Image by Premier Packaging via Flickr Chicago small business services are on sale and make the perfect gift to give yourself or entrepreneurs and small business owners you love. Give the gift of business success this holiday season.  Last call on these remarkable business services from Chicago Big Oogans. 1) WordPress Personal Blogging Coach – [...]

Image via Wikipedia This recession is really putting a crimp in my lifestyle.  I’m my own maid, manicurist, therapist, waiter, chef and spa experience.  I used to go shopping and dining to relieve the stress and now they both PRODUCE it.  My groceries have gone from thrilling and delicious to basics and last week I [...]

Image via Wikipedia I was speaking to a fellow entrepreneur in Chicago who started her business a year ago and is now fully booked with her time for 2010.  “What is your secret to marketing?” I asked.   And she smiled and said, “Having dinner at the bar of my favorite local restaurant.” “Really?” I [...]

Image by woodleywonderworks via Flickr The single MOST uplifting part of the entrepreneurial journey is the existence of endless possibilities. Conversely, the single MOST frustrating part of the entrepreneurial journey is not seeing the endless possibilities even though you know they are there. Here are a few tips that might lead you to your next [...]

Image by natawiedee via Flickr Big Ooga recently sent out a survey to find out what our members want for the coming year.  Did they want to meet more wonderful people?  Did they want to learn more skills? Did they want small group think-tanks and Mastermind groups? Did they want to create products or go [...]

Image via Wikipedia If falling in love with the people with whom you work is a crime, I want to be guilty.  I’m an unashamed fan of work well done, inspired leaders and motivated people.  Awe, to me, does not go with shock, it belongs with words like brilliance, trust, accomplishment and courage. Love and [...]

Image by allerleirau via Flickr I was taking a Wiki class from Jean Pickering of the Tektite Group and she asked an essential question, “Why would someone come to your website?” And then she asked, “And why would they return?” That got me to thinking…about how much more work I have to do- and how [...]

Image via Wikipedia Big Ooga Big Bargains! 24-hour Stimulus Sale – You have until Midnight tonight – September 9th to call these people! Professional Services, Social Media Workshops, Innovation Seminar, Graphic Arts, Email Organization, Small Business Operations, Business Management, Technology Upgrades, Business Development, Photography, Twitter Page, SEO, Web Development, Banking, Meeting Planning, New Business Development, [...]

Image via Wikipedia I’ve spent a lot of time this week shaping and articulating entrepreneurial companies.  We have searched for the “vein of gold” as Julia Cameron refers to it – for what sets a company apart and fills an unmet market need. We have approached it by asking what really turns on the entrepreneur [...]

Image via Wikipedia There was debate amongst Chicago art dealers that included those still in business and some no longer open as to how to price art in this economy.  According to the article in the Sunday Trib, the camps were divided into: the artists have earned their provenance and deserve their prices vs I’m [...]