Briefly describe your business and introduce yourself            

My name is Peter Greenbaum and my business is called Tea Lake Productions.  We specialize in video scriptwriting and video and media production for all types of businesses – large and small.

Where did you get the inspiration to open your business?

I’ve worked extensively in film and video production and also have a background in copywriting for websites. I wanted to combine these two areas into one business that celebrates creativity, clarity and communication.

What’s the biggest lesson you’ve learned as a business owner? 

Assumption is the mother of all #%@& -ups.

What advice would you give to someone looking to start a business in Chicago?

Go for it. The business community in Chicago is very supportive. There are all kinds of great networking opportunities and resources for business owners.

What product or service of yours are you the most excited about offering?

Tea Lake Productions offers “impact movies” which are short, powerful profiles of businesses and their services, products and personnel.  We blend intimate on-camera interviews with graphics, footage and effects to create an irresistible story.

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May Chamber Mixer at The Anthem

When: Wed, May 16th, 6-8pm
Where: The Anthem, 1725 W. Division
Cost: Free for Chamber Members, $5 for Non-Members
Grow your network or just casually meet your neighbors at the Chamber's May Networking Event at The Anthem! Click here for more information and to RSVP. 

Summer Sidewalk Sales

Wicker Park Fest 2012

If you are going to do it, then YOU are going to have to do it. Social Media is not easy. It is very demanding. You have to be a very regimented person to maintain it and make it work. This almost always has to actually be done by the small business owner. It can be monitored and managed by others, but the content and decision making has to come from the one who knows. 

This does not mean that you have to sit at your desk every moment of the day pumping information. What it means is that you have to set aside time every day to interact online with your customers. You have to create a timeline/schedule of promotions and events. The more organized you are the less time it will take. A great deal of this communication can be automated. Then all that is left on a daily basis is the occasional meme (check it out - a cool new internet word) and your direct customer responses.

Have an outsource company do all of your heavy lifting. Have them design and set up your complete social network – blog, LinkedIn, Facebook and Twitter. Have them install the right tools so that you can input all of your promotional information in one weekly sitting.  

This way the marketing engine keeps running. It is key that you do not over-market and it is key that you do not burn yourself out. If you are able to develop a balance and then time your communications properly your prospect base (facebook friends/likes) will both grow as well as become aware. 

And for a small business, the key to marketing is developing (brand) awareness.