How many entrepreneurs can start a business and bring Shaquille O’Neal on as a first client? Pretty much no one. Except Amy Jo Martin, that is. I had the pleasure of meeting Amy Jo for the first time a few weeks ago, and what immediately struck me about her was how calm she appeared to be—even amidst…
One of the more exciting—or excruciating—venture investment scenarios (it depends on whether you tend to focus on clouds or silver linings) is washout financing…
When you walk into the office of Abundant Venture Partners, it feels different. Instead of the marble-laden floors and corporate vibe that infiltrates many spaces, the Abundant office looks more incubator than venture fund…
One of the main goals of a DIY public relations campaign is to garner media coverage. And, once you have an article secured, the attention doesn’t have to end within the pages of a magazine. You can do many simple things to leverage that media hit into additional exposure. Each piece can essentially be repurposed…
Couldn’t make it to SXSW? That’s ok! I’ve got you covered. After ten exhilarating days in Austin, I’ve compiled the top five lessons I learned that are valuable for us as entrepreneurs. 1. Automate your life It’s day one and I’m about to attend my first session. Ten minutes before it begins, I meet Dave…
Sometimes meeting someone for the first time at your local coffee shop can be awkward or less productive than you’d like…
Shama Kabani is the quintessential startup hustler…
I recently sat down with Sheryl Sandberg (and nearly 700 other ladies) for a candid conversation about what it means to be a woman in the workplace, and the issues that plague gender equality…
Ever wonder what unexpected business strategies have worked for other startups?…
Essential to this economy is Chicago’s thriving ecosystem of entrepreneurs, mentors, business leaders, boosters, and investors. This is where Startup Weekend comes in…