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EVENT: @CRAVEChicago May Chat for Entrepreneurs at @EdelmanChi

May 14, 2013 by Leave a Comment

One of the things that I enjoy most is learning.  I really enjoy new shoes too.  Alas, to have more shoes I need money, so learning about making more money online is the next logical step.  If you too would like to learn some different approaches to making money online – you should join us for this month’s @CRAVEChicago chat.  I’ll be moderating along with a hand-picked stellar panel at the renowned, Edelman in downtown Chicago.

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MAY TOPIC INFORMATION: Making Money Online
When it comes to e-commerce, blogs and service based businesses, making money online CAN be a click away. We’re going over hot topics you need to know to set up your business online.
  • Paypal, shopping carts, web ads
  • Mobile apps and online services
  • Online return policies, shipping costs and PayPal orders
  • Protecting your reputation as an online store
  • Passive income – Make money while you sleep
  • Safeguard your online shop (have one? creating one?)
What do you MOST want to hear about?  Tweet @CRAVEChicago!

Wednesday, May 29, 2013  7-10pm
Edelman Chicago
200 E Randolph St
Chicago, IL 60602

Check out the other speakers, get more info and register: http://cravechatmay.eventbrite.com/
TWEET OUR PANEL & SPONSORS:  
FOLLOW THE CONVERSATION ONLINE:  

PS:  Are you a female entrepreneur?  Email me for a code to come to the event as my first-time guest.

Filed Under: @CRAVEChicago, @GogobotChicago, All things Chicago, Entrepreneurship, Events, Social Media Tagged With: , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

Chicago Film Critics Awards Honoring Jane Lynch & Paul Sorvino

March 30, 2013 by Leave a Comment


Though my life is most certainly not all glitz and glamour… sometimes it is.  Check out the event coverage video hosted by “moi” and produced by Jumpmasters.  The #CFCA show award winners can be found on the Chicago Sun Times blog.  It was a FABULOUS night, and I look forward to next year.

What I think is lasting or “evergreen” (as we say in the biz) about this video, therefore worthy of watching again and again- are the numerous comments and insights about Chicago from celebrities and party-goers alike.  It makes me proud to live here every time I watch it.

When it’s cold in February and there’s no sun in sight… we still love this city.   !Viva Chicago!

Filed Under: All things Chicago, Entertainment, Events, Featured Tagged With: , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

Share An Experience Or Activity… It’s The New “Networking” #Event

March 25, 2013 by Leave a Comment

It is said that people want to business with people they now, like and trust.  I know that’s true for me.

But sometimes it’s hard to know who you like when you meet them at a regular networking event.

“Hi, I’m Jen, what do you do… Hi, I’m Jen, what do you do…” and we all share our 2 minute elevator speech.

I just don’t learn that way.  I never have.  Probably has something to do with my short attention span and my unnatural sleep cycle.  Though I’m constantly working on my listening skills, my preference is to meet people through some sort of activity and be naturally drawn to people over casual conversation and experience.

So that’s what this is.  It’s a social event that I have planned as a community manager for CRAVE Chicago.  CRAVE is a membership for female entrepreneurs and we have multiple networking and learning opportunities.  This is the first purely social event we have hosted in a long while and we are opening the event to men and women that may or may not be entrepreneurs but certainly know how to bowl like one.

The venue secured for us by my friend Monika of Connect-Inspire-Grow is amazing with all sorts of games like pool, bowling and putt-putt!  It promises to be a night of laid-back fun and new friendships.

Hope to see you there~
Jen

Filed Under: @CRAVEChicago, All things Chicago, Entrepreneurship, Events, Featured Tagged With: , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

Why I CRAVE Friendships With Other Female Entrepreneurs

February 12, 2013 by Leave a Comment



I have a great life.  It’s not always easy, or perfect or as directable as I would like it, but it’s pretty fantastic.  One of the best things about my life is being my own boss.  Sure, sometimes it’s hard.  Sometimes people don’t pay me when they say they will.  And sometimes I wonder if I would have started had I known how exhausting the journey could be.

But then I remember that I wouldn’t have it any other way.  I’m loving every minute of it of this crazy roller-coaster.  My work and play is one great big blur, and that suits me just fine most days.

