NBC Chicago - Chicago Business News - Money, Financial & Corporate News

Groupon’s Earnings Report Raises Eyebrows

David Wolinsky — Thu, 09 Feb 2012 13:01:23 -0600

True to its word, after the market closed on Wednesday, Groupon reported its earnings report as a public company. And, welp, what Groupon is saying is kinda what we’ve known all along: The company is losing...

Why It's Better to be Nice than Smart

Ethan Austin and Edited by: David Wolinsky — Thu, 09 Feb 2012 00:31:15 -0600

Smart is overrated. Maybe I'm biased because I'm bit of a dummy, but I've always felt that having a big heart will get you further in life than having a big brain.

McDonald's Radio Ad Angers Frothing Dog Owners

David Wolinsky — Thu, 09 Feb 2012 00:22:27 -0600

Oh, McDonald's. You've had to weather coffee lawsuits, Fast Food Nation as a book and a movie, and a recent Twitter campaign that totally backfired. But is anyone even giving a second glance at your ad...

ThyssenKrupp Official Apologizes for Racially-Charged Workplace

Andrew Greiner — Tue, 07 Feb 2012 16:55:29 -0600

Tuesday, at the behest of Emanuel, and under pressure from Reverend Jesse Jackson's Rainbow Push Coalition, ThyssenKrupp's president and CEO, issued a statement acknowledging the hostile environment.

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Chicago Booth Business Forecast

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How to Not be Annoying on Facebook

David Wolinsky — Tue, 07 Feb 2012 23:51:56 -0600

A while back, CNN -- and many other publications, in fact -- ran a piece called "the 12 most annoying types of Facebookers". When it comes to mapping this onto entrepreneurs, the one type of user you don't want...

How Nick's Pizza & Pub's Community Stepped up to the Plate

Nick Sarillo and Edited by: David Wolinsky — Tue, 07 Feb 2012 12:50:44 -0600

It’s a Wonderful Life. Referencing that 1946 movie to explain what we have gone through here at Nick’s Pizza & Pub might seem corny, but after the “$50,000 e-mail,” I continue to hear our guests in the...

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Chicago Booth Business Forecast

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Empire Buys Competitor With Equally Catchy Jingle

Mon, 06 Feb 2012 23:25:49 -0600

Empire Carpet -- with the 588-2300 EMPIRE jingle -- late last month purchased Luna Carpet -- with the 773-202-LUNA jingle -- it was revealed Monday.

Target 5: Investigating the Issues That Affect You Most

Tue, 27 Sep 2011 16:12:27 -0600

$martMoney

Thu, 07 Oct 2010 10:37:25 -0600

NBC Chicago's series at helping you better manage your money and keep more of it in your pocket.

What Goes into Hustling a New Book

Jill Salzman and Edited by: David Wolinsky — Tue, 07 Feb 2012 23:52:39 -0600

Marketing a book is no cakewalk. As an author you often hope your job description comprises: writing, suffering, drinking and writing some more. No one talks about all the work that goes into promoting your...

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Tue, 07 Feb 2012 23:52:39 -0600

Why You Should Use Facebook for Recruiting

David Wolinsky — Tue, 07 Feb 2012 23:53:03 -0600

Over the weekend, mashable.com posted a pretty snazzy infographic on why you should use Facebook when you're hiring. Everyone knows that everyone is on Facebook, but here are some enticing figures to back it...

How One Designer is Using Chicago to Grow His Brand

David Wolinsky — Mon, 06 Feb 2012 12:16:19 -0600

Steve Shanabruch has a day job. Someday he'd like to do something different, so, unlike most people who gripe about their jobs, he's doing something about it: he's being proactive.

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Chicago Booth Business Forecast

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How to Hire Software Devs

David Wolinsky — Mon, 06 Feb 2012 11:06:25 -0600

I've interviewed folks before who have explained why it's necessary to have a technical co-founder when you start a new business. But what if you need a software developer? Do you know what to ask them?

App of the Week: Wunderlist

David Wolinsky — Fri, 03 Feb 2012 11:19:39 -0600

When it comes to new technology -- be it a spankin' new program, social-media platform, or whatever -- I'm a strange mix of Luddite and early adopter. Maybe it's because I'm getting older, or because I'm...

How Chicago Tech Companies are Helping College Grads

Neal Sales-Griffin and Edited by: David Wolinsky — Fri, 03 Feb 2012 11:15:42 -0600

Pop quiz. Would you rather spend four years paying tuition to learn software development, or get paid to work while being taught software development? You might not think you have this choice, but you do.

