-measure manufacturing process. Since he doesn't mass produce, the big key to his rollout stategy will be to target local boutiques.

T-shirts for the Jet Set

mscheffler@businesspov.com — Wed, 03 Jan 2007 00:00:00 -0800

George Aye came up with a simple but witty idea for fans of world travel: he silk screens airport codes on t-shirts. His company, called Hubwear, can customize a shirt for your favored route, national or international. Thankfully, they don't ship with lousy airline food.

An Antidote for the Time-Crunched: A Concierge at Your Beck-and-Call

mscheffler@businesspov.com — Tue, 02 Jan 2007 00:00:00 -0800

Errand Solutions offers an on-site workplace "concierge" for everything from oil changes to dry-cleaning. The service can save employees an hour a day on average. No wonder the company saw 110% growth in 2006.

bPOV's Best of '06: Going Once, Going Twice

mscheffler@businesspov.com — Fri, 29 Dec 2006 00:00:00 -0800

The 12 to 15 auctions Sean Susanin holds a year gross from $350,000 to $1 million in sales. In 2005, they brought in close to $7 million total. Some bidders “know no limits, know no boundaries,” he says, a fact which is never bad for business.

bPOV's Best of '06: How Artist Wesley Kimler Prices His Paintings

mscheffler@businesspov.com — Thu, 28 Dec 2006 00:00:00 -0800

Iconoclastic Chicago painter Wesley Kimler's works can command $50k. So how does he determine his prices? Not by time invested or psychic torment endured, but by square feet.

bPOV's Best of '06: Hyatt’s New Hotel Concept Takes Aim at Gen-X

mscheffler@businesspov.com — Tue, 26 Dec 2006 00:00:00 -0800

Launched this past August, Hyatt Place was designed with today's thirtysomethings in mind. But the Chicago-based hotelier thinks it's a concept with cross-generational appeal.

Year-end Wrap-up: Sudoku Sites, Social Networks, VC tracking, Video Games

mscheffler@businesspov.com — Fri, 22 Dec 2006 00:00:00 -0800

At a recent tech-scene gathering, bPOV asked everyone from start-up entrepreneurs to ROR developers to Web 2.0 journalists about the most interesting developments or discoveries in '06.

ENCORE PRESENTATION: Chicago Innovators, Part II

mscheffler@businesspov.com — Thu, 21 Dec 2006 00:00:00 -0800

Short profiles of Chicago Innovation Award winners, including Sara Lee, Motorola and LoggerHead Tools.

The Business Plan: Time Well Spent or Waste of Time?

mscheffler@businesspov.com — Wed, 20 Dec 2006 00:00:00 -0800

Is it wise to fully flesh out your strategic thinking ahead of time or unwise to spend too much time pondering things that might not happen? UIC Entrepreneurship Professor Rod Shrader chronicles the benefits of doing the former.

Spring, Green Zebra and Custom House: Feeding the 3-restaurant Beast

mscheffler@businesspov.com — Tue, 19 Dec 2006 00:00:00 -0800

Along with his partners, 2006 James Beard award-winner Shawn McClain is at the top of his game. One year after opening Custom House, they discuss the many challenges of running three establishments.

A High-Speed Look at the Michigan Avenue Storefront Windows

mscheffler@businesspov.com — Mon, 18 Dec 2006 00:00:00 -0800

During Christmas, Mag Mile retailers create bold window displays designed to lure foot traffic. We went from Chicago Avenue to the river to capture the lavish visual marketing deployed by everyone from Virgin Records to Ralph Lauren to Apple.

Scenes From Chicago Beta: New Business Pitches, Tips and Networking

mscheffler@businesspov.com — Fri, 15 Dec 2006 00:00:00 -0800

At the local tech-scene gathering known as Chicago Beta, about 70 entrepreneurs gathered to compare notes, swap business cards, give 60-second pitches and discuss Web 2.0 business tips.