I say “most days” because working by myself means that things can get a little lonely.  Sometimes I don’t have anyone to talk to, ask opinions or advice to or laugh with about the ironies of all this freedom from the typical 9-to-5.

That’s where Crave Chicago steps in…

Crave Chicago has long been a resource for entrepreneurial women to come together to learn, share and grow from one another.  Panels, events, workshops are designed and created to empower women-owned businesses.  So when Saya Hillman of Mac and Cheese Productions asked me to join her in being a Crave Partner for Chicago- I jumped at the chance.

So now, I get paid to do what I would pay to do.  Some people have all the luck, eh?

logo-crave-chicago-pinkIf you haven’t heard of Crave, you can check out the community on Facebook or email me to join us for a complimentary Chat or Wake-Up.  You really have to experience the community to understand what it’s all about.

If you are a female entrepreneur and you want to learn more about our membership program- hurry!  We are working on the latest edition of the Crave Chicago book and the deadline for membership photo shoots is Feb 28.

Come on out and join us.  You know you CRAVE better relationships too.

Filed Under: @CRAVEChicago, All things Chicago, Entrepreneurship, Events, Featured Tagged With: , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

My Renewed Enthusiasm for Joe Piscopo #CFCA

February 12, 2013 by Leave a Comment

jen knoedl joe piscopoI met Joe Piscopo a few years back through Stanley Wozniak.  The two of them have been friends since the Sinatra Days.  And when I say Sinatra Days, I mean that Stan was on the road with Mr P. and Joe was doing Sinatra impressions on Saturday Night Live.

I bet those were the days…

So because Joe is a generation above me, even though I knew him, I had never really seen him perform live.  He was just Stan’s friend.

Well I gotta tell you… Joe rocked his performances at the Chicago Film Critics Awards (Muvico in Rosemont) and it really put him a renewed light for me.  What a performer!  I was really impressed.  From his facial expressions, to his celebrity impressions, to filling empty space with clever chatter- Joe performed song after song before ending in… wait for it… the splits.  That takes heart, y’all.

We also saw the preview for his upcoming movie, How Sweet It Is at the awards show, which stars Paul Sorvino, this year’s honoree for “Commitment to the Craft“.  It really looks sweet, clever and fun.  A healthy dose of cheeseiness never hurt anybody, you know?  And it usually makes them laugh.  I can honestly say “I can’t wait to see it.”

I mean, seriously… the man did the splits.

Stay tuned for my Red Carpet interview with Joe Piscopo from the after party hosted by Perillo Auto Group.

Filed Under: All things Chicago, Events Tagged With: , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

I’m Mark DeCarlo’s New Biggest Fan #CFCA

February 12, 2013 by Leave a Comment

mark decarlo, jen knoedlBeing a part of the Chicago Film Critics Awards was so many things… fascinating, exciting, stressful, hilarious, rewarding and above all… inspiring.  Not only was I overly-impressed with the ability of an all-volunteer crew to pull off such an event- I was, as I often am, inspired by the people I interviewed on the Red Carpet at Muvico in Rosemont.

One of the most fun and empowering conversations I had over the weekend was with Mark DeCarlo.  Sure, we talked about his segment on Windy City Live, his book and his upcoming honeymoon travel show… but impressive as all that is, wasn’t the most inspiring part.

It was his authenticity… his personality.  You get the feeling he doesn’t take himself too seriously.  I’m all about “keeping it real” and Mark is one of those people who is the same fun personality both on and off stage.  He hosted the entire awards show and then had us laughing for hours at the after party.

I learned a lot from our conversation about travel, show-biz and the unending hustle of being your own boss.  There were no huge revelations.  It’s hard work and that’s that.

It was energizing to talk with someone who is doing what I want to do; doing it well and still a sheer delight to be around when a camera is nowhere to be found.  I found myself thinking that I wanted to be like him, which is a pretty big compliment in my book.

While our Red Carpet interview from #CFCA is being edited (shout out to Perillo Auto Group and Intercontinental Chicago O’Hare for sponsoring the event) you can watch him close out the show with Jane Lynch in the attached video.  See?  Way fun.

Filed Under: All things Chicago, Entertainment, Events Tagged With: , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

Chicago Film Critics Awards honoring Jane Lynch – Feb 9

February 3, 2013 by Leave a Comment

Heads up on a great event, Chicago!  Join me on the Red Carpet at the 24th Annual Chicago Film Critics Awards on February 9, 2013.  Honorees and presenters include Jane Lynch of Glee, Mark DeCarlo, Joe Piscopo, Nadine Velasquez, Robert Teitel and George Tillman.