Why You Shouldn't Ask for Reviews on Yelp

David Wolinsky — Fri, 03 Feb 2012 11:11:56 -0600

There's a Zen Buddhist saying that I'm probably butchering here, but it's something like: "Be the leaf, not the current pushing it along the stream." Funny enough, this applies -- sometimes -- to social media.

Thousands Hurt by Shutdown Snow Blowers

LISA PARKER and ROBIN GREEN — Thu, 02 Feb 2012 23:37:12 -0600

Study of more than 30,000 injuries may have uncovered reason for so many injuries.

Chrysler Adding 1,800 New Illinois Jobs

Lisa Balde — Thu, 02 Feb 2012 19:10:46 -0600

About 1,800 new jobs will be coming to the Chrysler plant in Northwest suburban Belvidere.

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Thu, 02 Feb 2012 19:10:46 -0600

ASA Ruling: No Party in Groupon's Pants

David Wolinsky — Thu, 02 Feb 2012 17:51:44 -0600

It's the same old song, but with a new variation on the lyrics. Groupon is once again locking horns with the Advertising Standards Authority, the UK's independent regulator of advertising across all media.

How to Master the Art of the Retweet

Jabez LeBret and Edited by: David Wolinsky — Thu, 02 Feb 2012 17:45:31 -0600

Last fall I was co-presenting at a tech conference with Dan Zerrella, a social media scientist at Hubspot. During his presentation he said something profound: “It’s as simple as just asking for it”.

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Chicago Booth Business Forecast

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Mayor, German Co. Announce 100 New Chicago Jobs

BJ Lutz — Fri, 03 Feb 2012 01:37:46 -0600

The announcement gives a bit of a boost to Emanuel in the wake of a one-two punch of bad news on the job front.

Pros, Cons of Starting a Business in a Down Economy

David Wolinsky — Wed, 01 Feb 2012 21:43:31 -0600

It's beyond redundant at this point to inform you that the economy ain't doin' all that great. You know it. We know it. But a more interesting area to explore in there is, well, if you're an entrepreneur, what...

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Chicago Booth Business Forecast

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How B&N's Shunning Amazon Affects Chicago Authors

David Wolinsky — Wed, 01 Feb 2012 21:25:06 -0600

My first outrage of the month came early Wednesday morning when I read this story over on Melville House's blog about Barnes & Noble refusing to stock books from Amazon's imprint in their stores.

How to Create Your Own Product

Suzy Singh and Edited by: David Wolinsky — Thu, 09 Feb 2012 11:29:11 -0600

This week we are taking a behind the scenes look at the preliminary steps of creating your own product and placement in the marketplace. We had the opportunity to meet with Kulfi & Company Co-Founders Abed...

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Chicago Booth Business Forecast

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Andrew Mason on Groupon's IPO's Performance

David Wolinsky — Wed, 01 Feb 2012 21:25:29 -0600

Of all the major changes Groupon's IPO has brought about in its founder, Andrew Mason's newfound dedication to acting less goofy in interviews is perhaps the most striking. Case in point: On Tuesday, The Wall...

How Superfan Suits Built a Spandex Empire on $90

David Wolinsky — Wed, 01 Feb 2012 21:25:53 -0600

One of the most thrilling aspects of being an entrepreneur is your only true limitation is your own imagination. Well, and money, too, but if you can dream it and have the passion, you can make it happen.

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Wed, 01 Feb 2012 21:25:53 -0600

Complaints Against Florists Up 47% in 2011

Tue, 31 Jan 2012 23:04:22 -0600

BBB offers advice for safe and successful Valentine's Day shopping.

McDonald's: No More Pink Slime in Burgers

Wed, 01 Feb 2012 07:39:03 -0600

Food additive, deemed safe by the USDA, is used to kill bacteria.

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Chicago Booth Business Forecast

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Groupon to be Subject of a Book, Sitcom in Coming Year

David Wolinsky — Tue, 31 Jan 2012 15:32:42 -0600

We all knew this was going to be a make-or-break year for Groupon, but who could have predicted 2012 would yield a tell-all book chronicling the company's rise and a sitcom inspired by it -- and not jetpacks or...

Evanston's "The Keg" Tapped

CHARLIE WOJCIECHOWSKI — Mon, 30 Jan 2012 18:15:46 -0600

Establishment loses liquor license after being cited 19 times this month for underage drinking.

