BizPics: Headshots for Business, Sunday, May 21

If you need a new headshot for social media, a website, media relations or other purposes, I'd love to make it for you. My next BizPics shoot is at Creative Coworking in Evanston Sunday, May 21, 2017.

If you find the prospect of getting your portrait made daunting, but you know you need one, this is the shoot for you. These shoots are fun, a cross between a fashion shoot and a party. If you come, you'll get some smart pictures made of yourself while having a good time. In fact, consider bringing a friend or loved one.

Skokie's Dr. Susan Becker Doroshow
 

This in from Skokie dentist, Dr. Susan Becker Doroshow, about BizPics: The business portrait that Karen made was literally the springboard for a revitalized practice image, new marketing materials, and a clear brand that truly resonates with my patients and staff. I never knew that a photograph could accomplish so much. Karen is an artist and creative genius!

From non-profit executive Thomas Applegate: I finally took advantage of the opportunity with...BizPics to get new photos for use online at Linkedin, Facebook and all of the rest. A great current photo is essential for my professional and social image online.

Karen and her crew are great to work with at the shoot. Even though I wasn't nervous about having my picture taken, I was pleasantly surprised at how much fun it was. Karen...made it fun and easy. I met other professionals while we waited for our turn and that casual conversation helped my photos look relaxed and natural. The process from sign up to selection of my favorite shots was quick and easy.

My only regret is that I waited so long to sign up for a shoot.

Registration and details for the May 21 shoot are up at https://bizpicsmay21.eventbrite.com.

My Ultimate Dinner Party

as of December 20, 2014

My ultimate dinner party would include, in no particular order:

John Patrick Shanley, Steve Edwards, Maria Shriver, Jan Schakowsky, Gwen Moore, David Isay (and maybe his mom, Jane), Terry Gross, Tavis Smiley, Stephen Colbert, Jon Stewart, George Clooney, Frances Willard, Jane Addams, Einstein, Eleanor Roosevelt, Jimmy Carter, Rosalynn Carter, Sara Paretsky, Malcolm Gladwell, Tara Brach, Jesus, Pope Francis, Buddah, Muhammed Yunus, Al Gore, Dick Peach, David Putrus, Tricia Egan, Hillary Johnson, Kitty Kurth, Kevin Lampe, Barak and Hilary.

Maybe I'd include some of my kids, like Amber Gibson, Eldridge Shannon, Lilian Odish and Dr. Mohammed Nayyef.

I believe everyone would have a good time at this dinner. (If Barak and Hillary don't want to talk to each other, that is okay. All these people have great things to offer.)

Yes, I know. A few of these folks are quite unavailable.

Yes, I've left some loved ones and really cool people off the list.

An ultimate wish is that I'd have a good time at this party. I'm not always comfortable with crowds. Also I wish, if this even happened that I'd not act like an idiot like the time I met Muhammed Yunus.  (I can tell you more about it in person.) I like to think I don't get starstruck, but I do.

First we'd have cocktails (and just see what Frances Willard has to say about that) and passed appetizers.

I'd have no assigned seating for dinner, as I'd be interested in who ends up sitting by whom. I'd hope that Jon Stewart and Stephen Colbert don't just huddle in a corner cracking up each other.

I think there would be no "plus-ones", but I'm on the fence about that right now. I think Tipper Gore (who I hear is not with Al these days) and Rosalynn Carter would have a lot to talk about.

All these folks intrigue me.

Some I've met, some I've not.

Some of them have influenced me greatly.

Who would be at your ultimate dinner party?

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Photos (from top): Amber Gibson, Gwen Moore and Jan Schakowsky and Muhammed Yunus.

Photos by © Karen Kring

Kristin Lems at Starbucks

updated July 22, 2013
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Had a great time on Saturday/June 15 with the crowd at Starbucks (on Dempster by Karlov) as we listened to Evanston's own singer-songwriter Kristin Lems tell stories and sing in French, Persian and English--her own songs and others--about spirit and challenge.

To be clear, while Kristin is a neighbor, she's known worldwide.
Learn more about her from this piece by Skokie-based Myrna Petlicki for the Evanston Review and another piece published by the Illinois Times.

Kristin plays that Skokie Starbucks again on August 17, 7-9 p.m.
Freewill donation is being asked for, so bring some cash, some gift cards or...hmm, whatever.

Before she comes back to Skokie, she'll be at the Evanston Lakeshore Arts Festival on August 4, 11 a.m. - noon, on the stage at Dawes Park at Sheridan Rd. and Church St. The festival and free and open to the public.

Monday Toolbox for Chicago-area business leaders

This just in...

Chicago-area professionals are invited to attend the Monday Toolbox hosted by Cynthia Early.

Mission: Local professionals meet biweekly to talk about challenges and successes in the small business arena. Not exclusively geared toward salespeople, we meet to learn how to better connect with our clients, in a positive and open atmosphere.

Group Format: We usually meet the 2nd and 4th Monday of the month for an hour starting at noon at 1131 Emerson St. in Evanston.  So we have the room ready to accommodate everyone, we appreciate RSVPs via 847-328-7853. It's BYOL, bring your own lunch.
 
PROGRAM SCHEDULE

Monday, April 11: In the interest of spring cleaning, Sue Koch and Angie Garbot will talk about How to Clean Up your Image!!  Sue has presented to the Toolbox crowd before, specializing in Social Media and how to get yourself out to the public!  Angie is a professional photographer that will talk about the importance of updating your photographic image, both in print and and online!  Angie specializes in showcasing the real YOU in her work.  Angie will also give us an opportunity to get new head shots taken!

Monday, April 25: Revitalize yourself with this program featuring Heather McCutcheon of Mindful Marketing and JJ Jones of Indigo Studios!  Heather will present her expertise in energy and shakra work to improve your focus and emotional well-being.  JJ owns a studio featuring yoga booty ballet, Zumba, and other dance/movement classes, and she also teaches yoga and meditation classes.  JJ will teach us some conscious meditation techniques which can be used anywhere to make you feel energetic, focused and more rested.

Monday, May 9: Captain Dale Fochs of the Evanston Fire Department will come in to give us helpful hints on staying safe at home and at work during this season of spring cleaning!  We will also talk about other City of Evanston programs that are there to help you at home and in business!

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