"Branded Environments" Go Well Beyond a Cool Lobby

mscheffler@businesspov.com — Thu, 14 Dec 2006 00:00:00 -0800

Eva Maddox, a principal at the architecture firm Perkins + Will, creates interiors that are direct extensions of a company's brand, which leads to stronger differentiation in the marketplace. Clients have included Hallmark, Dupont and Haworth.

In Search of: Unique Niches at the One-of-a-Kind Show

mscheffler@businesspov.com — Tue, 12 Dec 2006 00:00:00 -0800

Vying for attention (and sales) among the 400-plus vendors at the One of a Kind show isn't easy. BusinessPOV asked nearly a dozen Chicago participants a simple question: What's innovative about what you do? (Part 2 of 2).

Carving Out a Competitive Advantage at the "One-of-a-Kind" Show

mscheffler@businesspov.com — Mon, 11 Dec 2006 00:00:00 -0800

Every item available at the annual arts-and-crafts show is unique. But vying for attention (and sales) among the 400-plus vendors isn't easy. BusinessPOV asked Chicago participants a simple question: What's innovative about what you do? (Part 1 of 2).

ENCORE PRESENTATION: Electronic Arts New Downtown Development Studio

mscheffler@businesspov.com — Mon, 11 Dec 2006 00:00:00 -0800

The video game giant moves to posh city digs.

Economists Consult the Crystal Ball: China Crisis, 2% Growth, U.S. Blues

mscheffler@businesspov.com — Thu, 07 Dec 2006 00:00:00 -0800

This year's Chicago GSB "Business Forecast 2007" featured economics professor and New York Times columnist Austan Goolsbee; Economics Fellow Michael Mussa; and international-risk expert Marvin Zonis. The picture? Slightly cloudy with a chance of pain.

Jason Calacanis Dishes About Digg, Valley Wag and His New Gig With Sequoia

mscheffler@businesspov.com — Wed, 06 Dec 2006 00:00:00 -0800

In a speech at the SES Expo in Chicago, the founder of Weblogs called the Silicon gossip blog Valley Wag stupid, refuted charges that Netscape is a Digg copycat, and discussed his new job as "Entrepreneur in Action."

Think Different

mscheffler@businesspov.com — Tue, 05 Dec 2006 00:00:00 -0800

Some 60 attendees came to Gerald "Solutionman" Haman's work loft (aka the Thinkubator) for the inaugural meeting of the Chicagovators. It was an entertaining evening of networking and madcap group exercises designed to trigger innovative ideas.

Aon Founder Pat Ryan on Entrepreneurship

mscheffler@businesspov.com — Mon, 04 Dec 2006 00:00:00 -0800

In a keynote address at the U of C's Gleacher Center, Aon's executive chairman Patrick Ryan talked about the role four factors — refreshing leadership, selective recruiting, bias for action and customer centricity — played in his success.

Inventables, Part 2: Translucent Concrete meets a Transparent Toaster

mscheffler@businesspov.com — Fri, 01 Dec 2006 00:00:00 -0800

A look at product demos and the creative process at Inventables, a company that helps blue-chip innovators research and develop new products. (Part 2 of 2)

The Inventables Quest for Products with Unexpected Properties

mscheffler@businesspov.com — Thu, 30 Nov 2006 00:00:00 -0800

Inventables helps companies like Nike innovate. How? By collecting fascinating, yet fully functional, paraphernalia from all over the world and setting up "Innovation Centers" for them.

Heart-monitoring Vests, "Smart" Store Shelves, Touch-Screen Kiosks, etc.

mscheffler@businesspov.com — Wed, 29 Nov 2006 00:00:00 -0800

Accenture's Chicago Tech Lab explores how emerging technologies can impact the marketplace. Senior manager Peter Glaser gave us a look at some of their greatest hits thus far.

A Look at the Strategic Thinking Behind Motorola's Stores

mscheffler@businesspov.com — Tue, 28 Nov 2006 00:00:00 -0800

Motorola has been on a retail tear, from a pop-up store in Chicago to flagships in Moscow and Shanghai. As creative director of the Global Image Design Team, Luiz Andrade discusses crafting the Moto brand image at home and abroad.

