About logos

If you are just starting your business and you’re ready to announce it to the world, take some time to think about designing your logo.  TheNextWeb.com points out some of the most basic considerations involved when creating a logo:  7 things to think about beforecreating a logo for your startup, including typeface, the importance of starting in black and white, etc., while Entrepreneur.com’s “How to Create a Logo” offers more in-depth advice and even discusses whether or not to get your logo copyrighted.

And for a primer in logo design, CreativeBloq.com offers Logo Design: 60 Pro Tips.  In it they point out that your logo is the point of recognition on which your branding hangs, so it's important to do your homework and get the tone right.

As for making changes to an established logo, it’s important to be sure the change is pertinent to your business today, and that it is well-thought out beforehand. Business Insider offers some examples of what they believe to be The 10 Worst Corporate Logo Changes Of 2014, and why they were ill-considered.

But change can be a good thing, too, as described in Business Insider’s list of The 10 BestCorporate Logo Changes of 2014,

Social Media Marketing and the Small Business Owner

Social media is an important part of the marketing plan you create for your small business.    For in-depth discussions of social media marketing, check out books such as Shannon Belew’s “The art of social selling : finding and engaging customers on Twitter, Facebook, LinkedIn, and other social networks,” or  “Social media marketing all-in-one for dummies,” by Jan Zimmerman, among others available at EPL. 

Quick guides are always available, too, like this “3-Step Beginner's Guide to Social-Media Marketing ,”  by Matthew Toren for Entrepreneur.com, in which the author suggest figuring out your MVPs: your most valuable platforms and your minimum viable platforms; or "How to Manage Your Social Media in 34 Minutes (or Less) a Day," from SocialMediaToday.com contributor Jim Belosic.

Something that might be easy to overlook when creating a social media plan is the legality of what you are posting.  Forbes.com’s Cheryl Conner tells the story of the PR nightmare that Topps is still experiencing from a promotion that inadvertently violated the privacy laws as they relate to teenagers, in “Marketing Gone Wrong: Is Your Social Media Plan Legal?”

Finally, Forbes contributor Carrie Karpen interviews Eleni Tavantzis,  Senior Manager, Social Media Marketing & Public Relations at Lilly Pulitzer.  Ms. Tavantzis has concocted what she believes is a “magic sauce,” a combination of being in the right place at the right time and being unafraid to do some professional stalking!  Read an interview with this ultra-successful social media professional in “Being A Rockstar On Social Media - Eleni Tavantzis.”

New York Times Business Best Sellers December 2014

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December 14, 2014

This Month		Business Books
1		MONEY: MASTER THE GAME, by Tony Robbins. (Simon & Schuster.) Seven steps aimed at finding financial security and creating an income for life.
2		THE INNOVATORS, by Walter Isaacson. (Simon & Schuster.) Studies of the people who created computers and the Internet, beginning in the 1840s.
3		ZERO TO ONE, by Peter Thiel with Blake Masters. (Crown Business.) A co-founder of PayPal on how to build companies that create new things. Also available as a downloadable eBook or downloadable AudioBook.
4		THINKING, FAST AND SLOW, by Daniel Kahneman. (Farrar, Straus & Giroux.) The winner of the Nobel in economic science discusses how we make choices in business and personal life.
5		THE POWER OF HABIT, by Charles Duhigg. (Random House.) A Times reporter’s account of the science behind how we form, and break, habits.  Also available as a downloadable eBook, a downloadable AudioBook, and on CDs.
6		OUTLIERS, by Malcolm Gladwell. (Back Bay/Little, Brown.) Why some people succeed — it has to do with luck and opportunities as well as talent.  Also available in paperback, in Large Type, as a downloadable eBook or AudioBook, and on CDs.
7		HOW WE GOT TO NOW, by Steven Johnson. (Riverhead.) A history of innovation focused on the development of six key technologies of modern life.  (Don't miss the companion DVD.)
8		HOW GOOGLE WORKS, by Eric Schmidt and Jonathan Rosenberg. (Grand Central.) Schmidt, Google's executive chairman, and Rosenberg, a former senior vice president, discuss corporate culture, strategy and innovation.
9		THIS CHANGES EVERYTHING, by Naomi Klein. (Simon & Schuster.) The author of “The Shock Doctrine” argues that the free market created and is worsening the climate crisis.
10		LEAN IN, by Sheryl Sandberg with Nell Scovell. (Knopf.) The chief operating officer of Facebook urges women to pursue their careers without ambivalence.  Also available as a downloadable eBook or AudioBook.

About the Best Sellers

Rankings reflect sales for November 2014.

An asterisk (*) indicates that a book's sales are barely distinguishable from those of the book above.

Read a full explanation of our methodology.

