Andersonville Galleria Proudly Opens Doors - Again

Despite the uncertainty of the economy, there are several small retailers who are doing very well. The Buy Local, Shop Local movement has really resonated with many community residents and that's evident with the Andersonville Galleria's expansion to DOUBLE ITS SIZE in just over one year in business.

The Andersonville Galleria opened its doors in November of 2007 as a way for smaller merchants and artisans to have a retail presence without having to actually manage an entire retail operation. Individual retailers rent a space in the gorgeous retail store, merchandise it, take care of their space as any retailer would. The difference is that you don't have to physically be there every day. Rather, shoppers browse the more than 90 indie merchant spaces throughout the 2 floors and then take all their newfound treasures and gifts to one central check out near the doors. That's it.

The whole retail concept is unique and very timely given the economic situation of our country. And, the concept is working. Just last month, the Andersonville Galleria opened its doors once again after shutting down for 6 weeks to complete construction of the second floor to allow for double the amount of merchants interested in having a space.

You'll find everything from handmade jewelry, apparel, home accessories and fine art beautifully displayed. If you've never had the chance to see the space for yourself, I hope you'll join us on May 15 when we have our official grand re-opening party from 6-10pm.

Thank you for supporting local artists, artisans and merchants. I hope to see you at our party!

-Megy Karydes

Karydes Consulting

www.KarydesConsulting.com

WomanCraft in the News - Chicago Sun Times!

I'm delighted to share the news that WomanCraft's Wildflower Seed Note Cards are featured in today's Chicago Sun-Times (page 28). The note cards share the space with other "green gear".

Jessica Sedgwick did an amazing job with the layout and piece - thank you so much for including us, Jessica!

PS - Have you secured your Green Goddess event celebrating WomanCraft's 10 year anniversary? Find out more at: http://www.womancraft.net/.

-Megy Karydes

Karydes Consulting

http://www.karydesconsulting.com/

SunTimes Columnist Diagnosed with Breast Cancer

I just read on Twitter than Mary Mitchell, a columnist with the Chicago Sun-Times, has breast cancer. My heart sank. I read Mary's work regularly and, as with most journalists whom you read or watch or listen to with some regularity, you feel a part of their world.

Mary's choice to share this news with her readers was very touching:http://blogs.suntimes.com/cgi-bin/mt-tb.cgi/21646. I'm not sure I would have the strength to write about it but I've heard from others that the writing process is often healing so who knows...

But why am I posting something about Mary's illness on my blog? I wanted to remind us all to take care of ourselves. Schedule that overdue doctor's appointment (I'm including myself in this reminder.). Remind a friend or family member how important they are in your life and to take care of themselves, too.

We wish Mary our very best as she struggles through this journey. I've had a loved one battle lung cancer and he's still alive and very much a part of my life. I love him very dearly. Thank you for sharing your story with us.

Is Your Content Search Engine Optimized?

The media landscape is changing. No doubt about it. In fact, so many things in our lives are changing. Is it for the better or worse? It may be hard to say at this point but one thing is clear - you have to adjust your thinking and marketing plans accordingly!

One of the things I've been working on lately is making sure the copy I'm writing for online content is search engine optimized. I have to consider the myriad of ways individuals think about how they search for information. For example, if you're promoting an item for Mother's Day, you'll want to mention the key words Mother's Day in your content somewhere. Even better, be as specific as possible. If you have a jewelry piece, consider saying something like "this jewelry piece would be a perfect Mother's Day gift". If you want to hone in on the price, adjust the text to say something like, "this gold necklace jewerly piece would make a perfect Mother's Day gift for under $50".

Gone are the days when you could write something pithy and those who were interested in your work would read it and enjoy the writing. Our writing now has to become even more sophisticated because our world has become so dependent on technology. It won't matter how strong your prose is if people can't find it!

Can you still be creative, get your point across and be found? Absolutely. However, we have to keep evolving and learning how to do our jobs better and make our content more easily available to the audience in which we serve. Search Engine Optimization (SEO) is here to stay. Our challenge is to keep up, keep learning, and keep doing what we do best!

Until next time,
-Megy Karydes
Karydes Consulting
www.KarydesConsulting.com

Joan Kaufman of Interior Planning & Design featured in 2-page spread

Joan Kaufman's sunny sunroom project was featured in a gorgeous 2-page spread in the February/March 2009 issue of Window Fashions Visions magazine! Read the entire piece here: http://catalog.proemags.com/publication/5d9612a3#/5d9612a3/44 (her two-page spread is on page 42-43).

The project's mission was to let as much sunlight into the space as possible since Chicagoland weather can be dreary during the winter months. The new addition of the sunroom allows natural light to enter the space and overlooks the backyard and garden, too.

