Be Bold, Make a Statement

WHO: Stephanie McCue
WHAT: Imprint and Promotional Products
WHERE: Yorkville, IL
WEBSITE: www.onQpromotions.com
QUOTE: "We provide unique solutions that make a statement about your business"

How did you start doing what you are doing today?
After being laid off in 2001 from the telecom industry downfall and being a new mom, I wanted to venture into the mysteriousness of marketing / advertising. I wanted to know why it is so important in everything we do.

Tradeshow Booth for the Food Industry

Who has been your inspiration throughout the journey of your career?
Well, I wouldn’t have been introduced to this field without the support of my both my mother and father in law. They have been very instrumental in guiding me along the way with the in’s and out’s of every order. Believe me there is a lot of background work that we alleviate our customers from having to deal with.

What is your primary role at this point? Where do you hope to be in 5 years?
My primary role is to introduce clients to the power of marketing in their everyday lives even in tough times. I can help any client make sure that their name is the one remembered through the use of promotional products. We provide unique solutions that make a statement about your business.

In 5 years I will have doubled if not tripled my business from where it is today.

What types of projects do you currently take on? What is the goal of your business?
Currently, I’m working on a few different projects. One was to help a client expose their business to their community at their neighborhood 4th of July celebration through the use of beach balls at their lake. Another is a nurse recognition program at one of the hospitals that I work with. I am also helping create a fundraising campaign for another hospital to recognize the different donor levels. I just did a project for a client who is attending a benefit for an animal welfare event, they are handing out Frisbees to everyone they meet.

Lip Balm Wrapper for the Food Industry

The goal of my business is to make sure that for those who utilize my services see the benefits. I want my clients to be one step ahead of their competition in today’s market. I love to hear other people talking about or showcasing things that I have done for them. If there is a smile on my clients face you can rest assured there is a smile on mine too ☺

Who is your ideal client? Ideal project? Or ideal service to offer?
An ideal client for me is someone who wants to grow their business. Someone who needs help finding creative ways to make sure their name is the one remembered over their competition.

My ideal project is helping a client introduce or reintroduce their business to the marketplace through the use of a creative direct mail campaign. In other words, from start to finish. All of the items would relate to one common theme which we would work together to determine the best items for each mailing. Then in the end, we would be able to track the success of their campaign. I love these projects because when a client can see how far their investment has gone first hand, then they start to understand what I do.

Do you have any life experiences that other business owners may benefit from?
My one piece of advice is that you can never be over prepared. Take those few extra minutes to do research about your prospects and their competition. It can only help you to put yourself in the shoes of who you are working with.

What are the challenges of owning your own business? What are some strategies in dealing with them?
Balance is the key to any business. Lots of planning, calendars and to do lists are what keep me on track.

Post-It Note for the Food Industry

Up to this point, what has been your most significant moment in your success?
I would have to say when I first got started after being laid off it was a challenge. But with lots of persistence and a no fail attitude when I got my first $100K order it felt good. I still to this day have a copy of the check hanging in my office. It proved to me that even the smaller companies can work with the big fish.

How do you market yourself and keep your name in the forefront?
Very creatively! First and foremost I show my face to everyone that I meet. Even if someone calls me on the phone, I still want to meet them so that they are comfortable with who I am and are confident that I can help accomplish their goals. I always make sure that every time someone sees me, they leave with something new that has my name on it for them to remember. Depending on the audience and who I’m talking with that day, I will gear my giveaway towards them.

How does ones business image, impact your decision on whether or not to do business with them?
Those companies who take the time and money to invest in their business truly believe in their business. For those companies who don’t think their image or impression matters, check out your competition and see first hand how they are getting ahead.

You have most recently updated your stationary, website ( in progress), why is that?
Consistency is key! Consistency with look, colors etc...I may not have a gecko or a caveman but I’ll make sure you remember my logo!

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Improving Lives

who: Richard and Jennifer Speckman
what: Physical Therapy, Speech Therapy and Occupational Therapy
where: Yorkville, IL
website: www.speckmantherapeutics.com
quote: "Before we speak.... we listen."


1) How did you start doing what you are doing today?
Jennifer has been a Physical Therapist since 1993 and Rich has been involved with business partnerships since 1997. Speckman Therapeutics Rehabilitation Center was started as a response to a need for Physical, Speech and Occupational Therapy in the greater Yorkville area. Especially Pediatric needs.