ENCORE PRESENTATION: Chicago Innovators

mscheffler@businesspov.com — Mon, 27 Nov 2006 00:00:00 -0800

Chicago innovators like 37Signals and Ocean Tomo discuss their award-winning business concepts

Fun and Games at Electronic Arts' New Downtown Development Studio

mscheffler@businesspov.com — Mon, 27 Nov 2006 00:00:00 -0800

Video game giant EA opened a swank Chicago studio last month, with the goal of expanding its 150-person staff. Development teams here work on the hip hop fight game DEF JAM: ICON among others, and in the hunt for fresh talent the city has strong allure.

Life's a Stitch

mscheffler@businesspov.com — Wed, 22 Nov 2006 00:00:00 -0800

Albert Karoll — owner of Richard Bennett Custom Tailors in the Financial District — packs his fabrics and tape measures and goes where his customers are: down LaSalle street, to airports and even, on occasion, truck stops. His store has also survived the ultimate fashion indignity: business casual.

The Blue-Collar/White-Collar Medical Clinic

mscheffler@businesspov.com — Tue, 21 Nov 2006 00:00:00 -0800

At Ergo Medica, occupational-medicine specialists Ernesto Villegas and Robert Noven talk about workplace ailments — and dispel a few myths about carpal-tunnel syndrome along the way.

Touring the DIY Trunk Show

mscheffler@businesspov.com — Mon, 20 Nov 2006 00:00:00 -0800

Among the Boeings and Motorolas, not to mention the Web 2.0 tech entrepreneurs, there's an active scene of Do-It-Yourselfers who make their own arts, crafts and miscellaneous goods. This year, they convened to showcase their wares at Pulaski Park in Bucktown.

Tru's Tag-Team Star Chefs Set Their Sights on Bigger Markets

mscheffler@businesspov.com — Fri, 17 Nov 2006 00:00:00 -0800

Via their new restaurant company Cenitare, Chef Rick Tramonto and Pastry Chef Gale Gand are expanding to the 'burbs, Vegas and beyond.

Hyatt’s New Hotel Concept Takes Aim at Gen-X (and Baby Boomers, Too)

mscheffler@businesspov.com — Thu, 16 Nov 2006 00:00:00 -0800

Launched this past August, Hyatt Place was designed with today's thirtysomethings in mind. But the Chicago-based hotelier thinks it's a concept with cross-generational appeal.

Sitting Down for a Virtual Dinner

mscheffler@businesspov.com — Wed, 15 Nov 2006 00:00:00 -0800

Using everyday video-conferencing technology in new ways, researchers at Accenture think their "virtual dining" concept can help revive family gatherings — and lower health-care costs in the process.

Chicago Innovators Discuss Their Breakthrough Ideas, Part 2

mscheffler@businesspov.com — Tue, 14 Nov 2006 00:00:00 -0800

The Chicago Innovation Award winners featured in today's installment include Sara Lee, the Community Energy Cooperative, USG Corp, Motorola and LoggerHead Tools.

ASK THE EXPERT: Tom Kuczmarski

mscheffler@businesspov.com — Tue, 14 Nov 2006 00:00:00 -0800

The co-founder of the Chicago Innovation Awards discusses how to stay on the innovative edge.

Chicago Innovators on Their Breakthrough Ideas, Part 1

mscheffler@businesspov.com — Mon, 13 Nov 2006 00:00:00 -0800

Brief interviews with Chicago Innovation Award winners 37signals, Goettsch Partners, "Check, Please!", FeedBurner and Ocean Tomo. Part 1 of 2

ENCORE PRESENTATION: Handmade Instruments in the Age of Cheap Imports

mscheffler@businesspov.com — Sun, 12 Nov 2006 00:00:00 -0800

Lakland and the Art of the Custom-made Bass Guitar

ENCORE PRESENTATION: A "Greener" Industrial Cleaner

mscheffler@businesspov.com — Sun, 12 Nov 2006 00:00:00 -0800

The story of PortionPac's success making environmentally friendly products.