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Chicago Booth Business Forecast

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Starbucks to Open 50 Shops in India This Year

Mon, 30 Jan 2012 20:19:45 -0600

Banking on a growing upper middle class.

Get on Track for Tax Day

David Wolinsky — Mon, 30 Jan 2012 11:32:57 -0600

Bills have a way of piling up, and if it's hard enough staying on top of this month -- or avoiding opening whatever's due this month -- then you might also be in a bit of denial about what's coming in April:...

Former Groupon Employees Countersue the Deal-Slinger

David Wolinsky — Mon, 30 Jan 2012 11:31:15 -0600

Who knew Groupon could be so multifaceted? It recently showed some maturity by opting not to run Superbowl ads, and now, its more ruthless side is getting even ruthless-er in a lawsuit against three of its...

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Mon, 30 Jan 2012 11:31:15 -0600

How to Embrace the Power of 12

Stacy Ratner and Edited by: David Wolinsky — Mon, 30 Jan 2012 10:49:36 -0600

.... . .-.. .-.. --- .-. . .- -.. . .-. ... -. .. -.-. . - --- -- . . - -.-- --- ..- That sentence may not look like much. Indeed, if you’re anything like I was 20 days ago, it means nothing to you.

Rebuilding A Village With A Grocery Store

Fri, 27 Jan 2012 18:16:21 -0600

Darrell Mitchell is on a mission to improve the Village of Robbins by building a much needed supermarket.

Study: Stressed Bosses "More Abusive to Employees"

David Wolinsky — Fri, 27 Jan 2012 14:48:36 -0600

Maybe you should've gotten your boss a speedbag for Christmas. It might send the message that, "Hey, you're kinda fat," but really, it's to everyone else's benefit that The Man is trim and doesn't get winded...

Akira's Empire Expands to Indiana, Hyde Park

David Wolinsky — Fri, 27 Jan 2012 14:51:18 -0600

Not all companies are taking it on the chin in this rough economy. Akira, the Chicago-based clothing boutique, has lots of plans to expand in an impressive way in the coming year.

How to Assure Your Web Video Ads Represent You

David Wolinsky — Fri, 27 Jan 2012 08:48:59 -0600

There doesn't seem to be a week that goes by lately where the headlines aren't perforated by another cautionary tale of a company that rushed into doing something it didn't fully calculate the risks of.

Comcast, NBC Donate $2.7M to Broadcast Museum

Thu, 26 Jan 2012 22:28:31 -0600

In return, a main presentation area of the 62,000 square foot facility will be called the Comcast NBCUniversal Center.

CareerBuilder's Controversial Super Bowl Ad

David Wolinsky — Fri, 27 Jan 2012 06:46:44 -0600

Super Bowl XLVI hasn't even happened yet, and there's already outrage over a commercial that's set to air during the proverbial big game everyone will be talking about around the proverbial water cooler the...

Are Resumes Obsolete?

David Wolinsky — Thu, 26 Jan 2012 15:13:10 -0600

We might not have jetpacks or meals that come in pills in the year 2012, but here's a shocking revelation: Resumes are now being considered passe and unnecessary according to many employers.

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Thu, 26 Jan 2012 15:13:10 -0600

Rambler: A New Way to Travel

Alex Wilhelm and Edited by: David Wolinsky — Thu, 26 Jan 2012 19:28:05 -0600

Not every tech project in Chicago has a large staff, fat rounds of funding, and a goal to change the way commerce or communication function. Some projects are more modest, more focused, and often, more fun.

Q&A: How Small Businesses Should Use Daily Deals

David Wolinsky — Thu, 26 Jan 2012 10:30:14 -0600

Daily deals and group-buying sites are sexy, there's no doubt about that. But to paraphrase an old junior-high poster: What is sexy isn't always right. With the omnipresence of Groupon and its many imitators...

How a Mobile App Dev Raised $1 million

Brad Spirrison and Edited by: David Wolinsky — Thu, 26 Jan 2012 05:57:32 -0600

There are few bigger buzzkills than dealing with bruised automobiles. When afflicted with a sideswipe or God forbid something more severe, most of us want to return our rides back to normal as quickly and...

Threadless, Microsoft to Sell Shirts You Can't Wear

David Wolinsky — Wed, 25 Jan 2012 15:26:47 -0600

Twenty-four of Threadless' most popular T-shirt and hoodie designs quietly slipped onto the Xbox 360's online apparel store -- likely because this is one of those "let's see what the response is" sorta...