2) Who has been your inspiration throughout the journey of your career?
Jennifer's inspiration is Mr. Peters (high school anatomy & biology teacher), Mrs. Mary Peters (no relation to the Mr. Peters previously mentioned. She was an English teacher).

Rich's inspiration is his mother and father first, the late David Schindelbeck (lifelong friend of mom and dad), (Kenny Durland - Scoutmaster), Henry Ford (we know who he is), Lee Iacocca (automaker and father of the mustang), John DeLorean (automaker and father of the Pontiac GTO) and Bob Lutz (automaker)

3) What is your primary role at this point? Where do you hope to be in 5 years?
Jennifer is President and is responsible for all therapists and technical aspects relating to patient care. Rich is CEO and is responsible for the business and sales portion of the company. As the company grows, our roles will not change, however, more people will be added to the team to assist Jennifer and Rich.

4) What types of projects/jobs do you currently take on? What is the goal of your business?
Currently we are focused on Pediatric Therapy and Rehabilitation. Our goal is to expand into Sports Injury Rehab, Work Conditioning and Post Surgery Rehab.

5) Who is your ideal client?
The ideal patient is a child in need of improving their everyday interaction with family, friends, schoolmates by either speech, occupational or physical therapy. Another ideal patient is someone involved with Sports that wants to prevent injury by conditioning their body. If injury does occur, we will work that person's rehab keeping in mind future injury prevention.

6) How do you market yourself and keep your name in the forefront? What do you feel is working or not working?
Radio, Print, internet, Networking, Client visits. All of them are working, some just work better than others.

7) Do you have any life experiences that other business owners may benefit from?
Rich's best life experience is "Do not lie and always keep your promises." A business owner is only as good as his or her word.

8) What are the challenges of owning your own business? What are some strategies in dealing with them?
The biggest challenge to owning your own business is finding the time to take vacations. You need to do it, but when you are a small business it can be difficult to rationalize for fear of lost revenue. Strategy to deal with it: Hire competent people to help you run your business. DO NOT MICRO-MANAGE!

9) Up until this point, what has been your most significant moment in your success?
Setting goal deadlines and sticking to them.

10) How does ones business image {logo, website, print materials, presentation} impact your decision on whether or not to do business with them?
Good question, not sure how to answer this because I cannot recall an instance (favorable or non-favorable) where it has impacted my decision.

11) You have most recently updated your print advertisement, why is that?
To keep it fresh so people notice.

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Referrals & Marketing - the Innovative Way

who? Kadie O'Connor
what? Referrals, Marketing and Business Education
where? Chicagoland Area
website? www.referralmarketingsolutions.com
QUOTE: "I believe that business owners put their heart and soul into their business..."

How did you start doing what you are doing today?
After working for some years with a company that promoted referral marketing products, I developed my own presentation on "the Power of Referral Marketing", which I still do at various companies and events. I left to start my own business called Referral Marketing Solutions. MyReferralDirectory.com began when I realized three things. First, many people use the internet now to find businesses. Second, people still like working with businesses that have been referred to them. Third, I have met many people with small businesses that have a difficult time trying to market themselves. It is very costly for consistent newspaper and/or radio advertising. So, I decided to combine the three into MyReferralDirectory.com.

What is your primary role at this point? Where do you hope to be in 5 years?
My job, as I see it, is to provide a platform for these "referral-worthy" people to grow their individual businesses. In 5 years I hope that the Directory will be used by both the public and other businesses to find each other in the Greater Chicagoland area.

What types of clients do you currently work with?
The Directory is for a wide variety of businesses, from doctors to calligraphy artists to lawyers to clowns! I have expanded the benefits of the Directory to include educations workshops, Member2Member marketing, networking events, and shared involvement in local business expos.

Who has been your inspiration throughout the journey of your career?
The person that comes to mind immediately is my husband, Pat. He has been my support, my sounding board, my business coach and my investor! I have learned so much about business from him over the years, having worked with him in our own rep agency. I know I can count on his advice.

Do you have any life experiences that other business owners may benefit from?
Everyone's experiences are different, so that is a hard questions to answer. However, I would definitely suggest that if you are going into a business with a partner, it is VERY important to have everything defined by a contract. Everything starts out on very friendly terms, but life has a way of presenting unforeseen situations. A buy-sell contract can protect your interests professionally and personally.