New York Times October Business Best Sellers

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October 12, 2014

This Month		Business Books
1		ZERO TO ONE, by Peter Thiel with Blake Masters. (Crown Business.) A co-founder of PayPal on how to build companies that create new things. (†)
2		OUTLIERS, by Malcolm Gladwell. (Back Bay/Little, Brown.) Why some people succeed — it has to do with luck and opportunities as well as talent.
3		THIS CHANGES EVERYTHING, by Naomi Klein. (Simon & Schuster.) The author of “The Shock Doctrine” argues that the free market created and is worsening the climate crisis.
4		THINKING, FAST AND SLOW, by Daniel Kahneman. (Farrar, Straus & Giroux.) The winner of the Nobel in economic science discusses how we make choices in business and personal life.
5		THE POWER OF HABIT, by Charles Duhigg. (Random House.) A Times reporter’s account of the science behind how we form, and break, habits.
6		THE ORGANIZED MIND, by Daniel J. Levitin. (Dutton.) A professor draws on research in neuroscience to explain how organization can help us manage the overwhelming flood of information in our lives.
7		HOW GOOGLE WORKS, by Eric Schmidt and Jonathan Rosenberg. (Grand Central.) Schmidt, Google's executive chairman, and Rosenberg, a former senior vice president, discuss corporate culture, strategy and innovation.
8		#GIRLBOSS, by Sophia Amoruso. (Portfolio/Penguin.) An online fashion retailer traces her path to success.
9		LEAN IN, by Sheryl Sandberg with Nell Scovell. (Knopf.) The chief operating officer of Facebook urges women to pursue their careers without ambivalence.
10		THINK LIKE A FREAK, by Steven D. Levitt and Stephen J. Dubner. (Morrow/HarperCollins.) How to solve problems creatively, from the authors of “Freakonomics.”

About the Best Sellers

Rankings reflect sales for September 2014.

An asterisk (*) indicates that a book's sales are barely distinguishable from those of the book above. A dagger (†) indicates that some bookstores report receiving bulk orders.

Evanston Chamber of Commerce offers discount on WILD Life videos for your business

Considering a killer video to make your website stand out & attract your perfect customers?

Creative, professionally produced videos bring you higher-quality customers.   Put the EMMY-WINNING talents of BEN “WILD CHICAGO” HOLLIS to work for YOU with this limited time offer by special arrangement with the ECOC. 
Order your Emmy-Quality Video, produced by Wild Chicago‘s Ben Hollis (WTTW) and Evanston Photographic Studios’ Steve Jordan before Sept. 30 and save up to $1305.

Watch Hecky's Barbecue's new video:

 

New York Times Business Best Sellers for August 2014

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August 10, 2014

This Month		Business Books
1		OUTLIERS, by Malcolm Gladwell. (Back Bay/Little, Brown.) Why some people succeed — it has to do with luck and opportunities as well as talent.  Also available as a downloadable AudioBook, a downloadable eBook, on AudioBook CDs, and in Large Print.
2		LAUNCH, by Jeff Walker. (Morgan James.) A manual for creating a product or building a business, from an innovator of online marketing. (†)
3		BUSINESS ADVENTURES, by John Brooks. (Open Road.) Accounts of 12 Wall Street episodes that illuminate corporate and financial life in America.
4		THINK LIKE A FREAK, by Steven D. Levitt and Stephen J. Dubner. (Morrow/HarperCollins.) How to solve problems creatively, from the authors of “Freakonomics.”  Also available as a downloadable AudioBook, and as a downloadable eBook.
5		CAPITAL IN THE TWENTY-FIRST CENTURY, by Thomas Piketty. (Belknap/Harvard University.) A French economist’s analysis of centuries of economic history predicts worsening inequality and proposes solutions.
6		#GIRLBOSS, by Sophia Amoruso. (Portfolio/Penguin.) An online fashion retailer traces her path to success.
7		THE POWER OF HABIT, by Charles Duhigg. (Random House.) A Times reporter’s account of the science behind how we form, and break, habits.  Also available as a downloadable AudioBook, a downloadable eBook, and on AudioBook CDs.
8		THINKING, FAST AND SLOW, by Daniel Kahneman. (Farrar, Straus & Giroux.) The winner of the Nobel in economic science discusses how we make choices in business and personal life.  Also available as a downloadable AudioBook, a downloadable eBook, and on AudioBook CDs.
9		HOW THE WORLD SEES YOU, by Sally Hogshead. (Harper/HarperCollins.) A method of assessing yourself in order to build better relationships. (†)
10		FLASH BOYS, by Michael Lewis. (Norton.) The world of high-frequency computer-driven trading, from the author of “Liar’s Poker.”  Also available in Large Type and on AudioBook CDs.

About the Best Sellers

Rankings reflect sales for July 2014.

An asterisk (*) indicates that a book's sales are barely distinguishable from those of the book above. A dagger (†) indicates that some bookstores report receiving bulk orders.