Graphic Designer Cage Match

mscheffler@businesspov.com — Fri, 10 Nov 2006 00:00:00 -0800

At Cut&Paste, held at Crobar, eight digital designers went head-to-head to see who could come up with the most intriguing concepts under a tight deadline and in front of a rowdy crowd.

Tracking the No-Collar Nomads

mscheffler@businesspov.com — Thu, 09 Nov 2006 00:00:00 -0800

Busy professionals flee the suits and corporate suites for caffeinated days at the wi-fi coffee shop. One stomping ground: The Grind in Lincoln Square.

Form Meets Function for Dinner

mscheffler@businesspov.com — Wed, 08 Nov 2006 00:00:00 -0800

Crucial Detail makes the highly inventive serviceware for the world-renowned restaurant Alinea. Designer Martin Kastner and Alinea’s partners, Nick Kokonas and uberchef Grant Achatz, are expanding the product line beyond the trade market.

A Meeting of the Entrepreneurial Minds

mscheffler@businesspov.com — Tue, 07 Nov 2006 00:00:00 -0800

At the Chicago tech-scene gathering known as Chicago Beta, entrepreneurs networked and compared notes. Several got a chance to give 60-second pitches to run their business ideas past their peers.

A Private Eye Gleans Intel from the Corporate World

mscheffler@businesspov.com — Mon, 06 Nov 2006 00:00:00 -0800

To help firms get an accurate picture of the competitive landscape, detective Jim Miller stakes out shipping yards and sends attractive investigators to trade shows. His advice: use a shredder and avoid paranoia. (This article originally ran on November 6th.)

ENCORE PRESENTATION: The Hops and Barley Approach to Innovation

mscheffler@businesspov.com — Mon, 06 Nov 2006 00:00:00 -0800

How Goose Island develops new beers

Espionage Comes to College

mscheffler@businesspov.com — Fri, 03 Nov 2006 00:00:00 -0800

Working with an instructor and the beleaguered CIA's approval, a UIC marketing class created ads and a promotional event designed to lure fellow collegians into the "adventurous" life as an Agency employee.

Spotlight on The Hypocrites: Past Performances, Future Funding

mscheffler@businesspov.com — Thu, 02 Nov 2006 00:00:00 -0800

The Chicago theater troupe rolled out the red Dada posters for their 10th anniversary fundraiser, with a goal to generate $20,000 of their annual $130,000 budget. During a journey back through earlier shows, company members discussed the economics of indie theater.

Start-up Execs Pitch Their Companies for a Suitcase Full of Loot

mscheffler@businesspov.com — Wed, 01 Nov 2006 00:00:00 -0800

At Freshwater Venture's Chicago Entrepreneurs event, reps from three new companies — GrubHub, Inkling Markets and PrepMe — touted their firms in front of a who's who of Web 1 and 2.0 all-stars. The prize: $500 in cash.

ENCORE PRESENTATION: Wrigley brands in the blogosphere

mscheffler@businesspov.com — Wed, 01 Nov 2006 00:00:00 -0800

"Buzz" trolls the internet to find stories. Here's what it reeled in about the gummaker

Entrepreneur-O-Rama

mscheffler@businesspov.com — Tue, 31 Oct 2006 00:00:00 -0800

Last week at the U of C's Gleacher Center, Freshwater Venture got many of the most successful entrepreneurs and innovators in Chicago together in one room. Sharing their start-up stories were people from Peapod, Careerbuilder and Orbitz.

The Hops and Barley Approach to Innovation

mscheffler@businesspov.com — Mon, 30 Oct 2006 00:00:00 -0800

Goose Island has produced more than 200 beers over the years, including its flagship Honker’s Ale and recent top-seller 312. Brewmaster Greg Hall doesn’t rely on focus groups to greenlight his ideas. To do market research, he says, “I go out drinking.”