What are the challenges of owning your own business? What are some strategies in dealing with them?
Sometimes it can be overwhelming to come up with new and beneficial ideas on your own. It can also be extremely gratifying when things work out the way you want them! I believe that business owners put their heart and soul into their business, so I can empathize when things either go well, or go "south". The current business climate is VERY difficult for many people, and hopefully being a part of the Directory can help them in some way. There are a lot of companies that are staging "help" workshops and a variety of programs to help small businesses cope. It's important to find the ones that are worth the time and money, if any, invested. Local Chambers can be very helpful with this. Talking to other business people that are also in a distressed situation can really help.


Up until this point, what has been the most significant moment in your success?
I'd have to say that every time a Directory member tells me of a new contact or a new customer that they received because of being in the Directory are my very best moments!

How do you market yourself and keep your name in the forefront? What do you feel is working or not working?
I do constant search engine optimization for the Directory, and I am working with a publicity expert to find the best local PR contacts in the area. I have written articles which I will be publishing on the appropriate websites, and just recently started using a streaming video company that gives me the opportunity to send audio/video emails. I will be able to attach educational videos to my website and have real-time conferences with clients. I'm very excited about that!

How does ones business image {logo, website, print materials, presentation} impact your decision on whether or not to do business with them?
When I see a company with a clear, precise image that reflects that company's purpose and mission, I know that the owner has invested the thought and time into the very basics of their company. That is the first impression that a potential client sees, and can influence their decision on whether to work with that company - or not.

You updated your logo last year and are now doing a complete overhaul on your website, why is that?
I wanted to get started with my ideas - I am not a patient person, I guess! So I started out with something that would work, but I always knew that I wanted to find the right person to work with to upgrade my image, and that I could easily work with. I have learned that one person (myself!0 couldn't wear all the hats in the company! I have no training in graphics or website design, so I found YOU at a Chamber event, and my website developer at a leads meeting! Now you are both in my Directory, and I am VERY happy with our relationships! I also understand that both of you are now working together on other businesses websites and logos - another "significant" moment for me!!!

