Chicago Community Ventures Blog

Event: High-Speed Networking

Looking to meet a few fellow professionals in the Chicago area? Then make sure to sign up for this upcoming, warp-speed networking mixer.

With the pace of this networking event, you will be able to make lots of great contacts and leave with a pocket full of business cards. Register in advance to receive an email listing of all attendees so you can follow-up and stay in touch.

Date: Tuesday, June 8, 2010

Time: 6:00pm to 8:00pm

Location: District Bar, 170 West Ontario Street, Chicago

Cost: $20 members, $30 non-members (includes snacks)

Hosted By: Networking for Professionals Reps Sima Dahl and Alex Yates

Register online here.

Mind your manners: Business dining etiquette tips

Slurping your spaghetti or eating with your hands can be quite enjoyable when dining alone.  At a work-time luncheon or business dinner, however, dining etiquette can become oh-so-important.

Follow these simple tips, courtesy of Reuters, to impress a potential client, investor or even your new boss and to avoid messy and embarrassing restaurant situations.

1. Spread your napkin on your lap.  Don't tuck it into the neck of your shirt.
2. Sit up straight and don't rest your elbows on the table or lean on them while eating.
3. Wait until everyone has been served before eating.
4. Cutlery should be rested on the plate between bites.  Don't gesture with your knife or fork or clang it loudly against other dishware.
5. Eat at a relaxed pace and try to match the people you're dining with.
6. Avoid talking with your mouth full, even if you have something really great to say.
7. Don't drink your wine or cocktail too quickly.  There's nothing worse than a drunk diner, especially at a business meal.
8. When eating bread, break it apart as you go and butter each piece individually.  Butter should be put on the edge of your side plate.

Finally, don't forget to be yourself.  Laugh, smile, be friendly and just relax!

Get more tips and read the full article here.

Attention Start-ups: Get Financing Now!

Looking to start a business or get money for a new project or initiative for your existing business?  Don't miss this U.S. Small Business Administration workshop designed to help you learn about financing sources and impress your banker.  

Learn different ways to finance your business and gain the know-how to approach friends, family, angel investors and venture capitalists.

Date: Thursday, May 27, 2010

Time: 8:45am - 12:30pm

Location: SCORE/SBA Office, 500 West Madison Avenue, Suite 1150, Chicago

Cost: $40 pre-registered, $50 at-the-door

Register online here.

Fore more information, contact Dave Woods at 312.353.4540 or dwoods@scorechicago.org.

Can't make it to this one?  SBA will be hosting this workshop again on Tuesday, June 22, 2010.

Market Mondays: Mullen Foods

Apple pie in a jar? Yes, that's what Mullen's applesauce really tastes like! Made with the freshest ingredients available, the Mullen family recipe has been dazzling Chicagoans for many years now.

Mullen's applesauce is a great comfort food without the fat and calories. Indeed, the delicious applesauce has only 80 calories per serving - quite the healthy snack.

Owner and founder Jim Mullen is a disabled police officer, injured in the line of duty back in 1996. After retiring, Jim decided to start bottling his mother's recipe for applesauce. He is currently enrolled in CCV's Market and Customer Development Training program.

Now sold in Jewel and Whole Foods grocery stores throughout the city and Chicago suburbs, Mullen's applesauce is working on becoming a local legend.

Watch this video to learn more about Jim and his applesauce.

Event: Emotional Marketing Strategies

Consumers are complicated.  They make decisions to buy, or not buy, a product or service based on a number of reasons: overall marketing message, advertising, sales approach, Web site, company personnel, and much more.

Come hear Jim Joseph discuss his book, "The Experience Effect," about how to build a strong customer experience to establish brand loyalty.

This conference is ideal for small business owners or entrepreneurs looking to:

• Understand their brand's target audience
• Conduct more effective market research
• Connect with customers on an emotional level
• Link digital and non-digital media

Date: Thursday, May 27, 2010

Time: 9:30am - 12:00pm (presentation from 10:30am - 11:30am)

Location: The Merchandise Mart Conference Center, Chicago

Cost: FREE

Register here online.

For more information, call 312.602.2434