4 steps to starting a business in Evanston

Start A Business

 The City of Evanston, Illinois  is dedicated to economic development and the advancement of our community.  Open and ready for business, Evanston’s Economic Development team is here to partner with you in order to make your experience with the city seamless.  Whether your business has called Evanston home for decades, months, or you are hoping to soon join our proud business community Evanston fosters a unique entrepreneurial character and caring spirit for shared success.  It is this collaboration of know-your-neighbor attitude, urban yet casual sensibility, collegiate enthusiasm, and diverse but common thread that make Evanston an ideal place to be.

Evanston is Open for Business! 

4 Step Guide to Opening a Business in Evanston

Consultation

Complete the New Business Online Interest Form.

Review our helpful Business Resources.

Schedule initial consultation with an Economic Development Specialist.

Location & Zoning

Need a location?
Review our Available Properties database.

Have a location?
Verify that your business location complies with zoning regulations.

Apply for License

All new businesses need to apply for a Business License.
You are exempt if you are currently licensed by the State or Federal government .

Any business that includes food sales, service, or storage require a
Food Establishment License, this license takes the place of the business license listed above.

Inspection & Permits

The Building Office provides enforcement of the City Adopted Building Codes. This includes reviewing all building plans for code compliance, issuing of building permits, construction inspections and fire alarm/suppression application.

Permits are required prior to starting remodeling, repairing, demolition or new construction at your business.

Submittal Checklists are required for all permit applications (except for any ‘over the counter’ type permits)

Inspections are conducted upon completion.

Open for Business
Certificate of Occupancy and Business License issued.

Congratulations!

We wish you success in your business endeavor
and are happy to have you in Evanston!

NYT Business Best Sellers for July

July 6, 2014

THIS MONTH		BUSINESS BOOKS
1		CAPITAL IN THE TWENTY-FIRST CENTURY, by Thomas Piketty. (Belknap/Harvard University.) A French economist’s analysis of centuries of economic history predicts worsening inequality and proposes solutions.
2		THINK LIKE A FREAK, by Steven D. Levitt and Stephen J. Dubner. (Morrow/HarperCollins.) How to solve problems creatively, from the authors of “Freakonomics.”  Also available as a downloadable eBook, and as a downloadable Audiobook.
3		FLASH BOYS, by Michael Lewis. (Norton.) The world of high-frequency computer-driven trading, from the author of “Liar’s Poker.”  Also available in Large Type and on audio CDs
4		OUTLIERS, by Malcolm Gladwell. (Back Bay/Little, Brown.) Why some people succeed — it has to do with luck and opportunities as well as talent.  Also available as a downloadable eBook, a downloadable Audiobook, in Large Type and on audio CDs.
5		LEAN IN, by Sheryl Sandberg with Nell Scovell. (Knopf.) The chief operating officer of Facebook urges

Read more »

New York Times Business Bestsellers for June 15, 2014

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June 15, 2014

This Month		Business Books
1		CAPITAL IN THE TWENTY-FIRST CENTURY, by Thomas Piketty. (Belknap/Harvard University.) A French economist’s analysis of centuries of economic history predicts worsening inequality and proposes solutions.
2		FLASH BOYS, by Michael Lewis. (Norton.) The world of high-frequency computer-driven trading, from the author of “Liar’s Poker.” Also available on Audiobook CD.
3		THINK LIKE A FREAK, by Steven D. Levitt and Stephen J. Dubner. (Morrow/HarperCollins.) How to solve problems creatively, from the authors of “Freakonomics.”
4		STRESS TEST, by Timothy F. Geithner. (Crown.) The former Treasury secretary explains the choices he and others made during the financial crisis. Also available in Large Print, and on Audiobook CD
5		#GIRLBOSS, by Sophia Amoruso. (Portfolio/Penguin.) An online fashion retailer traces her path to success.

Read more »

LinkedIn Workshop at EPL

LinkedIn: How to make it work in your job search

Wednesday, June 11, 7 pm, Community Meeting Room, Main Library
Most people are just scratching the surface of LinkedIn’s capabilities. Join Steve Frederick, career counselor extraordinaire, to find out how to make LinkedIn really work for you, whether you’re in a job search or promoting your business. Register online, or call the Reference Desk at 847-448-8630.

NextChapter Event: Trademark, Copyright & Patent Basics for Start-Ups

Tuesday, June 10, 7 pm, Third Floor Seminar Room, Main Library
Trademark, Copyright and Patent law broken down for the new business person with no legal background.  Properly obtaining intellectual property rights can be instrumental in securely growing your business.  Ignoring the intellectual property rights of other can lead to infringement lawsuits that will seriously harm a budding business.  Join Patent Attorney, Sean Goodwin, as he shares examples will be provided of what to do and what not to do.  Register online or call the Reference Desk at 847-448-8630.

SCORE Presents: Business Plan--A Roadmap to You

Monday, June 9, 6 pm, Third Floor Seminar Room, Main Library
In this workshop, Mark Lieberman, SCORE mentor, covers the essential elements of business plan development including setting goals and objectives; preparing marketing and financial plans; and defining action steps to attain your goals. Registration is required. Register online or call the Reference Desk at 847-448-8630.