www.tashaleedesign.com

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Singing A Story

who? Hilary Feldman what? Cabaret Vocalist where? Chicagoland Area website? www.aokcabaret.org QUOTE: "...a magical art form for all to enjoy." How did you start your singing career? I've been singing and playing instruments since I was a kid. I took a long, circuitous route to a professional singing career. I was discouraged from pursuing a performing career by my parents, because they were worried about the hardships of it. So I kept trying things that were musically related -- composition, recording engineering, music production -- but I always longed to be telling stories through song. In my late 20's, I gave up all the periferals and started over. Having no clue what I was doing, I started auditioning for theatre jobs. I got lucky, and I worked consistently, eventually at the big dinner theatres in Chicago. But it wasn't quite right. Then I saw my first cabaret show, and I knew that was what I needed to be doing. After a decade in theatre, I gave that up to pursue a cabaret career. It is most definitely my true artistic home. I love being a student of song and telling stories through songs of all genres and from all eras. I love having complete artistic control over my life. Who has been your inspiration throughout the journey of your career? Honestly, I can't put my finger on a single person. There are several artists who have inspired me, and with whom I've had the pleasure of studying and performing: Andrea Marcovicci, Karen Mason, Shelly Markham, Christopher Denny. Many friends have inspired me in various ways as well. You are the founder of Acts Of Kindness (AOK) Cabaret, what inspired you to begin this new venture? I was looking for a way to use what I already do in my life to give back to the world in some meaningful way. But outside of the cabaret community in Chicago, no one knew who I was. So it’s not like I was a “draw” for an audience. However, when I reframed my thinking to make it about the people I wanted to help, Acts Of Kindness Cabaret took shape. I got other professional artists of like mind, and now we perform to raise money for other non-profit organizations, and those organizations are their own ‘draw.’ So far, Acts Of Kindness Cabaret has raised over $125,000 for needful non-profit organizations in the Chicago area. Our goal is to do between 8 and 12 benefit performances per year. What is your primary role at this point? Where do you hope to be in 5 years? With Acts Of Kindness Cabaret, my primary role is to continue to find organizations to help; continue to create new shows to offer them; and continue to increase the awareness, understanding, and enjoyment of modern cabaret. Most people still associate cabaret with cabaret of the 1930’s (think Liza Minelli and Joel Grey). But it’s something much different now, a magical art form for all to enjoy. And it’s wonderful that I can use this unique, intimate art form to help others. As far as my solo career goes, my primary goal as a cabaret artist is both to help preserve the great American songs of the past, as well as give voice to the songs being written today that might never find an audience if it weren’t for the cabaret artist. There is genius, stunning material being written today. I want to share it with my audiences. What types of projects/jobs do you currently take on? What is the primary goal of AOK Cabaret? Acts Of Kindness Cabaret’s primary goals are: 1) To provide cabaret performances, largely free of charge, as fundraising vehicles for other needful non-profit organizations in the Chicagoland area; 2) To increase awareness, understanding, and enjoyment of modern cabaret; and 3) To use our do-what-we-can-with-what-we-have approach to inspire others to do the same. We work closely with all kinds of non-profit organization, large and small. As long as they are not political or religious, they can qualify for an AOK Cabaret event. Events can be show-only, or they can include a reception, silent auction, raffle, etc. to increase their fundraising potential. As long as the performance is the central focus of the event and we have a captive audience while we’re performing, we can make almost any kind of event work. And we take care of everything related to the performance (performers, lighting, sound, crew, ushers, programs), as well as helping with publicity for the event. That fact, combined with the fact that it costs our beneficiaries next to nothing, makes us kind of like an “event in a box.” It’s a fun, relatively easy, inexpensive, and unique fundraising event. Who is your ideal client? ideal project type? AOK Cabaret’s ideal client is a 501(c)3 organization with a good, working Board, committed to making the event successful. We could be the first event they’ve ever held, or they could be very experienced at holding events. They should have a good mailing list and local base of supporters. And they should be willing to work WITH us to create a successful fundraising event. For me, as a solo artist, I would say that my ideal client is someone who wants a good 45-minute or 1-hour show where the audience is a captive one. Cabaret is not like piano bar music... it doesn’t make good background music. It requires attention. Do you have any life experiences that other business owners may benefit from? When I was setting up Acts Of Kindness Cabaret, I had no idea what I was doing. I didn’t know the first thing about starting a non-profit. Everything I did meant reading a book on how to do it. And of course when we started, there was no money, but we had lots of needs. So I asked. And I was AMAZED by how people stepped up to help. What I learned was that people really want to help; they just need to know how. It’s really important to ask. The worst someone can say is ‘no.’ I also learned that I had to be willing to let go of certain things. The original overall vision I had for AOK Cabaret is still intact, but lots of the details have had to change. It was hard to let those things go, but the organization is stronger for it. It’s really important to be willing to make adjustments as you go along and trust the process. Up until this point, what has been your most significant moment? For AOK, it has been lots of little moments. The most surprising aspect for me has been the privilege of meeting and working with so many people who are so incredibly passionate about the work they do. Just as I am passionate about the work AOK does, they are passionate about the work their non-profits do... in spades. Passion is very uplifting and inspiring, and it is a blessing for me to come into contact with it so often. For my solo singing life, the most significant moment was a week I spent at a cabaret workshop up in the mountains outside of Steamboat Springs, CO. A week of working with 6 of the best in the business (11 students and 6 master teachers... unbelievable!), in a gorgeous setting, learning like crazy, and doing only what I love with no phones, computers, or television to distract me. That directly led to my solo career picking up, to releasing my first CD in 2008, and to me becoming a much better artist. How do you market yourself and keep your name in the forefront? What do you feel is working or not working? AOK Cabaret markets through direct phone calls, direct mail, and through networking. The word ‘cabaret’ scares people, and the fact that we are practically giving our service away makes people skeptical. There’s a ‘What’s the catch?’ factor we have to overcome. Networking, by far, seems to work the best. There is no substitute for direct contact. We have nice materials to be able to hand people, and a lovely website we can direct them to. In my solo life, word of mouth is my main gig-getter these days. I spend so much time marketing AOK, that I often neglect marketing myself. However, I am about to start an e-mail marketing campaign for myself, and am looking forward to seeing how that works out. How does ones business image {logo, website, print materials, presentation} impact your decision on whether or not to do business with them? I can’t say that, for my businesses, it impacts me all that much. However, when you see an organization or business has a name, logo, and business materials that all work together, it definitely says something about them. It says to me that they’re organized and that the different ‘branches’ are working together to put forward a united vision. That’s important to me. Last year, you did a complete overhaul on your website design? How has that impacted AOK? You did a proper brochure for us two years ago, to replace the one I was printing on my home printer, and it looked fantastic. We feel proud to hand it out. The old brochure had been designed (by me) to reflect the look of the old website (also designed by me). Both the old tools worked well enough, but once we had the new brochure, we felt a strong desire to create a united look to all our marketing tools -- same fonts, same colors, same wording where appropriate, etc. The new site has raised the image of our organization to a new professional level. It shows that we pay attention to details and that we are on top of things. Both the brochure and the site present all the information well and, at the same time, reflect the warmth of our organization, which is very important to us. www.tashaleedesign.com