Use the discount code “JENCHICAGO” for $25 of your ticket.

Chicago Film Critics Awards

 

 

 

Filed Under: All things Chicago, Entertainment, Events Tagged With: , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

Entrepreneur’s Eve 2012 benefitting The H Foundation #EE12 #Video

January 9, 2013 by Leave a Comment

Happy New Year, Friends!  Wow, 2013, huh?!  How was your year?  Your NYE night?  What did you learn in 2012?  (Tweet me about it!)

Well- I gotta tell y’all… I had a BLAST at the Adler Planetarium for Entrepreneur’s Eve 2012!  Yes, technically I worked all night, but when you get to talk to quick-witted, sharp-dressed, ambitious people all night long, it hardly feels like work at all.  And with 2 fireworks shows (thanks to Navy Pier), 5 DJs, dancing under the stars, casino, pool tables, cocktails, VIP rooms and all to the benefit of The H Foundation- I found myself truly inspired and energetically motivated to take on 2013.  I want to hang around these people all the time.

In the attached video, I’m talking with the creators of the events, partners and entrepreneurs that have gotten involved in the Chicago community.  This is our event coverage video, and since we collected so much valuable content throughout the night, we have decided to leak out a series of videos created from this amazing night!  ”Like” to Entrepreneur’s Eve and JenChicago on Facebook to make sure you don’t miss any of those Entrepreneur-tastic videos!

Special thanks to Jeremy Rose from Cor Strategies for getting me involved in such an incredible community. 

From the website:

On January 31, 2012, entrepreneurs of Chicago, gathered at the Adler Planetarium for the 2nd Annual Entreprenuer’s Eve presented by Cor Strategies. This non-profit event benefits local charity, The H Foundation which supports cancer research at Northwestern University.

Highlights of the evening included an upscale nightclub housed under the museum’s iconic dome, the Hennessey Black VIP Lounge featuring mixologist extraordinaire Ben Newby , a casino, a cigar lounge, two firework shows and premium open bar with food. The entertainment line-up is headlined by all-star DJ Zeke Thomas and supported by Chicago’s very best: DJ Matt Roan , DJ Will Galvan , DJ Dolo & DJ Yours Truly.

Filed Under: All things Chicago, Events Tagged With: , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

Video Review: The Christmas Schooner at Mercury Theatre

December 7, 2012 by Leave a Comment

“What’s a Schooner”, I asked myself as I read the title of the press release.  Oh.  It’s a big boat.  And this is the story of how the first Christmas trees made it to Chicago.

But the show is more than that.  It’s about family and unconditional love and helping your fellow man.  It’s about sharing our blessings and not keeping them.  The Christmas Schooner was a delightful, moving and heart-warming holiday show that I recommend for the whole family.  Watch my video review above and let me know what you think.

For more information, find excerpts from the press release below:

“A grand family tradition!” The Chicago Tribune

 Directed by L. Walter Stearns, with Musical Direction by Eugene Dizon and Choreography by Brenda Didier

STARRING JEFF AWARD WINNERS

CORY GOODRICH AND JIM SHERMAN

Chicago’s Holiday Musical Commemorates 100 Years Since the Fateful Voyage 

Chicago, IL- THE CHRISTMAS SCHOONER returns to the Mercury Theater (3745 N. Southport, Chicago), from November 23 through December 30, 2012.  The whole family will enjoy this heart-warming story of the first Christmas tree ship and the family who risked their lives to fill Chicago with the Christmas spirit. This critically acclaimed production features a powerful, moving story, an exquisite score of original music and traditional holiday favorites, and a company of 25 actors and musicians.  This year’s production commemorates the 100-year anniversary of the historic voyage of the Christmas Tree Ship.