Office 2.0

mscheffler@businesspov.com — Fri, 27 Oct 2006 00:00:00 -0700

Cleversafe needed a work space to reflect the new realities of the modern tech age — something for employees who don’t need personal desks, paper or wires. They tapped architecture students from IIT to help them build it.

Who Let the Dogs Out?

mscheffler@businesspov.com — Thu, 26 Oct 2006 00:00:00 -0700

Marc Matlin bailed out of a career in finance to start Chicago Dog Walkers, Inc. He now has a staff of 44, each responsible for anywhere from 8 to 16 canines daily. But it's a dog eat dog world: his fiercest competitors, he says, aren't potheads, but former attorneys and accountants.

From Gold Watches to Hawaiian Trips: Touring the Employee Motivation Show

mscheffler@businesspov.com — Wed, 25 Oct 2006 00:00:00 -0700

The Motivation Show at McCormick Place featured a range of items, vacations and tactics designed to reward employees for their service.

The Look of Love

mscheffler@businesspov.com — Tue, 24 Oct 2006 00:00:00 -0700

The assignment: create packaging for a new sexual lubricant. The challenge: make it appeal to both genders. Here’s how design firm Webb Scarlett deVlam went about it.

"Rants" About Whether Chicago Will Seize—or Squander—the 21st Century

mscheffler@businesspov.com — Mon, 23 Oct 2006 00:00:00 -0700

At an MIT Enterprise Forum meeting last week, moderator Anna Belyaev gave six change agents the floor to weigh in on what the city needs to do to “get off the soapbox and onto the court” when it comes to technology and innovation.

A Windfall in the Form of Fake Blood and Rubber Masks

mscheffler@businesspov.com — Fri, 20 Oct 2006 00:00:00 -0700

Fantasy Costumes spends the entire year preparing for October, when the staff balloons by 40 people and the line to get in snakes around the building. It's well worth the trouble: the company gets about 50% of its revenue in the month-long run-up to Halloween.

Until Death Do Us Part. Or Not.

mscheffler@businesspov.com — Thu, 19 Oct 2006 00:00:00 -0700

Sawing furniture in half, smashing plates, hiding the winning lotto ticket — war stories galore from the quintessential man in the middle, divorce lawyer Enrico Mirabelli.

A Miracle of Modern Medicine: Drug Ads That Are Smart Instead of Insipid

mscheffler@businesspov.com — Wed, 18 Oct 2006 00:00:00 -0700

As the number 4 sleeping aid on the market, Rozerem couldn't afford to be bland. Here’s how Cramer-Krasselt — using Honest Abe, a beaver and the phrase “your dreams miss you” — came up with a campaign that doesn't put you to sleep.

Taking a Break from Killing Zombies to Bring You the News

mscheffler@businesspov.com — Tue, 17 Oct 2006 00:00:00 -0700

At Northwestern's InfoLab, computer scientist Kristian Hammond and his team are using cutting-edge content, armed avatars and video-game interfaces to redefine how we get information. The result: a digital mash-up called "News at Seven."

At Northwestern's InfoLab, Part I: Wrigley Brands in the Blogosphere

mscheffler@businesspov.com — Mon, 16 Oct 2006 00:00:00 -0700

“Buzz” — a multimedia system that tracks blog content — started as an art installation. But computer scientists Kristian Hammond and Sara Owsley at the InfoLab think it applies to marketing, too. Exhibit A: the anecdotes it found for Altoid's.

The Man Store

mscheffler@businesspov.com — Fri, 13 Oct 2006 00:00:00 -0700

The old adage is Know thy Customer. So how does Led Zeppelin-loving “tom-boy” Lindsay McKay target male shoppers? It helps to have beer, bullets and pin-up broads.

Meet the White Truffle: a $3000 a pound supply-and-demand poster child

mscheffler@businesspov.com — Thu, 12 Oct 2006 00:00:00 -0700

In anticipation of "Truffle Season" at Spiaggia, head chef Tony Mantuano weighs in on what he considers the most scarce ingredient in the world.