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Achieve Your Dreams

who? Derrick Procell, Meredith Colby-Procell
what? Vocalist, Songwriter, Producer, Musician
where? Deerfield, IL
website? www.hearandnowmusic.com
QUOTE: "I helped someone achieve their dream, there isn't anything much cooler than that"


Q: How did you get into the business?

My wife. She was my inspiration and my motivation to get started. I was a successful live performer and had gotten some recording equipment for my own projects and ideas. My intention was to use the equipment for songwriting. As I learned the ins and outs of the studio equipment and software I started getting more and more into the creative end of music production.

I started out working with voice students that were sent to me through my wife. She worked with upcoming talent instructing vocal lessons. My first studio was "Home and Deranged Studio", I thought it had a funny twist, but as the business grew, it was brought to my attention that it may not be the most appropriate name, especially if I was looking to building relationships with clientele and working extra events such as karaoke parties.

Q: What is your ideal client?

Ideally I love to produce artist CDs, original music and to work with artists that are looking to put out a record, whether or not you are a songwriter. I enjoy the journey that comes from putting together an artists' CD and helping that artist grow and truly find who they are as a vocalist.

Although these are my ideal clients, whatever the project is, I will take it on if I foresee that it is going to be successful on the backend. Many artists are not sure who to talk with, and how or where to start. I can truly state that I have helped someone achieve their dream and there isn't anything much cooler than that.

Q: What are the challenges of owning your own business?

The most challenging is that when business slows down, times get tough, you feel the pressure to invest more because doing nothing isn't helping, keeping your name on the forefront is most important, even if you need to scale back in other areas.

Q: What is the best way in keeping your name in the forefront?

I am a huge networker, word of mouth is the best advertising and compliment that a business can have. You will build stronger relationships and have more of an impact from a walking testimonial. I also think that as long as you are a good person, do a good job and offer a good product, you will stand behind your name and clients will keep coming back and be more compelled in sharing their experiences with others. For example, you tend to read books, see movies, buy CDs that those around you are talking about. The more people talk, the more buzz that is created, the more product is sold.

Q: You have most recently updated your business image, why is that?

As for a new logo, I felt that as part of a campaign to update and redesign the Hear and Now Music website, that it would be good to come up with a business logo that can be used in a variety of ways. The ideal logo is something that incorporates an image that can stand alone with the business name, usually in a specific font. I've always thought that business that utilized stuff like that....eg. RCA Victor, McDonald's, GE, etc... really had it going on. You can see the RCA dog and Victrola and know what company it is without seeing the name. Golden arches? Micky Dee's!

I also love slogans that become part of the name. THE LITTLE STUDIO WITH THE BIG SOUND should almost be automatically attached to HEAR AND NOW MUSIC by the client... if we've done our job right.

I think it's very important for a business to have a consistent look. It helps the customer/client feel like they're dealing with something or someone that has put some thought into their business appearance. It helps tie things together by not throwing a lot of confusing images, fonts, logos, etc. out there. And while business trends come and go, and times may change, I think it's good for a business to stick with a consistent look and feel for a while before deciding to update.

Derrick is a most talented artist, producer and songwriter. I had the pleasure of meeting him for the first time a few weeks ago, even though he has been a client of mine for over a year. Listening to Derrick talk about his work was so interesting, you can tell he has much passion and loves what he does and who he works with.

Looking to record? Make a demo? Want to give a very special gift of an original song? Give Derrick a call today 847.236.9070.

www.tashaleedesign.com

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