 The shipwreck of the Rouse Simmons, known as ‘The Christmas Tree Ship’, served as inspiration for THE CHRISTMAS SCHOONER.  Her captain and crew risked the notoriously violent winter lake to bring Christmas trees from Michigan’s Upper Peninsula to Chicago’s German immigrants. Each year, Captain Herman Schuenemann would sell trees right off of the ship at the Clark Street Docks, and was known to give free trees to the needy. On November 23rd 1912, the ship was swept up in a terrible storm. It was not until 59 years later that she was discovered, lying in 170 feet of water. Today the Rouse Simmons and her cargo of 5,500 well stacked trees remain preserved in the cold, fresh waters of Lake Michigan and her legend has grown to mythical proportions. The Blaine Nickelodeon – the silent film theater that now houses the Mercury – opened that very same year.

THE CHRISTMAS SCHOONER has entertained audiences in hundreds of productions including a twelve year run at Chicago’s Bailiwick Repertory Theatre. Last year the Mercury revived the tradition with a full orchestra and an all-star cast, garnering a “Best Production” nomination for the 2012 Jeff Awards. The Chicago Tribune calls this show “a grand family tradition” and “a sacred part of a Chicago Christmas”. The Chicago Sun-Times raved, “an inheritance to be treasured”, “pleases in every way”, “highly recommended”. A timely and uplifting tale of love and loss, THE CHRISTMAS SCHOONER reminds us of tradition, and our responsibility to celebrate the living while honoring our heritage.

THE CHRISTMAS SCHOONER is written by Chicago favorites John Reeger (book) and Julie Shannon (music and lyrics) and stars returning cast members Karl Hamilton as “Peter Stossel”, Jeff Award winner Cory Goodrich as “Alma Stossel,” and Jeff Award winner Jim Sherman as “Gustav Stossel.”. The production is once again helmed by the Jeff-award winning team of L. Walter Stearns (director), Eugene Dizon (musical director) and Brenda Didier (choreographer).  The scenic design is by Jacqueline and Richard Penrod, with costume design by Carol Blanchard and lighting design by Jason Epperson.

Performances are from November 23 to December 30, 2012.  The schedule is: Wednesdays at 2pm and 7:30pm, Thursdays and Fridays at 7:30pm, Saturdays at 2pm and 7:30pm and Sundays at 1pm.  Tickets range from $29 to $59. Groups of 10 or more receive discounts of up to 50%.  For tickets and information contact the Mercury Theater at 773-325-1700 or www.mercurytheaterchicago.com.

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Filed Under: All things Chicago, Christmas, Entertainment, Events, Holidays, Music Tagged With: , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

Movember Chicago: Do Good While Looking Good

November 22, 2012 by Leave a Comment

It’s one of those things you just want to be a part of… Movember.  It’s fun and silly and VERY effective as an awareness campaign for men’s health.  If you haven’t gotten involved yet, it’s not too late.  You can still grow your mo, donate, party and share here in Chicago with your Mo Bro’s and Mo Sista’s.

Check out the video interview I created with Mo Bros Dave and Austin on Thanksgiving day (Yes, we all took a break from eating for this promo).  You can donate to Austin & Dave’s team, Hurricane Ditka here, or my much less impressive Mo Sista page here.

If you are in Chicago, November 30, I highly recommend you get your ticket to the Gala Parte at Excalibur.  Come dressed in your best Mo-inspired costumes and don’t forget your camera!  Check out my pictures from last year.

ABOUT MOVEMBER:

Once registered at www.movember.com, men start Movember 1st clean shaven. For the rest of the month, these selfless and generous men, known as Mo Bros, groom, trim and wax their way into the annals of fine moustachery. Supported by the women in their lives, Mo Sistas, Movember Mo Bros raise funds by seeking out sponsorship for their Mo-growing efforts.

Mo Bros effectively become walking, talking billboards for the 30 days of November. Through their actions and words they raise awareness by prompting private and public conversation around the often ignored issue of men’s health.

At the end of the month, Mo Bros and Mo Sistas celebrate their gallantry and valor by either throwing their own Movember party or attending one of the infamous Gala Partés held around the world by Movember, for Movember.

The Movember Effect: Awareness & Education, Survivorship, Research
The funds raised in the US support prostate cancer and testicular cancer initiatives. The funds raised are directed to programs run directly by Movember and our men’s health partners, the Prostate Cancer Foundation and LIVESTRONG Foundation. Together, the three channels work together to ensure that Movember funds are supporting a broad range of innovative, world-class programs in line with our strategic goals in the areas of awareness and education, survivorship and research.

Filed Under: All things Chicago, Charities & Non-Profits, Events, Social Media, Video Tagged With: , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,
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