Small Business Lessons from The Social Network, That New Facebook Movie

On October 18th, 2010, wrote:

We’re sure you’ve heard of The Social Network, this new movie about the founders of Facebook. It opened earlier this month and so far, from what we’ve been hearing, it sounds like this 120-minute thriller-docudrama-comedy will be making plenty of noise at next year’s Oscars. You should see The Social Network if you haven’t done so yet. Not only is it a thrilling closer look at what went on behind the creation of today’s biggest social networking site; it’s also a really, really good movie. You don’t even have to be a Facebook fan to enjoy it. Directed by David Fincher (Seven, Fight Club), written by Aaron Sorkin (The West Wing, A Few Good Men), and starring Jesse Eisenberg, Andrew Garfield, Brenda Song, Rooney Mara, and huge pop musician Justin Timberlake, The Social Network – as Rolling Stone describes it – “brilliantly defines the decade”. Of course, if you’re a startup, small business owner, or marketer, you also might want – Read the full article

Chicago Start Up Community on the Rise

On March 11th, 2010, wrote:

In the book The Tipping Point the author, Malcolm Gladwell, describes it as the little changes that can have big effects; when small numbers of people start behaving differently, that behavior can ripple outward until a critical mass or “tipping point” is reached, changing the world. I have been lucky enough to be involved with dozens of startups in the Chicago community through consulting, working for and starting a few of my own. It seems like the ground swell of entrepreneurship is finally reaching that “tipping point”. Chicago has been getting some much deserved press with the recent Fast Company article featuring Chicago as a great place for startups or the fact that Crain’s launched a section for small business. We are fortunate to have dozens of organizations in Chicago who have been supporting entrepreneurship for years. But, I am talking about the grass root efforts that are taking place under the radar, that is slowly changing the landscape. I – Read the full article

The Coleman Center: Guiding Entrepreneurs to Business Success

On February 8th, 2010, wrote:

Many have said that the business world is a dog-eat-dog one, but at the Coleman Entrepreneurship Center in DePaul University, success is a thing that’s meant to be shared and taught. Founded in 2003 by Dr. Harold Welsch, the Coleman Entrepreneurship Center is a business outreach center and an extension of DePaul’s highly acclaimed academic entrepreneurship program. On campus, the Center helps students and aspiring entrepreneurs launch and grow their own ventures. In the entrepreneurial community of Chicago, it serves business owners with programs and consulting services that support their careers and professional ventures. With an advisory committee composed of DePaul faculty, students, and staff members within various departments and centers throughout the university, the Coleman Entrepreneurship Center is committed to supporting the entrepreneurial spirit at DePaul. Through guidance for young entrepreneurs in their social, non-profit, and business interests, through collaborations with academic and administrative groups, and through peer-to-peer programs designed to refresh business perspectives, the Coleman Center has become – Read the full article

What Does it Take to Run a Small Business Panel Discussion

On February 5th, 2010, wrote:

In its effort to bring together today’s most dynamic business leaders and entrepreneurs, Business Network Chicago (BNC) is holding a panel discussion on Wednesday morning to help business owners and professionals establish themselves and foster successful relationships in the city’s business community. Entitled “Panel Discussion on What does it take to run a small business”, the event will be held on February 10 at the Wells Fargo Advisors, Adams and Canal, 3F South Riverside Plaza in Chicago. The agenda is to share resources, best practices, and experiences crucial in supporting BNC’s members – startups, small business owners, and solo entrepreneurs, among others – and helping them lead a successful company. The discussion will feature four panelists: Pattie Cagney Sheehan, marketing and advertising professional and cancer recovery advocate; Donald Strzepek, owner of leading Chicago jeweler The Tucker Company; Priscilla Taylor, owner of a Maui Wowi Hawaiian Coffees & Smoothies franchise; and Lakeshore Branding’s very own Chris Campbell, visionary entrepreneur and SEO – Read the full article

Team

On July 1st, 2009, wrote:

Lakeshore Branding is a team designed to build companies. We’ve come together around a belief that we can help companies do a better job of marketing online to drive more sales, leads and conversions. We’re experienced, opinionated and driven. Our team members have worked for big brands, agencies and start ups. They have been the creative directors, strategists of marketing campaigns and the creative force behind some exciting marketing campaigns. But our strongest characteristic is a dedication to ensuring entrepreneurial success for each of our clients. Each of us is addicted to helping companies grow and Lakeshore Branding, as an organization, gives us our fix. Chris Campbell Principal Yes, that is a picture of Chris with a baby tiger. Chris is a highly entrepreneurial person who is creative, resourceful and motivated to help his clients achieve their business objectives. Chris loves working with innovative businesses that are looking for new ways to sell their products or services online, he approaches – Read the full article

Great new blog to follow: Al Herbach’s The Advisor

On February 22nd, 2009, wrote:

A great entrepreneurial consultant and mentor, Al Herbach, has started a new blog, Titled “The Advisor: Illuminating the Path to Enlightenment“. The Advisor covers a wide range of topics on Entrepreneurship, Small Business, and other interesting topics. Al Herbach brings a plethora of experience to his writing. He will be teaching DePaul University’s “Start Up Chicago” workshop series starting April 2009. Read more at Alherbach.com.