Lunch with TimeOutChicago.comA Reminder That Chicago Media 'Sticks' Together

I headed over to my local South Loop Panera to meet TimeOut Chicago's Web Editor,  Scott.  It's always good to meet up with other local web/tech/start-up types,  but even better to ask a few choice questions and get a sense of how they 'tick'.

With quite a bit of activity happening in the world of entertainment reporting, events lists, etc, I always wondered, 'Does everyone get along'? According to Scott, yes. Do I believe him? Yep, I do. Here's why.

In Chicago, competition will always be around - when it comes to companies. I've been in the space for years and ran into a bevy of ideas, people, etc. that competed with the given brand I was working on, but at the end of the day, I'd gladly meet them for a brewski.  There is a unique spirit to Chicago that separates the person from the company. We're known to be one of the largest small towns in the country - and we pride ourselves with this distinction.  If you are a new start-up, agency, or media whiz, you best get to know your neighbors. It's not about a secret 'group' or class of people. It's about knowing your business neighbor and being aware of who's around. It's also about taking the time to get to know these people, understand what they do and see what they are about.

It's one thing to get the scoop, but it's another thing to ignore your peers. For all you Chicagoland media planners, buyers, and sales people, I'm sure you'd agree.

Thanks for meeting up, Scott!