-Megy Karydes

Karydes Consulting

www.KarydesConsulting.com

Plaln for Earth Day - Every Day

The media seems like it suddenly realized Earth Day is coming up. While I applaud the fact that many are covering Earth Day and showcasing environmentally-friendly options for home and office, or ways in which we can become more eco-friendly in our daily lives (whether it's recycling more, using energy-efficient lightbulbs or eating more organically), wouldn't it be smart for all of us to take a moment and reflect on how we can be more Earth-friendly everyday?

With that in mind, I just learned that the City of Chicago's Dept of Environment is hosting a "Hazardous Waste" event on April 18 and on May 9 (for city of Chicago residents only). During this event you can drop off old prescriptions, paint cans, many electronic equipment including computers and cell phones (note: they won't be accepting working televisions during these events). In addition to doing your spring cleaning and disposing of these toxins in a way that won't harm fellow residents, you can also choose to purchase a compost bin or rain barrel (while supplies last).

For more info about the event, visit: http://egov.cityofchicago.org/webportal/COCWebPortal/COC_EDITORIAL/AprilandMayEventflyer.pdf.

Looks like I'll be upgrading my compost (aka upside down old planter) soon! Nice job, Chicago!

-Megy Karydes
Karydes Consulting
www.KarydesConsulting.com

Business Cards Still Important

A while back I wrote a piece on the importance of business cards. The little piece of paper holds immense marketing power. From sharing your information to making an impression, I'm amazed at how many people don't give the tool more thought.

I just saw this blog post and wanted to share some really neat business cards: http://webdesignledger.com/inspiration/business-cards-produced-using-unusual-materials. The post is about companies that are using unusual materials to produce their business cards - from wood chips, to silver, to even fabric swatches. Wouldn't you really remember someone who gave you a business card that resembled an Altoid tin box? That's the point - these companies have realized that they can harness the power of the business card by making a HUGE impression.

Your business card doesn't have to cost a fortune to make an impression. But a thought-out business card can make the difference between a client lost and a client gained. Isn't that worth taking a second look at this marketing tool?

-Megy Karydes

Karydes Consulting

http://www.karydesconsulting.com/

Socially-Conscious Magazine Launches in Chicago

Former staff of Conscious Choice magazine didn't sit on their laurels when the staff learned last week that their beloved magazine was being shut down. Rather than head to the unemployment office, they set to launch their own socially-conscious magazine. Exactly one week later, the announcement was made: Mindful Metropolis will debut with the May issue.

Below is the press release in its entirety announcing the news. I'm thrilled to see a magazine like this will continue to meet the needs of Chicagoland residents and businesses. Now, more than ever, we need a magazine like this to exist. I hope you're as excited, too. Please let me know if you have any questions about the magazine!

-Megy

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Contact:
Megy Karydes
312-560-2715
Megy@KarydesConsulting.com

New Socially-Conscious Magazine To Launch in Chicago

CHICAGO (April 1) – Former staff of a long-running and popular socially-conscious monthly print magazine today announces the launch of a new print magazine: Mindful Metropolis. On the heels of news that the publisher of Conscious Choice magazine was shutting down the Chicago-based publication, the dedicated staff quickly re-organized and plans to debut with its May issue.

“Mindful Metropolis is more than just a print publication,” says James Faber, editor and production manager of the magazine. “We’ll bring conscious living ideas to our readers and share what is happening in our community with them so we can become more connected and committed to socially-conscious living.”

Richard McGinnis, publisher of the new enterprise, is encouraged by the overwhelming support of former advertisers, writers and readers that have committed to helping make the new magazine a success.

Recounting his experience with the news, McGinnis notes that the magazine is already a success story. “The overwhelming support we’ve received about our new venture is truly remarkable,” says McGinnis. “This is truly the power of the people, of the human spirit and of relationships. This is not only the beginning of a success story; this is a story of success already.”
More than 35,000 copies of the magazine will be distributed through more than 570 distribution points throughout the city and surrounding suburbs. Mindful Metropolis will be a free monthly publication that meets a full color glossy eco-friendly print format.

"We're absolutely delighted to bring a new, exciting magazine to the Chicagoland community and to embark in a direction that allows immense opportunity to have an impact on thousands of socially-conscious readers, and gives both longtime and new advertisers a great arena for engaging our audience," says McGinnis.

For more information about Mindful Metropolis, please visit www.MindfulMetropolis.com or call 312-593-2766.

NOTE TO MEDIA: A hi-res image of Mindful Metropolis is available upon request. Media interviews with Richard McGinnis, publisher, are welcome. Please call Megy Karydes at 312-560-2715 or email her at Megy@KarydesConsulting.com.

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