Chicago's Other Hard Rock Hotel

mscheffler@businesspov.com — Wed, 11 Oct 2006 00:00:00 -0700

Before it cleaned up its act, some of the biggest names in rock stayed at the Lincoln Park Day's Inn back when they were nobodies, including Radiohead and Kurt and Courtney who, legend has it, conceived their daughter there. Staff, past and present, reveal its secret history.

A New Face in the Workplace

mscheffler@businesspov.com — Tue, 10 Oct 2006 00:00:00 -0700

Plastic surgeon Rodger Pielet works on patients — both men and women — who feel certain procedures give them not just more confidence, but a competitive advantage in the professional world.

Is the Chicago fashion community ready for its close-up?

mscheffler@businesspov.com — Mon, 09 Oct 2006 00:00:00 -0700

Marsha Brenner of the Apparel Industry Board and several designers at the recent "Chicago is . . . Red Hot!!!" fashion show chimed in on the local marketplace.

ASK THE EXPERT

mscheffler@businesspov.com — Sun, 08 Oct 2006 00:00:00 -0700

Phil Corse has had a range of experiences sourcing products and entering markets in the Far East. Herein he discusses the logistics of working in China.

9 entrepreneurs. 9 new business ideas. 60 seconds each to present them. Go.

mscheffler@businesspov.com — Fri, 06 Oct 2006 00:00:00 -0700

At the Goose Island Brewery, a group hoping to ride the Web 2.0 wave came out to network, knock back some beer and pitch their start-ups.

Corporate America's Version of the Conference Room Gets an Extreme Makeover

mscheffler@businesspov.com — Thu, 05 Oct 2006 00:00:00 -0700

At the offbeat meeting facility known as the Catalyst Ranch, there are toys on the tables and orange paint on the walls. The idea? Get people to think differently.

Playing a Different Tune: Handmade Instruments in the Age of Cheap Imports

mscheffler@businesspov.com — Wed, 04 Oct 2006 00:00:00 -0700

Sure, Lakland Basses has a model made in Korea, but the 300 instruments they crank out here each year are beloved by bassists from U2, Aerosmith and Bob Dylan's band.

The Treasure Hunter

mscheffler@businesspov.com — Tue, 03 Oct 2006 00:00:00 -0700

When it comes to finding things like Japanese textiles and African ceramics, world traveler/art dealer Douglas Dawson will only work with people he knows — or people who know what they have. Plus: how to smell a fake.

Freezer-door Graphics, Talking Coal-Miner Dummies, Giant Inflatable Tacos

mscheffler@businesspov.com — Mon, 02 Oct 2006 00:00:00 -0700

This year's In-store Marketing Expo at McCormick Place offered point-of-purchase marketers a range of tools to build brands and drive sales.

Want a New Porsche 911 Turbo? Better Get in Line.

mscheffler@businesspov.com — Fri, 29 Sep 2006 00:00:00 -0700

When the last generation came out in 2002, the carmaker was criticized by dealers for oversaturating the market and softening up prices. Now, demand far exceeds supply in Chicagoland.

Prime Time for a Greener Industrial Cleaner

mscheffler@businesspov.com — Thu, 28 Sep 2006 00:00:00 -0700

For most of PortionPac’s 42-year history, “environmental” was considered a dirty word. That’s changing, as companies see that portion-controlled cleaners make sense from a safety and efficiency standpoint. Their latest convert? The State of New York.

Uncommon Households: Inside the Mind of Architect Mark Peters

mscheffler@businesspov.com — Wed, 27 Sep 2006 00:00:00 -0700

His award-winning homes are high-end, enigmatic and ultra-contemporary. Yet one of his main inspirations comes in a far more cruder form: the concrete block.

A 'Modern' Retail Concept Takes Aim at the Modern Age

mscheffler@businesspov.com — Tue, 26 Sep 2006 00:00:00 -0700

In the competitive world of fashion boutiques, Hejfina owner Heiji Choy tries to distinguish her store by steering customers not toward a specific look so much as an entire lifestyle.

Portrait of the Artist as 'Sane, Reasonable' Business Man